Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 5-6 Friday

Friday – If it ain’t broke…


Focus Passage: Hebrews 6:9-19

Read: Prov. 15:19; Prov. 24:30-34; James 5:10-11; Ephesians 5:1-2

We have all probably heard this well known phrase, “If it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.” Usually this phrase has something to do with an item that may not be broken, but definitely is not what it used to be. I remember having a car (74’ Nova) that demonstrated the truth of this statement. It was everything but great…but it wasn’t broke. And I drove it until I couldn’t drive it anymore.

Many people look at life in the same way. We continue to live in the same way but expect a different result. Or we just settle for the result we get. It’s not broke…so we don’t fix it. But what if brokenness is a short time away? Could our lives as Christians run a little smoother…a little more focused now to preempt a problem area? While not knowing what can happen tomorrow, there is one standard that will never be broken…the promises of God. Never needing fixed…we can trust God’s promises as the place to “tune-up” our lives.



1. How does this passage connect with the previous passages? How does moving away from elementary principles help us in holding onto the promises of God?

2. We are given the illustration of Abraham as a picture of the hope that we have in God’s promises. What Scriptural promises come to mind?

3. What areas of your life could use a little more reflection? Why?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 5-6 Thursday

Thursday – Fake?


Focus Passage: Hebrews 6:4-8

Read: 2 Peter 2:20-22; 2 Corinthians 13:1-10

I have a friend who has years of experience in the jewelry business. He can spot a fake piece of jewelry pretty easily. One of the most beautiful and common pieces of jewelry is a diamond. Interestingly, it is also the most counterfeited. Through the years it has gotten increasingly difficult to tell whether a certain diamond is a fake or not. You can put two diamonds in a jewelry case, and from the perspective of our naked eyes, they would be identical. However, for an experienced jeweler, spotting a fake is easy. There are clear markers in the diamond that can identify its proof of authenticity.

In this same way, there are many people who have counterfeited Christianity. They have seen the working of the gospel in people’s lives…they have had full exposure to the gospel impact. Yet they become pretenders…actors on the grand stage of false Christianity. They pretend…but don’t possess salvation. Sadly, we probably all have seen this. People that look and even act like believers, walking away as if it wasn’t real.

As believers, we have to question how genuine we look. Our lives should identify the proof of an authentic relationship with Christ. Christianity cannot be lived in ambiguity.

1. How does the illustration in 6:7-8 shed light to the context of 6:4-6? Why is it impossible to restore them to the place of repentance again?

2. What areas of your life would you describe as authentic and genuine? Fake and unauthentic?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 5-6 Wednesday

Wednesday – Mountains Grow, Too!


Focus Passage: Hebrews 6:1-3

Read: Psalm 92:12-15; 2 Peter 1:5-6

I recently watched a program about the Milky Way galaxy. One part described the birth of stars in a nebula, even showing beautiful pictures of these huge clouds of dust and gas. It was fascinating to watch the computer generated model of a star’s birth and growth. God made the process similar for many things in creation. Trees, grass, animals, fish, humans, clouds, mountains, stars, and even galaxies are all “born” at some point in time. Then they all start the process of growing and maturing, some naturally, some with the help of others that are more mature.

After the Lord brings us to birth as a Christian, a new child of God, He desires that we begin to grow toward maturity. It’s easy for us to spend an inordinate amount of time on the basics of our faith. It’s also easier to do that than to seek maturity and depth in Christ. That takes effort and commitment. Once you understand the “elementary teachings”, ask the Lord for His wisdom and direction to take you toward maturity.



1. Do you have a good understanding of the basic fundamental truths of our faith in Christ and the gospel?

2. In what specific ways have you begun the journey toward maturity? Is this something that you continually seek?

3. Think about times in your life that God permitted great times of spiritual growth in your life. What changed during those times?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 5-6 Tuesday

Tuesday – License to Practice


Focus Passage: Hebrews 5:14

Read: Psalm 37:3-6; Proverbs 4:18; 2 Peter 1:3-8

Any person aspiring to become a doctor must go through many years of study before they are licensed as a medical doctor. Even though they can write “M.D.” after their name as soon as they have the license, they have little experience and a large amount of knowledge to gain. My dad says that must be why a doctor’s profession is called practicing medicine. Then there are lawyers who work for ‘law practices’. I must admit that the same is true for almost anything we do that requires a license. We all know that a teen’s driving experience is very small when they get a drivers license, but after years behind the wheel, we adults are great drivers…sometimes! Even pilots don’t have much experience as a new private pilot, but with constant practice and use of their new skills, they can become a safe commercial pilot.

God’s Word says that we mature spiritually through constant use of solid food. The solid food of the Word and from an intimate, committed relationship with Christ, builds up our spiritual body and trains us to know how to do the good work God has called us to and to avoid evil.



