Anchor of the Soul – Hebrews 12:12-17

Sunday, September 22, 2013
Derek Lam
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This is the pattern of most New Testament letters – 1.) first declare the truth of who Jesus is and what he accomplished and 2.) then exhort us on how we are to respond to this truth in life and faith. This passage speaks several of these exhortations to us.

 

Anchor Of The Soul (square)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (large group)

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

  • This is a quote/allusion to Isaiah 35:1-7 and Proverbs 4:26. What should give us hope to respond to these commands in faith?
  • How is sometimes difficult to come alongside someone who is “lame” – either sick with sin or injured from life circumstances? What does these “lame” in our church community need?

12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

  • What is biblical peace? What does it mean to strive for peace in tolerating minor differences and extending grace in humility? Examples? Are we to pursue peace at all costs? Explain.
  • What is holiness? What ways of striving for holiness are actually anti-Gospel? What are some ways in the Holy Spirit is calling you to grow and share in holiness?

12:15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

 

  • What does this mean – “to see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God”? How does this command challenge you and your City Group?
  • What are some roots of bitterness that can grow up in a church? Give some examples – both the root issues and the outworking fruit.

DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS (smaller grouping)

  • How is the Holy Spirit calling you to respond to this text?
  • What are specific, practical ways that you can strive for both peace and holiness?
  • Is there any root of bitterness in you toward another? What is the root issue and not just the above-ground fruit? How is the Holy Spirit calling you to deal with this?