Looking to Christ: The Book of Hebrews
A Bible Study on Keeping the Faith When You Are Discouraged
by
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Introduction
If you have ever been discouraged in your faith, the book of Hebrews is for you.
It really doesn’t matter what has caused your discouragement. You might be facing ridicule, persecution, betrayal, illness, loss of relationship, hard circumstances, apathy, or nagging doubts about the truth of Christianity. Whatever the cause of your weakened faith, Hebrews is there to encourage you “so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:3 ESV).
How does the author of Hebrews accomplish this? He sets forth three essential ways for us to keep the faith:
1. Know who Jesus Christ is and what He has done. 2. Be inspired by others who have persevered in faith. 3. Live out your faith with enduring hope and brotherly love.
Notice that we are encouraged in our faith from three perspectives: God, others, and self. God has revealed the historical fact of the person and saving work of Jesus Christ. Other believers faithfully testify to the truth of God’s salvation. It is also proved to us by our own experience in living out our faith. Therefore, we have assurance of faith based on facts, witnesses, and personal experience.
The author of Hebrews unpacks these perspectives with a passion and drive that leaves the reader breathless. This is a book filled with solid food for those who want to grow in spiritual maturity. There is a special emphasis in Hebrews on orthodoxy (right doctrine and thinking) that is carefully grounded in Scripture, and we are called to engage our mind, emotions, and behavior as we read and respond.
A unique feature of the book of Hebrews is its focus on Jesus’ role as our high priest, a concept unfamiliar to many Christians today. God has ordained that we approach Him through the high priest of His choosing, Jesus Christ. Hebrews spends a great deal of time on this vital concept because what Jesus is doing for us in heaven right now is of eternal significance:
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
We can be assured our faith in Jesus is grounded on rock solid reality even though His priestly intercession in heaven is invisible to us. We need this assurance more than ever in a relativistic culture where it is denied that truth or reality can be known. Believers are to persevere in faith to the end of life knowing for certain that their hope of salvation is securely anchored in the inner places of heaven where Christ pleads on their behalf:
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf.” (Hebrews 6:19-20)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
The book of Hebrews fills us with confident hope of heaven, insight into salvation in Christ, a desire to worship Him, and love for others. No wonder it has been said that reading the book of Hebrews is like breathing the atmosphere of heaven itself. You are sure to be inspired by the Christology (study of the person and work of Jesus Christ) presented in Hebrews.
This study guide is designed for group or individual Bible study. The lessons provide background information, related Scripture references, and study questions to deepen the reader’s understanding of the Bible passage along with its application to our lives. There are six sets of study questions per lesson, making it easier to study the lesson a little at a time during a week. A leader’s guide and other appendices are provided near the end of the book.
The closing devotion for each lesson is adapted from the writings of Charles H. Spurgeon, one of the best-known preachers of all time. Spurgeon was a 19th century Baptist minister in England whose love for people and God’s word was evident whenever he spoke. Crowds of thousands hungered to hear his message of hope and salvation in Jesus Christ. If you are not yet familiar with Spurgeon’s warm and inspiring meditations, you are in for a treat.
Christians are meant to finish well. Scripture assures us that all true believers will spend eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is hoped that this study of the book of Hebrews will encourage you to grow more mature in your faith so that you persevere in confidence to the end of life.
As you run with endurance the race set before you, may you be encouraged by constantly looking to Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.
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About the Book
Get ready to make the book of Hebrews your new favorite book of the Bible with the help of Looking to Christ, an insightful evangelical study guide.
You will be encouraged to keep the faith by focusing on the person and work of Jesus Christ, imitating the faith of Old Testament heroes, and putting your faith into practice in spite of the challenges and doubts you face. As your assurance of faith grows stronger, you will be better prepared to joyfully persevere throughout life, no matter what.
Every lesson in Looking to Christ gives background information, asks questions, and applies the truth of Scripture with a common-sense approach that makes Hebrews accessible to all levels of Bible students. Allow yourself to be transformed from the inside out:
• Fill your mind with the truth of who Christ is and what He has done. • Let your heart be inspired by the example of faithful believers. • Give evidence of faith by your attitude and behavior.
Whether this is your first time studying Hebrews or your twentieth, there are always new and deeper insights waiting for you. It is time to grab your Bible and a pen, sit down with Looking to Christ, and expect good things.
About the Author
Marci Ogrosky earned her M.A. in Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and holds a B.A. in Special Education. She has years of experience as a writer, teacher, and office administrator. Marci and her husband Gary, an ordained pastor (PCA), live in Virginia and have two grown children.