Hopes All Things
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May 20, 2007)
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May 20. 2007 - 1 Corinthians 12.31-13.7c. This Study Guide is based on Hebrews 6.13-20
Open It
How good are you at keeping your promises?
What gives you a sense of security?
What, if anything, are you willing to die for?
What biblical truth gives you the most encouragement and hope?
Explore It
Why did God "swear by himself"? (6:13)
What promise did God make to Abraham? (6:13-14)
How did God guarantee His promise to Abraham? (6:13-14)
What do we learn from this passage about God? (6:13, 17-18)
How did Abraham respond to God's promise, and what was the result? (6:15)
What is the function of oaths? (6:16)
How did God confirm His promise? (6:16-17)
Why did God confirm His promise with an oath? (6:16-18)?
How do we know God won't retract His promise? (6:18)
What happens to those who find the hope that Christ offers? (6:18)
How is the hope that Christ gives described in this passage? (6:19)
Where is the believer's hope anchored? (6:19)
How was Christ able to "enter the inner sanctuary behind the curtain"? (6:19-20)
What did Christ do on our behalf? (6:20)
Get It
How does Abraham's patience in waiting for God's promise encourage you?
What does it mean to you personally that God gives every believer an eternal inheritance secure in heaven?
How does it help us to know that it is impossible for God to lie?
How would you describe to a friend the hope that you have in Jesus Christ?
What problems or troubles currently threaten your sense of security?
What truths in this passage give you security in your relationship with God?
What new insights does this passage give you about the character of God?
In what area of your life do you need to follow Abraham's example of patience?
Apply It
What step can you take over the coming week to put your sense of security in Christ?
To what promise of God do you need to cling at this time in your life?
In what way can you express confidence in God's promises this week?
Notes
Hebrews 6:15: Abraham waited patiently-it was 25 years from the time God had promised him a son (Genesis 17:16) to Isaac's birth (Genesis 21:1-3). Because our trials and temptations are often so intense, they seem to last for an eternity. Both the Bible and the testimony of mature Christians encourage us to wait for God to act in his timing, even when our needs seem too great to wait any longer.
Hebrews 6:17: God's promises are unchanging and trustworthy because God is unchanging and trustworthy. When promising Abraham a son, God took an oath in his own name. The oath was as good as God's name, and God's name was as good as his divine nature.
Hebrews 6:18-20: These two unchangeable things are God's nature and his promise. God embodies all truth; therefore, he cannot lie. Because God is truth, you can be secure in his promises; you don't need to wonder if he will change his plans. Our hope is secure and immovable, anchored in God, just as a ship anchor holds firmly to the seabed. To the true seeker who comes to God in belief, God gives an unconditional promise of acceptance. When you ask God with openness, honesty, and sincerity to save you from your sins, he will do it. This truth should give you encouragement, assurance, and confidence.
6:19-20 This curtain hung across the entrance from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place, the two innermost rooms of the temple. This curtain prevented anyone from entering, gazing into, or even getting a fleeting glimpse of the interior of the Most Holy Place (see also Hebrews 9:1-8). The high priest could enter there only once a year to stand before God's presence and atone for the sins of the entire nation. But Christ is in God's presence at all times, not just once a year, as the high priest who can continually intercede for us.
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