Where We Reside

Main Thought

Hebrews 3 contains a serious warning: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” A hardened heart is one that does not hear God's voice or heed God's call. The author points back to Israel's time in the wilderness as an example. The people repeatedly wandered away from Him despite His faithfulness. Hebrews 4 then introduces God's rest as the remedy for restless and wandering hearts.

Our world is filled with distraction, noise, and endless desires. We can become so busy and occupied that we lose our attentiveness to God. Yet God built rest into creation, and invites us to practice rhythms of rest. This ultimately foreshadows lasting rest in and through Jesus Christ.

Main Passages

'So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.’ So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. '

- Hebrews 3:7-13 NIV

'There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. '

- Hebrews 4:9-11 NIV

'“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light… At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath…’

- Matthew 11:28-30 and 12:1a

Main Thought

1. The Sabbath points to the ultimate rest we find in Jesus. What kinds of labor, striving, or burdens does Christ free us from? What does it look like to live in His rest?

2. The world is filled with noise, distractions, and desires that compete for our attention. Which distractions most commonly pull you away from God? What practical steps can you take to create more space for Him?

3. Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. What is one practical step you can take this week to slow down, draw near to God, and experience His rest?

High Above All

Main Thought

The Book of Hebrews presents Jesus as being high above all - in honor, authority, power, position, and more. He is God Most High. He is our great High Priest, whose efforts made it possible for us to know God. He entered into our humanity, suffered as we suffer, and was tempted as we are - yet without sin. Jesus is high above all - but He is not distant from us. Because He understands our weakness, He is able to help us in it.

Jesus does more than forgive sin. He helps us fight it. He set the ultimate example, provides an escape from temptation, and empowers us to walk in obedience. As we draw away from sin and draw near to Him, we discover what it's like to have help from on high.

Main Passages

'In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.' - Hebrews 1:1-3

'For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.' - Hebrews 2:17

'For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age… - Titus 2:11-12

Discussion Questions

1. Hebrews presents Jesus as both exalted and approachable. He is God Most High, yet He entered into our humanity and understands our weakness. Why is it significant that Jesus is both powerful enough to help us and compassionate enough to understand us?

2. God does more than forgive us by grace; He trains and transforms us. Have you experienced God's grace helping you grow or change over time?

3. The sermon highlighted three ways Jesus helps us overcome sin: through His example, by providing an escape from temptation, and by empowering us through grace. Which of these do you most need right now? Why?

Not Even Close

Main Thought

Throughout history, God spoke through prophets, visions, miracles, and His written Word. Yet all of these pointed forward to something greater. God has now spoken through His Son. Jesus does not merely deliver a message from God; He perfectly reveals God. To know Jesus is to know the Father. To see Jesus is to see what God is like.

Jesus is also unlike anyone or anything else. He created all things, sustains all things, and reigns over all things. Prophets, pastors, saints, and angels may serve God's purposes, but none compare to Christ. He alone is worthy of our worship, trust, and devotion. We often settle for lesser things, looking to people, possessions, accomplishments, or experiences to provide what only Jesus can provide. He speaks, He sustains, and He stands alone.

Main Passages

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
- Hebrew 1:1-4

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
- John 14:6-9

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
- Colossians 1:16-17

Discussion Questions

1. Hebrews begins by declaring that God has spoken through His Son. Why is it important that God revealed Himself to us through Christ?

2. The writer of Hebrews presents Jesus as greater than prophets, angels, and every other spiritual authority. What are some of the "lesser things" you might be tempted to look to for security, identity, guidance, etc.?

3. Hebrews presents Jesus as the One who speaks, sustains, and stands alone in supremacy and authority. Which of those truths do you most need to remember right now, and why?