HEBREWS 13:20-25
Our Great SHepherd
December 4, 2016
Todd Chapman
Hebrews 13:20-25 ESV: [20] Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. [22] I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. [23] You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. [24] Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. [25] Grace be with all of you.
God
*Of peace
*Who raised Jesus from the dead
…through Jesus
*Great Shepherd
*His blood covers our sin and connects us to God
*Eternally
…would equip us to do God’s will
*Enduring faith
-Cling to Jesus + Nothing
-Believe “The Best is Yet to Come”
—Love others
—Honor marriage
—Not love money
—Look to models of faith
—Worship God continually
(Live decompartmentalized)
—Share lives and stuff with others
—Follow leaders who are treasuring Jesus
…for God’s glory.
*God makes it all happen.
*We have an essential part.
Life Group Questions:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
1. How would you summarize the big idea of Hebrews 13:7-19?
2. Identify all the ideas contained in the author’s prayer. What closing reminders does the author focus on?
3. What does the author mean by “God of peace”?
4. What is the author telling us about God by including the phrase “who raised Jesus from the dead”?
5. What does the author mean by “great shepherd” in connection with what has come before in v7-19?
6. How is the author using the word equip? What are the readers being equipped with? What does the author mean “to do God’s will”?
7. According to v21, what are the things the author has in mind that are pleasing to God?
8. How is the author using the word “bear”? Why is the author encouraging them to “bear with my word of exhortation”?
9. Who is to receive glory?
10. Why do you think the author describes this letter as brief?
11. How would you paraphrase Hebrews 13:20-25?
HOW DOES IT APPLY?
1. What has been the most significant growth that has taken place in your thinking after exploring Hebrews? How has this affected the way you live?
2. Why do you think the author of Hebrews spent so much time focusing and developing the complete, total, all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus?
3. Why do you think the author spent so much time contrasting the old covenant with the sacrificial system and the new covenant with Jesus?
4. Have you known folks who have drifted from loving Jesus? What happened? (No gossip) Have you ever drifted from Jesus? What happened? What brought you back?
5. When you look back, when did you start consuming solid spiritual food? How did you begin to eat spiritual solid food? What was the process?
6. In this week’s text, do you see a tension between being equipped by God to follow Him and your personal responsibility to follow Him? Explain.
7. How is God equipping us with “everything that is good” to do His will?
8. Has your participation in life group encouraged you? Stirred you to love and good works? Explain.
9. Are you confident going forward that you will not shrink back in faith, but increasingly embrace and treasure Jesus? Explain