Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

 Sermon Text: Hebrews 12:1-13

 Other Readings: Jeremiah 23:23-29 and Luke 12:49-53


 

  1. The writer makes mention of the “great cloud of witnesses” (v. 1) and is referring to the kinds of saints listed in chapter 11. Scan the saints listed in chapter 11. Which one do you find most relatable and/or encouraging? Why?
     
  2. Verse 3 tells us that Jesus endured “opposition from sinners.” Think of at least two examples. How can that help encourage you when you are tempted to “lose heart” (v. 3)?
     
  3. What sin or sins are hindering and entangling you in your run towards heaven? Write or say a prayer to God, asking for his help with that temptation.
     
  4. Jesus is called “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (v. 2). How does it help us in our evangelism to know that Jesus is the pioneer of faith? How does it help us in our care for our members to know that Jesus is the perfecter of faith?
     
  5. The author talks a lot about how the Father deals with us because he treats us as his children. In what ways can these verses help you be a better parent or grandparent?

 

  1. Answers will vary based on personal perspective. We thank God that he has taught us their stories so that we may be encouraged by the example of so many!
     
  2. There are plenty of examples. He even endured opposition from family members, just as Jesus predicts for us in this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 12:49-53. It helps us to know that (1) we probably don’t have it as bad as we might think at the moment and (2) that Jesus endured what we did and came through it perfectly so that we might share in his holiness.
     
  3. Answers will vary based on personal perspective. God will hear and help you for the sake of his Son Jesus and through the work of his Holy Spirit.
     
  4. It helps our evangelism to know that Jesus is the pioneer of faith because it means that it is not up to us to create faith in others; we simply give them the good news of how Jesus endured the cross for us and let Jesus use his gospel to work faith. It helps our care for our members (especially our church’s elders work) to know that Jesus is the perfecter of faith because it means that it is not up to us make them better believers; we simply encourage through the word and help lead to the sacraments because it is through those things that God will correct weakness and increase faith.
     
  5. Answers will vary, but perhaps it is important to note especially that the goal of our discipline should always be that our loved ones “share in [God’s] holiness” (v. 10). We do not shy away from things that might be painful for our loved ones, but we also do not discipline with a sense of arrogance because we are sinners who are still disciplining only as we think best (v. 10).