Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
Hebrews 13:1-8 ESV
13 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Key Points
- In the context of Hebrews 12:18-13:25, we see that the “Gospel indicatives” (facts about what Jesus has done for us, and the reality of who you are now in Him), always precede the “Gospel imperatives” (the commands and actions we’re called to obey).
How should this pattern impact our walk with Christ on a daily basis? How does it change our motivation to obey?
- In the broader passage we see the benefits (12:18-29), the behaviors (13:1-9), and the blessings (13:10-25) of living in the kingdom of God.
- Focus on the behaviors and find six key distinctives that mark those who are living in the kingdom of God. These distinctives lead to further blessings in life and they allow us to live in loving contrast in the world, and to be light, pointing others to Christ.
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
- How have I neglected the access that Jesus has given me- to the benefits, behaviors, and blessings of living in His kingdom?
What can I do this week to access these realities in Him? - Consider the six key distinctive behaviors (12:18-29)
- Radical love
- Generous hospitality
- Care for the marginalized
- Biblical sexuality
- Christ-centered contentment
- Honor and gratitude
Which one (s) do you sense the Spirit is bringing to your focus and calling you to integrate into your life and witness? In what ways? - The letter to the Hebrews closes with a benediction, a blessing, and an admonition to allow God to equip us to live fully to His glory. Meditate on it:
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.
Pray
Lord Jesus, may my life be pleasing in your sight. Though I am unworthy of your grace, I praise you for your one-way love for me. I recognize that my entire life is in response to what you have already accomplished for me. In all things, I devote myself to a radical form of love to everyone in my life. I truly believe that loving others as you love me will change the world, one person at a time. Lord, this week, please give me strength to love others as you have loved me.
