Suffering Glory—Shadows of the Good to Come Hebrews 7 Trish Haq April 28, 2024 With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions: We are all being formed, whether we know it or not. Last week’s message invited us to respond by making a renewed commitment to seek for our lives to be shaped and formed more deeply in Christ, rather than being formed by the culture around us. Take some time to discuss what, if anything, was stirred for you by this invitation. Is there a step you are called to take, to grow and mature in your faith in the season ahead? Are there any course corrections that you feel God might be guiding you towards right now? Hebrews Chapter 7 references two important passages found in the Old Testament. So, begin by reading: Genesis 14:18-20. What is happening in the story? What comes before it, and what comes after it? Where does this story fit within the larger narrative of the Old Testament? What does this passage teach you about Melchizedek? Psalm 110. Share your thoughts and reflections on this Psalm. Now, read through Hebrews Chapter 7 together. Does anything stand out to you? What questions does this Chapter bring up? Do any of these words encourage, convict, or inspire you? What is the significance of Melchizedek? In what ways is his position as a Priestly King surprising? What similarities do you see between Melchizedek and Jesus? In what ways is the Priesthood of Melchizedek different from the Levitical Priesthood that was established when God gave the Law to the Israelites? Reflect on these truths about Jesus found in Hebrews 7. In what ways do these truths encourage you? In what ways do you find them challenging? Jesus is indestructible (v. 16). He lives forever (v. 24) Jesus offers us a better hope (v. 19) Jesus offers the way by which we can draw near to God (v. 19) Jesus is able to save completely (v. 25) Jesus can truly meet our need (v. 26) The book of Hebrews offers an invitation to firmly and securely anchor your life in Christ. In what ways do you think you sometimes put your trust and hope in lesser things? What might help you to deepen your hope and trust in Jesus, and reorient your life more completely around him? Pray for each other out of the points discussed. Pray that you would each grow in your understanding of who Christ is, and that you would persevere in seeking to be more and more shaped and formed in Christ. Ask for God’s strength and guidance for the season ahead, to help you walk in His ways and follow where the Lord leads you.

Suffering Glory Hebrews 5 & 6 Joel Miles April 21, 2024 With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions: Read Hebrews 5:11. What is this verse referring to? In other words, what does the context tell us the author to the Hebrews desires to expand on? Why is the author hesitant to expand on what he has just said? Read Hebrews 5:11-14. What do these verses show us the author believes should be happening for those who are followers of Jesus? How does 6:1-3 continue the point the author has been making? What are these “foundational” teachings referring to? In light of what you discussed concerning 5:11, what does it mean to “move beyond” or “be taken forward to maturity”? Why is it important to see that the author is calling the readers toward a deeper encounter with God? Read 6:4-8. The word we translate as “fall away” literally means “to fail to follow through on a commitment.” In context, it seems to make the most sense that the “failed commitment” is through the readers unwillingness to “mature” toward a deeper encounter with Jesus. How does this help us understand these verses? How does it show us the importance of continually seeking to mature and be more deeply formed? Read Hebrews 6:9-12. What is the authors hope for the readers? Is this something you are willing to commit to? How can you as a group encourage one another to be more deeply formed to encounter Jesus? Read Hebrews 6:13-20. How does this give us hope? How does this show us it is worth seeking to mature and grow? Spend time in prayer together to be able to mature and grow in our love and experience of God.