Homework Due: May 5, 2004

 

HEBREWS 12

 

Consider the Course of Faith  Hebrews 12:1

 

  1. What struck you most from the last lecture and why?

 

  1. According to your understanding of Chapter 11, what has the great group of witnesses seen?  (vs.1)

 

  1. “Therefore” is usually a transition word implying an action called for or justified by something in the preceding text.  In this context, what do you think are the thoughts the author seeks to connect?

 

  1. In this present context, how would you explain the difference between the things that hinder and the sin that entangles?

 

  1. Whose responsibility is it to “throw off” hindrances and sin?  What does this mean to you?

 

  1. Define perseverance.

 

  1. What do the following verses reveal about running with perseverance the “race marked out for us”?    (2:1, 10-11; 3:12-13; 4:14-16; 5:14-6:3; 10:19-26)

 

Consider Christ and Be Encouraged   Hebrews 12:2-4

 

  1. Why should we “consider Christ” according to verse 3?

 

  1. Why should this awareness of the Lord’s attitude in His situation sustain us in times of weariness and discouragement?

 

  1. What is the key phrase found in:

 

    1. Deuteronomy 11:18?
    2. Psalm 141:8-10?
    3. Hebrews 3:1?

 

  1. What is the timeless lesson from these verses?

 

  1.  Name several specific common “hindrances” that you think made this difficult for Christians today?

 

  1. Personal:  Does anything hinder you from confidence in Jesus?  How can you begin to remedy this?

 

 

Consider the Timeless Truth of Love   Hebrews 12:5-6

(Based on Proverbs 3:11)        

 

  1. Read Proverbs 1:8-9;  3:1-17.  To whom is the advice directed?

 

  1. What do you discern as the reason for the instruction?

 

    1. In Proverbs?
    2. In Hebrews?

 

  1. Do you discern a distinction in meaning among them?

 

  1. Using your knowledge of the Bible, select one person praised for faith in Chapter 11 that God had to discipline, rebuke, or punish.  Explain the circumstance and result.

 

  1. Does the author desire positive or negative reaction to Hebrews 12: 5-6?  Explain your answer.

 

Consider the Meaning of Discipline   Hebrews 12:7-10

 

 

  1. Is discipline set forth as a caring or non-caring action?

 

  1. Why is respect the result of true discipline? (v.9)

 

  1. Can you give examples of specific situations in your own family or some larger community where discipline would probably improve the situation and the “disciplined one”?

 

  1. What does the phrase “How much more should we submit” tell us about the responsibility of God’s “children”?

 

  1. Lastly, what do you understand to be the promise of v.11?  Rewrite it in your own words here.  How does this encourage you?