1. What do you do daily to put the truths of God’s Word to use?

2. What might inspire and encourage you to make better use of the tools God provides?

3. Take steps this week to put into practice those things you’ve learned that will help you to mature.

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 5-6 Monday

Monday – A Hungry Baby


Focus Passage: Hebrews 5:11-13

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:11-15

Our daughter has always been a good eater. When she was old enough to begin to eat baby food, we determined that she would get a balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables. As you might expect, she liked eating any kind of fruit we gave her and, amazingly, she also ate vegetables well. Like I said, we never had trouble getting her to eat. When we fed her fruit, she would open her mouth between bites. If the next bite wasn’t fast enough, she would begin to make noises. The memory of her in her highchair, mouth open, legs kicking, and a tantrum coming while my wife hurried to get another jar of baby food open still makes me laugh. What a sight! It was obvious that our little baby would be growing quickly. Now she’s in middle school. She frequently says she’s hungry, but not for baby food.

When we were spiritual babies, most of us craved the food that would help us learn and grow…spiritual milk, the basics of our faith. As we grow, if we grow, we need to move on to solid spiritual food and begin to teach others the foundations of our faith.

1. Think about the time since you committed your life to Christ. In what ways have you grown toward maturity in Christ and are eating solid food?

2. There are probably times of little or no growth. What caused that to happen?

3. What can you do to avoid things that stunt your growth to continue to move into deeper things of God and your relationship with Him?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 4,7 Friday

Friday – The Gift that Keeps Giving

Focus Passage: Hebrews 4:16; 7:11-28

Read: Psalm 110:3; John 17:1-26; 1 John 2:1

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. From stores to radio stations, Christmas preparations are being made. One of the biggest reasons for the hustle and bustle is the necessity people feel to buy gifts for their loved ones.

I remember when Allyson and I first got married we received an overwhelming supply of Corning Ware as wedding gifts. What could we do with all of this? We learned the art of “regifting.” Let’s just say that Corning Ware became a staple Christmas gift for friends and family (you know you have done the same thing). I wonder how many people passed on our Corning Ware to other loved ones…just maybe these gifts are still going.

Christ isn’t just a past Savior and a future Promise…He is our present Help. His status as High Priest forever gives us a constant gift of mercy in our lives. There is a throne of continual grace that is available for us in time of need. Truly a gift that keeps on giving.

1. Notice that Hebrews 4:16 and 7:19 are connected by the idea of drawing near to God. What gives us this right to draw near to God?

2. How is our hope in Christ a better hope (7:19)? How should this hope and confidence affect our attitude in prayer?

3. These passages reveal that Christ is forever...and His ministry of advocacy and help are constant. How does the view of Christ’s eternal advocacy give us great confidence through life’s struggles?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 4,7 Thursday

Thursday - Comparison


Focus Passage: Hebrews 5:10; 7:1-8

Read: Genesis 14:17-24; Isaiah 64:6; Matt. 13:44; Phil. 3:7-9

We live in a world of comparison. Think about it…our spouse, house, job, and even church are chosen based upon comparison. We see something that we think is superior and we go get it. Comparison is the art of choosing what is best.

Hebrews gives an illustration of the incomparable Christ in the ministry of Melchizedek. Just a few verses in the Old Testament and a chapter dedicated in Hebrews are all we get about this man (a pre-New Testament appearance of Christ - Heb. 7:3). Hebrews 7 makes a comparison between Melchizedek and Abraham. Obviously, there is no comparison Melchizedek was the king of Salem…Abraham was just a sojourner with a promise from God. Yet Melchizedek blesses Abraham.

One of the greatest struggles for believers is to see themselves compared to a Christ who was “without sin.” He is incomparable…we clearly fall short of Him. Yet, comparison brings us back to the right perspective…we need the One nothing can compare to, Christ. We can have confidence in Him because nothing compares.

1. In what way did Melchizedek, humble himself as King of Salem accepting the offering of Abraham?

2. How is the comparison of Christ connected to us holding fast to our confession and drawing near with confidence (Hebrews 4:14:16)

3. How does seeing yourself in comparison to Christ put your life in a proper perspective? How does this proper perspective help you understand the blessing of Christ?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 4,7 Wednesday

Wednesday – The Best is Yet to Come


Focus passage: Hebrews 5:6; 10

Read: Luke 8:11; Romans 5:1-5; 2 Thess. 3:5; 2 Timothy 4:5-7

One of my favorite illustrations is one that I received about a woman who was battling terminal cancer. She was told that she had a month at the most. In preparation she called her pastor to share a few requests and ideas for her memorial service. Favorite songs and Bible passages were discussed. After talking through the details this lady said to her pastor, “Pastor I have one more request.” “Anything” the pastor replied. “You have been extremely faithful to Christ, I will do anything for you in these last days of your life.” The lady paused for a moment and said, “I want a Bible and a fork laid in my casket with me!” Of course this brought confusion to the pastor…not so much because of the Bible…but a fork placed in the casket? “Let me explain,” She replied. “You remember those moments when we would go out to eat after church. After our main course the waitress would come over to the table and tell us to make sure to keep our forks. Of course you know why? The best was yet to come. No, not jello or pudding…but chocolate cake and pumpkin pie.”

