OC Bereans

Gentlemen,

In addition to the questions from two posts ago, these questions will focus on the remainder of Hebrews 6 … specifically verses 13-20.

• Why is Abraham introduced in 6:13?
• What was the “promise” made to Abraham?
• Who are the “heirs of the promise” mentioned in 6:17?
• Reflect on a specific instance when “the hope set before us” has been “an anchor of the soul” in your life.  (6:19)
• What is the “veil” referred to in 6:19?

Mike is scheduled to provide the dessert, which will be served at 7 pm, followed by the study.

~ tr

P.S.  Check out this graphic depicting the truth of 6:19!

Gentlemen,

Click here for my Hebrews 6:1-12 Notes.

Questions for the remainder of chapter six will be posted by the weekend.

Remember to pray for each other!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Prayerfully consider the following questions about Hebrews 6:1-12.  The handout for the entire chapter of Hebrews 6 is available here.  It will benefit you to also examine Numbers 14 in preparation for our study.

1. What are some of the ingredients in the “elementary teaching about the Christ”?  (6:1-2)
2. What kind of person is described by the components in 6:4-5?
3. What happens with these persons in 6:6?  Can these readers lose their salvation?  How will this passage impact your views of Eternal Security?
4. Of what does the metaphor in 6:7-8 remind you?
5. What is the “Big Idea” (main point) contained in 5:11-6:8?
6. How does the author shift his teaching, starting with 6:9?
7. What is required to realize “the full assurance of hope until the end”?  (6:11)
8. The same word (νωθρός = sluggish) is used in 6:12 that was used in 5:11 for “dull of hearing.” What remedies are identified in 6:11-12 for this condition?

Did I mention how important PRAYER is to this study?  Chuck Missler (Koinonia House) claims that there are no fewer than 16 different views on this passage by various commentators!

Any predictions how many weeks we might be in this passage?!  We will at least start our discussion this Monday evening … please prepare for a stimulating discussion!

Dessert will be served at 7 pm (Bob J. is providing!) … the study starts shortly after that!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Warren Wiersbe employs this play on words in his commentary on Hebrews 5.  Click here for my Hebrews 5:7-14 Notes from tonight’s study.

By the way, if you’ve never read “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” then put it on a reading wish list!  This classic, written by John Bunyan in 1678, is not only one of the most significant works of English literature, but it is an insightful allegory for the life of a Christian disciple.

Questions for Hebrews 6 will be released later this week.

Abide in the Vine!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Last night’s Bible study was electric!  It was fun having a house full of men seeking to grow in the Lord.  May God reward you for your diligent study of His Word.

Click here for my Hebrews 5:1-6 Notes.

Questions #4 thru #10 from the previous post still remain to be answered at next Monday’s study.  In addition, read Leviticus 16:1-34, then think about these two questions, too.

• What five words would you use to describe the ancient Jewish sacrificial system?
• How did Jesus Christ render these practices obsolete?

My name is next on the dessert list, so plan to arrive by 7 pm to enjoy that … then we will dive back into Hebrews 5!

Remember to pray for each other’s requests!

Abide in the Vine!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Sorry for the delay in posting these study questions for Monday night’s study of Hebrews 5.

1. What is the significance of priests being appointed “from among men”?  (v. 1)  Hint: Compare to the discussion about angels in chapters 1 & 2.
2. How was a High Priest selected in O.T. times?  See Exodus 28:1-3; Numbers 16:1-40; 1 Samuel 16:1-3.
3. What O.T. scriptures are quoted in vv. 5 & 6?
4. Who is Melchizedek?  Hint: Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:1-3.
5. How and why is Jesus compared to Melchizedek?  (vv. 6 & 10)
6. How is it possible that Jesus “learned obedience from the things which He suffered”?  Why is this important?
7. How is true salvation evidenced in a life?  (v. 9)
8. What had happened to the members of the original audience for the book of Hebrews?  (v. 11)
9. What does the phrase “dull of hearing” mean?  What are symptoms of this condition?  Hint: See Romans 1:18-32.
10. Define/describe the analogies of “milk” and “solid food.” (vv. 12-14)

Steve T. is bringing the dessert … show up by 7 pm to enjoy that … then we will feast on the Word of God!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Here is the meditation that concluded Monday night’s study on Hebrews 4.  It adds perspective and inspires us to learn to live in Jesus’ easy yoke.  It’s called “Rest” and written by William C. Martin for pastors, but it applies to all  of us who follow Christ:

If you fill your calendar with important appointments

you will have no time for God.

If you fill your spare time with essential reading

you will starve your soul.

If you fill your mind with worry

about budgets and offerings,

the pains in your chest and the ache in your shoulders

will betray you.

If you try to conform to the expectations

of those around you

you will forever be their slave.

Work a modest day

then step back and rest.

This will keep you close to God.

Martin concludes his thought on rest with this observation:

One of the first things I look at when I begin spiritual direction with a pastor is his or her daily planner.  It reveals volumes about that pastor’s spiritual condition, values, fears, and ambitions.  It tells me who their bosses are, who their lover is, and how much value they place on their soul. If you’re working more than 50 hours a week, you’re not doing it for God no matter how eloquent your rationalizations.

Take a long, prayerful, meditative look at your calendar.  Who are you trying to impress?  God?  Give me a break.  The congregation?  Possibly.  Yourself?  Bingo!

Now cut some big chunks out of each week for family, rest, meditation, prayer, and “flower sniffing.”  When you’ve done that we’ll talk more about the path to God.

(William C. Martin, The Art of Pastoring: Contemplative Reflections, © 1994, p. 9.)

*More meditations can be found at the Soul Shepherding link on the right-side tool bar.

Study questions and a handout for Hebrews 5 will be posted later this week.

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Here are my Hebrews 4 Notes.  We will continue in chapter 4 at next Monday’s study, too.  A few additional questions will be posted in a couple days.

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Exhausted? … Frustrated? … Tempted?

“… let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  ~  Hebrews 4:16

Let the following questions help guide your preparation for Monday night’s study on Hebrews 4:

• How would you define or describe the “rest” that God offers?
• What does it mean to “have fallen short” of God’s “rest”?  (v. 2)
• Who gets to experience this “rest”?  (v. 3)
• How are God’s works “finished from the foundation of the world”?  (v. 3)
• When is always the best time to respond to God’s Word?  (v. 7)
• Why is Joshua introduced to the discussion in v. 8?
• Unpack the descriptive adjectives used for the word of God in v. 12.
• What is meant by the phrase, “who has passed through the heavens”?  (v. 14)
• Compare and contrast 4:15-16 with 2:17-18 … similarities? … differences?
• Distinguish between “mercy” and “grace.” (v. 16)

Scott H. is providing the dessert … which will be served at 7 pm … the study will start moments later.

~ tr