The words in the book of Hebrews offer encouragement through what must have been a difficult time. Though you cannot know every circumstance facing that audience, you can be certain that your difficult days leave you feeling the same way: tired, scared, uncertain, and maybe hopeless at times. The focus of Hebrews, like every other book in the New Testament, is on Jesus. Because of Jesus, you can share in the encouragement of living life together with other believers.
To Think About:
- Read Hebrews 3:13-14. What is going on in our homes, schools, and places of work that would merit words of warning (NLT) or words of encouragement (NIV) from those who love you? When did you last warn someone? What makes you hesitate about saying words of warning? When did you last encourage someone? What makes you hesitate about saying encouraging words?
- Read Hebrews 6:10-12. Why would a person get lazy in their work for God and love for others? What can you do to remember that God notices what you do or don’t do? Does it encourage you or concern you that God knows?
- Read Hebrews 10:23-25. Share a recent time when someone’s words or actions encouraged you to stay faithful. When did you recently do something similar for someone? Which is a habit for you: meeting with others or avoiding others? Encouraging others or discouraging others? Would the “others” around you say the same about you?
To Pray About:
- Have you told God lately what it is that’s really troubling you? What is it that gnaws at you repeatedly? A person? An event? A memory? A fear? Tell God what it is and how it makes you feel.
- Another person, or people, may have shared with you something difficult going on in their life. Did you respond like you want God to respond to you? If you did, thank God for a heart like his. If you didn’t, confess that and share with him why you put yourself first.
- Ask for the courage to be around other believers if that isn’t something you currently do outside of Sunday’s worship. Ask for humility if you regularly interact with others but have little patience for those who don’t.
To Live Out:
If you are in an NCOC Community Group, express your appreciation for the ones who host or lead discussion or participate in other ways. Let them know how your life is different because you are living life together with them. If you are not currently part of a Community Group, prayerfully consider which Group you can check out first. If they don’t know you, help them get to know you.
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