Isn’t this true spiritually? We know that the best is yet to come. Christ gave us a picture that best demonstrates what our lives should be right now…one filled with endurance. With an ability to remain under the pressure while waiting for that moment when the best will be here (or we will be there). Go ahead…pick up the fork and endure, because we know what’s next.

1. How did Christ endure His trials and death? In what way is this a picture to us?

2. Why is endurance an important factor in the Christian life? What hinders us from enduring?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 4, 7 Tuesday

Tuesday – Certainty


Focus passage: Hebrews 4:16

Read: Psalm 71:5; Isaiah 32:17; Ephesians 3:12; Philippians 3:1-6

How confident are you that your football team will win the Super Bowl (Ok…honestly, if you are a Redskins fan don’t answer)? Seriously, how confident are you? Could your team be upset in the playoffs?

How confident are you that you will be alive tomorrow? Next week? Next year?

The fact is our confidence is wrapped up in the certainty of the result. If we are pretty certain of the results, then our confidence will be great. If the certainty is wavering, then our confidence is lacking.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us of the confidence we can have in Christ. The fact that He endured what we are facing gives us great confidence that we can endure. Even Christ lived with the certainty that salvation would be wrapped in His sacrifice. He lived out the confidence of that certainty. How much more can we who are of Christ…have confidence that we will receive mercy and help in every situation?

1. According to Scripture, what certainties do you have in Christ? How does this affect your confidence?

2. What things can hinder your confidence in Christ? How can you set these hindrances aside?

3. How does knowing that Christ understands your struggle aid your confidence?

4. What role does the mind play in your confidence?

Hebrews Bible Study Chapter 4-5: Monday

Monday – Help!


Focus passage: Hebrews 4:16

Read: 2 Samuel 22; Psalm 40; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 13:6

I always enjoy reading about adventure and people willing to try things that others believe are too difficult. This was especially true of Abby Sutherland. Abby grew up in a boating family on the west coast. With a love for sailing she set out on a voyage to become the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the world alone (27,500 miles) (her brother Zac had become the youngest for short time in 2009 at the age of 17). On Saturday, January 23, 2010 the 16 year old sailor left Del Rey Yacht Club on board her boat, “Wild Eyes,” on a journey of a lifetime.

But after nearly 6 months, her feat came to an end when her boat entered a dangerous portion of the Indian Ocean. The winds were up to 60-80 knots and the seas where 20-25 ft high…her boat was literally being tossed to pieces. On June 10th she sent out a mayday call…a help call to rescuers. She finally realized her dream was not going to be a reality. It was time to give up. On June 12th she was aboard a French fishing vessel heading home…short of her goal.

When we became followers of Christ, we joined a journey of adventure to become more like Christ. In that moment we understood our need for help…for salvation. But it doesn’t end there. We continually are in need of help in our desperate situation. A mayday call, if you will, to continue calling on our “help in time of need.”

1. When was the last time you cried out to the Lord for help? How did you see God move in that moment?



2. Why do you think a position of desperation is important in having confidence in the Lord?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 4-5 Thursday

Thursday - Qualify


Focus Passage: Hebrews 5:5-6

Read: Genesis 14:17-24; John 8; Phil. 2:4-8

There are many things I don’t like in this world…stink bugs, long lines, dental floss, and cats (please don’t take that personally…I am allergic to them). But one thing that always gets to me is the telemarketing calls saying that I qualify for some great prize. Now don’t get me wrong, I love getting prizes. But there is something bothersome about these calls. Honestly…I don’t even know who these people are. They never received any information from me but somehow they know I qualify (at least that’s what they say). What’s more frustrating is that they put me on hold so they can check if I really do qualify. Make sure I get this right…I qualify so they can check if I do qualify.

What made Christ qualified to be our sacrifice? How could the God of the universe ever qualify to take our place and experience the weight of our pain? Only one possible way…Christ had to humble Himself. He had to hide His glory behind the weakness of human flesh to qualify as our worthy sacrifice. All of this, He did in order to make “the call” to us to say that we qualify for His good…through His working…His information.

