NT Fire Starters – Day 314: Hebrews 10:19-39
READ: Hebrews 10:19-39
THINK: Many people get nervous at the thought of meeting someone of notoriety or influence. Some have the impression that nobody of great importance would care to associate with them. But think about this: The Almighty Creator of the universe wants to know you and spend time with you. He’s given you an open invitation to a personal relationship with Him, and He’s even made a way for you to be with Him forever. But only those who humbly accept God’s invitation, delivered through His Son, Jesus, will receive an “all-access” pass to God, with eternal rewards.
RESPOND: What does it mean to “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place,” and why can we have it? (See 10:19 note.) What’s significant about “the curtain” (v. 20), and how does this relate to Jesus’ body? (See 10:19 note.) What does it mean to “draw near to God,” and how does it involve faith? (See 10:22 note.) In what way does Jesus’ blood cleanse us so we can come to God in good conscience (v. 24)? What does it mean to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” and how can we do this? Why is it important that Christians not neglect opportunities to gather for worship? (See 10:25 note.) What are the benefits of Christian community and companionship? What does verse 29 imply when it refers to someone having “trampled the Son of God under foot,” treating Jesus’ blood as unholy and insulting “the Spirit of grace”? (See 10:29 note.) What does it mean that “no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment” (v. 27)? (See article on Individual Apostasy, p. 1812.) What will eventually happen to people who have known God’s truth and experienced His forgiveness if they abandon God and deliberately keep defying Him? (See vv. 26-27, 30-31, 39) Why do some who seem intensely devoted to Christ at first, later turn from faith and lose confidence in Him (vv. 32-34)? What will happen if you persevere in faith and devotion to Christ (vv. 35-36)? What does it mean that “my righteous one will live by faith”? (See 10:38 note.) What is involved in a life of true faith in God, and what is the reward (v. 39)?
PRAY: Thank Jesus for His personal sacrifice, which cleanses you from sin and allows you to serve God with a clear conscience. Pray for anyone you know who has turned from faith in God, that they would again submit their lives to Him.
ACT: Encourage fellow Christians today so as to inspire them to do what’s right and good. Take advantage of opportunities you have this week to gather with others for worship and service. Graciously reach out to someone who has abandoned their relationship with Christ and their involvement in the church. Encourage them to trust God for a situation in their life and invite them to join you for a service or casual get-together.