Going Deeper in "Overcoming Fear"
Hebrews 10:11-25
11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,
16 “This is the new covenant I will make
with my people on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he says,
“I will never again remember
their sins and lawless deeds.”
18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
A Call to Persevere
19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Read the following a few times:
Reflect on the following:
1. How does fear hold us back from going where we want to go? What does fear do to us?
2. Vs. 11-14, Why does the author emphasize the priests offer sacrifices continually, while Christ's offering was once for all?
3. Vs. 12, What is the meaning of Christ sitting at the right hand of God, and why is it important?
4. Vs. 15-18, What role does the Holy Spirit play in the new covenant, and how does this change the believer's relationship with God?
5. Vs. 19-22, What does it mean to have "confidence to enter the Most Holy Place" by the blood of Jesus?
6. Vs. 23, Why is holding to hope so crucial, especially in light of suffering or persecution?
7. Vs. 24, How can we actively encourage one another in our faith and practice of love? What practical steps can we take to be more intentional about encouraging others in their faith?
8. Vs. 25, How does regular fellowship strengthen our faith and help us remain committed to the Christian community?
9. How does this passage address the need for mutual accountability and support in the Christian journey?
10. How can we be more intentional as a congregation about creating opportunities for people to engage in regular fellowship?
Challenges:
1. Spend some time reflecting on how confident you feel in approaching God. What specific sins or struggles do you need to surrender to Christ in order to experience the fullness of His forgiveness?
2. Take time to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to cleanse your heart and draw you near to God with full assurance.
3. Reach out to at least one person this week to encourage them in their faith. Consider how you can motivate one another to acts of love and good deeds.