1. In what way did Melchizedek, humble himself as King of Salem accepting the offering of Abraham?

2. What qualifying factors do we see in Hebrews 5, John 8, and Phil. 2 relating to Christ as the ultimate High Priest?

3. How does Christ qualifying as our sacrifice aid us in qualifying as followers of His? How does this release me in trying to qualify?

Being the Hands and Feet!

We, FCF staff and leaders, believe it is of utmost importance for people to be a part of a Discovery Group. We believe small groups are the life-blood of our church. I try to remind continually, Sunday Morning Worship Services are not enough for you. You and I need a greater opportunity to go deeper with other church family members.

On certain occassions Discovery Groups go beyond just being a study group and become a group of community. One such group, the Monday ladies study (of about 20-25 women), went above and beyond study alone to truly become the hands of feet of Jesus. Through their powerful study of Israel and the tabernacle...they felt called to help a fellow believer facing terminal cancer. Through generous offerings, donations, and volunteerism, they were able to provide meals, cleaning, and needed funds. It's amazing what a few people, encouraged by Scriptures, can do together to touch a life with the love of Christ.

What a great reminder to all of us...the fact is we can conquer much more for the cause of Christ together than we can ever by ourselves. We need each other, and Discovery Groups are a great way to learn what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 4-5 Wednesday

Wednesday – A Two Dimensional Image


Focus passage: Hebrews 5:1-4

Read: Leviticus 21:1-22:9; Exodus 12:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:7

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, is one of the most photographed places on earth. It’s been photographed in all kinds of weather, at various times of day and year, and from every perspective imaginable. Many professional photographers have taken thousands of beautiful shots, but each photo is imperfect and lacks depth. Though they depict amazing scenes, the photos are two dimensional. Without standing on the edge of this huge chasm, one doesn’t feel the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. A picture just doesn’t have the same affect. The pictures are only a good representation of a spectacular part of creation.

The men God called to be high priests were called to an honorable position. The high priest was important, offering sacrifices on behalf of the people and representing them before the Father. They were sinful and imperfect just like other the people, though. So, just like the two dimensional photo, the high priest was an image or symbol of something far greater to come…Jesus Christ, our high priest.



1. What are some other images or symbols of Christ are found in the Scripture?



2. Since we live after the life and death of Christ, how can these images of Him in Scripture build our faith?

Hebrews Bible Study: Heb. 4-5 Tuesday

Tuesday – Guilty as Charged


Focus passage: Hebrews 4:16

Read: Ephesians 3:12; Acts 4:31; Psalm 103:17; Micah 7:18

I’ve been in a courtroom just once. I hit another car from behind and received a ticket for careless and reckless driving. I was completely at fault. On the appointed day, I went before the judge not to claim my innocence, but to plead for mercy and grace. I was hoping that he would change the charge to improper driving because it carried a lighter sentence and my insurance wouldn’t be affected as much. When my name was called to approach the bench, I was nervous and a bit fearful. I didn’t know this man and had no idea what he would say. As he reviewed the case, he asked how I would plead. I plead “guilty as charged.” Noticing that I had no previous tickets of any kind and because I accepted responsibility, he mercifully changed the ticket to improper driving. I had to pay a small fee and then I was free to go.

Fortunately, when we are in need of mercy and grace in our lives, we can go to a judge that we know. Since we know Christ and He understands us and our circumstances, we can go before Him with boldness and confidence.



1. Though we shouldn’t take the throne of grace for granted, how does it make you feel to know God is merciful and full of grace?



2. When was the last time you approached the throne with boldness and without fear?

Hebrews Bible Study: Hebrews 4-5

Monday – Someone Who Understands


Focus passage: Hebrews 4:14-15

Read: Isaiah 63:9; 1 Corinthians 10:11-13; Hebrews 2:10, 17-18; James 1:2-3, 12

In Homer’s classic tale, the Odyssey, Odysseus is king of Ithaca. He asks his friend Mentor to watch over his son Telemachus while Odysseus goes to fight the Trojan War. Mentor was a wise, loyal, and faithful friend who helped Telemachus into manhood. We get our word mentor from this story. Over the years, the idea of mentoring has taken on meaning more than a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. Our mentor is someone we confide in about our struggles and shortcomings, someone who understands where we are in life because they’ve experienced it, too. Many times the relationship between a person and their mentor can to be stronger and longer lasting than any other relationship.

Jesus is also a wise, loyal, and faithful friend. God sent Him here to live where we do and He experienced all the hardships, temptations, and challenges we face. Since Jesus didn’t sin, He can be trusted beyond any other friend or mentor. Because He knows and understands, we can “hold firmly to the faith we profess.”

1. When you’re facing a trial or temptation, who do you reach out to first?



2. Think about your response. What does it say about your faith?



3. Christ understands and is faithful beyond all others. How can you more consistently hold firmly to your faith in Him in the midst of trials?