Christ's Sacrifice Once for All - Hebrews 10:1-18
Understand It
- How is the Law compared to the new covenant brought by Christ? (10:1)
- In what way was the Law of Moses glaringly inadequate? (10:1-2)
- How did the author of Hebrews show that the Law was inadequate? (10:2)
- What function did the annual sacrifices serve? Why? (10:3-4)
- How successful were animal sacrifices under the old covenant? (10:4)
- Why wasn’t God pleased with the sacrifices and offerings of the old covenant? (10:5-6)
- What was the attitude of Christ when He came into the world? (10:7)
- What evidence of the futility and emptiness of the old covenant did the author cite? (10:8)
- If God neither desired nor was pleased with old covenant sacrifices, why did the Israelites make them? (10:8)
- What role does a believer play in earning God’s approval? (10:9-14)
- What did Christ’s single act of dying accomplish for those who would trust in Him? (10:14)
- How did the new covenant change the way God motivates His people to live for Him? (10:16)
- What effect did the sacrifice of Christ have on the way God views our sins? (10:17)
- Why are additional sacrifices for sin unnecessary? (10:18)
Apply It
- In what specific areas of your life today do you need to follow the example of Christ in saying, "I have come to do your will, O God"?
- What can you do this week to show trust in Christ’s provision for forgiveness?
- When could you speak with a friend or relative who would be encouraged by the truths of this passage?
A Call to Persevere - Hebrews 10:19-39
Understand It
- Why did the author say that those under the new covenant could draw near to God? (10:19-22)
- What has Jesus done for those under the new covenant? (10:20)
- What privilege comes to those who are part of the "house of God"? (10:22)
- What must happen before a person can draw near to God? (10:22)
- What happens to the guilty conscience of those who put their faith in Christ? (10:22)
- Why are Christians able to persevere in following Christ? (10:23)
- What kind of behavior should believers in Christ exhibit toward one another? (10:24-25)
- What will happen to God’s enemies? (10:26-27)
- Why is rejecting Christ more serious than rejecting the old covenant? (10:28-29)
- What did the author consider "a dreadful thing"? (10:31)
- How had the Hebrew Christians responded to persecution at first? (10:32-34)
- What is promised to those who persevere? (10:35-39)
Apply It
- What is one small project you could complete today to encourage a Christian friend to persevere in his or her faith?
- What can you do differently in your devotional times this week to "draw near to God"?
- Since we are called to live by faith (10:38), what is one bold step of trust in God you can take today?
