Unit two Study 12

august 18, 2019

Study text for this week lesson: hebrews 10:19-39

Key Verse: hebrews 10:36 ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of god, ye might receive the promise (kjv).

Central Truth: We must determine to stand firm in christ during difficult times.

Our Focus: the walk of faith is long and steady, and last a lifetime.

exhortation to persevere

Introducing the study

The story of Eric Liddell is inspiring. A member of England's 1924 Olympic team, Liddell learned that this his 1000-meter race would be on a Sunday. He withdrew from the race, as running on the Sabbath was contrary to his Christian convictions. a teammate yielded his place to Liddell in the 400-meter race on Thursday. Liddell was given little chance of doing well, but he won the gold medal. The recipients of the letter to the Hebrews had been experiencing difficulties for their faith, and some had begun to falter in their commitment to Christ. Scripture encouraged them and all believers to stand firm in Christ during difficult times. At the end of this lesson you will be able to: 1. Explain the dangers of apostasy warned against in Hebrews 10 and how such warning apply today. 2. Exhort others to examine their commitment to stand firm in the faith even against subtle deceptions. 3. Challenge others to old strong to their faith and convictions no matter the challenges of life.

DRAW NEAR TO GOD (HEBREWS 10:19-25)

In Hebrews 10, the writer has gone to great lengths to establish that the former way of approaching God through the Law had been made obsolete. One must approach God only through Christ. Through the Savior, the believer can now enter the Mostly Holy Place (verses 19-21). Furthermore, he or she can do so with confidence, or boldness--a sense of freedom, openess, and the liberty to be open and direct in their relationship with God. His body is our "curtain" (verse 20), and our Mediator with the Father. We go to God through Him. Second, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess" (verse 23). Simply put, we are to persevere in the faith. Meanwhile, we must commit to lay aside all distractions. Third, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing " (verses 24-25). God has designed the to function in unity and fellowship, honoring our responsibilities to one another as well as to Him. This includes encouraging, exhorting, and supporting one another to follow Christ, resist temptation, and forsake sin.

For Personal Reflection] What does it mean to say that you can approach God with confidence?

ABSTAIN FROM SIN (HEBREW 10:26-31)

The original readers of Hebrews were placing themselves in grave spiritual danger. Turning away from Christ would lead to horrible consequences. If they refused to embrace and trust in the realities of the new covenant, they risked apostasy (Hebrews 10:26-29). Some have used these verse to teach that if a person sins after salvation, he or she cannot be forgiven. This is untrue (see 1 John 1:9), and misses the point of the passage. Through Christ, these Christians had access to God. But if they chose to reject and renounce their profession of Christ and return to Judaism, there was no other avenue to the Father. Jesus is the only Great High Priest and Mediator of the new covenant. Nothing would remain except fearful judgment (Hebrews 10:27). In the Old Testament, the penalty for despising Moses' law was death without mercy. But the sin of apostasy would be even worse. Rejecting Christ expressed contempt for His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:39). Reverence for God is essential, then. Without it we will drift into sin and ultimately experience judgment. God's judgment is real. We must shun sin and walk with Christ, following the way that leads to life.

[For Personal Reflection] Why must Christians live holy lives?

STAND FIRM TO THE END (HEBREWS 10:32-39)

During the early days, the Hebrew believers had experienced persecution. Yet in the face of great suffering, they had remained true to their commitment to God as well as to other believers. Those early Christians had stood strong amid public hostility, insults, and persecution (verse 33). They had sympathized with those facing imprisonment and remained faithful in spite of great injustice (verse 34).They had sympathized with those facing imprisonment and remained faithful in spite of great injustice. They held strong confidence in Christ, without letting trials and persecution weaken their faith. By remaining confident, they could look forward to great reward, rather than face the prospect of terrible judgment. The promise of Christ return can always help believers retain the proper perspective. As righteous people of God, the must live by faith. God does not delight in those who abandon their confidence, but those who remain faithful will be saved.

[For Personal Reflection] How do you live like someone who is anticipating the return of Christ?

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Determine to stand firm in Christ during difficult times so you can finish strong. Draw near to God by keeping your relationship with Him fresh and vital. Remember that you are never alone in living our your faith in Christ because you are part of His Body, the Church. Receive the encouragement and support of other believers as you walk with God, and be there for them as well. One of the most painful things that can happen to a Christian is to see someone who is shrinking back from their faith. In addition to prayer, think of ways you might be able to help this person be restored to a healthy relationship with Christ.

STAND FIRM IN CHRIST!

Monday Daniel Draws Near to God. Daniel 6:3-11

Tuesday David Succumbs to Sin. 2 Samuel 11:1-5

Wednesday Moses Stands Firm. Exodus 14:10-14,21-22

Thursday Draw Near to God. James 4:7-10

Friday Jesus Overcomes Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11

Saturday Endure to the End. Matthew 24:4-14

See You In Sunday School Next Week!!!!

Copyright Reference: Radiant Life, Volume 100 Number 4 Jun. Jul. Aug. 2019 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Mo 65802.

Dr. June Normil