Let Us Draw Near and Persevere

In light of the cost of Jesus’ sacrifice, we must step forward with perseverance in our life of faith.

Hebrews 10:19-39

SERMON OUTLINE

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.

A Look Back at Hebrews so Far

Hebrews 10 is the Book’s Pivot Point towards Application

• What is the “therefore” there for?

The Source: Drawing Near to God (Hebrews 10:19-23)

• Our approach vs God’s approach
• Religion vs Gospel

The Fruit Part 1: Drawing Near to Others (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• The power of proximity
• The challenge of proximity

The Fruit Part 2: Finding the Mark (Hebrews 10:25-31)

• Compulsion vs relationship
• Rules vs outflowing

The Fruit Part 3: Persevering (Hebrews 10:32-39)

• Acknowledging the pain of this world
• Acknowledging the pain of the Church
• Learning to walk with God through it all

Conclusion

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Pause and reflect on how you have approached your Christian faith. Has it been an outflowing from a deep relationship with God, or have you found yourself just going through the motions or striving to follow a set of rules?
2. When you reflect on your relationships in the church, do you find yourself drawing near to those you can relate to, like, and enjoy spending time with – or do you intentionally seek out brothers and sisters in Christ who are different from you, challenge you, or bring other perspectives or gifts? Depending on your answer, what will you do differently moving forward?
3. When it comes to sin, have you approached this with God? Is it a list of rules to follow? Something you avoided? Read Genesis 2:4-3:21 and reflect on this question – are you choosing what is right and wrong, or are you allowing God to?
4. Reflect on or share with others the pain you have experienced in life, whether inside or outside of the church. How has God sustained you through that? What steps do you need to take to heal from these situations? How can others be a part of that journey?

DIG DEEPER

• There are four distinct sections of this passage as shown in the outline. Take time this week to read on section per day, and pause in silence to allow God to speak through it, repeat this discipline several times in one sitting to step deeper into the passages.
• In this time of physical distancing and isolation, we must be even more intentional of staying connected. Take time to call someone from Eastbrook whom you haven’t seen or spoken with since March.
• This passage, particularly verses 25-31 can bring up the topic of whether you can be certain of your salvation. If this is something you struggle with, talk with your small group or call our pastor on call at 414.228.5220 to talk more.
• In light of persevering through difficult seasons, such as the ones we find ourselves in now, re-read Psalm 23 or take time to read the poem “Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross. Pause and allow God to speak through each section of these readings.