This week we want to talk about the importance of encouraging one another until Christ returns. This is a long haul and keeps us looking forward together as a community. We have so many examples of this in the ‘hall of faith’ of Hebrews 11.
SERMON OUTLINE
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The Challenge of Time in Our Day
- The challenge of coming to the end of life with regret
- The reality of the end and Christ’s parousia
- The challenge of time in the day when Hebrews was written
A Reset on Time with Faith, Hope, and Love (Hebrews 10:24-25; 11:1, 13)
- Living well in light of the end and the church as a community of character
- Instant society and the warping of time: expectation of speed
- Three Christian virtues:
- Love lives now in light of the future
- Faith holds what is not seen
- Hope grasps the future yet to be realized
- God forms these virtues within the Christian community through time
A Reset for the Long Haul (Hebrews 10:25; 9:27-28; 11:13-16; Revelation 22:20)
- “All the more” perseverance until that day: “a long obedience in the same direction”
- “All the more” attentiveness until that day: “Come, Lord Jesus!”
- “All the more” anticipation until that day: “a better country”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are you most looking forward to about the future?
- This weekend we conclude our series called “Reset” that is rooted in Hebrews 10:24-25. This week’s study focuses on the last part of verse 25 related to the day of Christ’s return. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read Hebrews 10:24-25 aloud.
- Our society is often fast-paced and eager for instant gratification. How did your experience of time during the lockdown and the pandemic change?
- Explore the concept of the day of the Lord by reading aloud and considering some or all of these Scripture passages: Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Amos 5:18,20; Zechariah 14:1; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:2
- Returning to Hebrews 10:24-25, what do you think the writer is trying to tell his original readers about the journey of faith based on the final phrase of verse 25?
- What would you say are the biggest barriers that keep us from loving, serving, and meeting together over the long haul of faith?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Hebrews 10:24-25.
- Set aside space and time this week to reflect on the long haul of faith. Journal, pray, or discuss with another these questions/prompts:
- What is most difficult for me about faith in the long haul?
- What are the barriers that keep me from loving, serving, and meeting together over the long haul of faith?
- Where do I most need to grow with God in this area?
- Watch the Bible Project video, “The Day of the Lord”
- Read the essay, “The Day of the Lord,” by Jason S. DeRouchie