Commissioned

Q1. (Hebrews 12:3-4) Spiritual warfare can be lost by weariness. Why is spiritual warfare so wearying? Spiritual Warfare is wearying because the Devil, that old lying deceiver is constantly seeking who he can destroy; and he will go to any length to wear you down. Why must we continue to resist, on and on? Have you ever been overcome by Satan because of weariness? To win, we must continue to resist the Devil. If we don't resist and grow weary the Devil will have an opening and little by little he will break us down and eventually work his plan to destroy or kill. As James commands us, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). The Apostle Paul commands us, "Having done all, stand!" (Ephesians 6:13b). Why must we continue to resist, on and on? so that we can glorify our God and give the Devil no place.

Q5. (Hebrews 12:1-2) Who are the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in 12:1? The "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in 12:1 are the many believers who are now dead. However, the author paints them as looking on and urging us to complete the race. What analogy to the life of faith is offered in 12:1? The analogy is that of an athlete in competition. They are admonished to put off everything that will hinder them when in competition. In what way is Jesus the "author" or "pioneer" of our faith? Jesus is the "author" or "pioneer" of our faith in that He is our example. His example of living here on earth is what we should pattern ours after. How did he live by faith? He lived by faith as he obeyed his Father's will and completed the race set before him. In what way is he the "finisher" or "perfecter" of our faith? As "finisher" or "perfecter" of our faith, Jesus successfully finished his assignment here on earth and as our example we look forward to the day when, like Jesus, we would also be at home with the Father.

Q4. (Hebrews 11:8-31) What was the powerful motivating factor behind the actions taken by the people mentioned in these verses? The powerful motivating factor behind the actions taken by the people mentioned in these verses is the promises that God gave and their confidence in His faithfulness to bring it to pass. What was this faith based on? This faith was based on evidence that God is not a liar that cannot be trusted, but that He will do as He said he will. At the Red Sea, how did the Israelites' faith differ from that of the Egyptian army? The Israelites had God's promise to rescue them from the bondage of slavery. The Egyptian army's faith lie in the arm of flesh, which fails. Did Rahab have real faith or was she a shrewd opportunist -- or is there a difference? Rahab placed her faith in the God of the Israelites because she had heard of the many victories he had given them.

Q3. (Hebrews 11:23-28) How did Moses' faith affect his willingness to suffer? Moses' willingly suffered because he respected the power of God to bring judgement on the unjust. What kind of vision did faith create for Moses? What kind of vision does faith create for us? Moses knew that if he continued in faith, trusting God implicitly, then God would be faithful in his recompence of the reward. Ours should be no different.

Q2. (Hebrews 11:13b) In practical terms, what would be the characteristics of a believer who lived his life as an "alien" and "stranger" here on earth? In practical terms, a believer who lived his life as an "alien" and "stranger" here on earth would be characterized as one who is keenly aware of and demonstrates that though they are in the world they are not making themselves so comfortable as if the world was the final destination. But rather they live in a perpetual state of seeking the blessed promise of a heavenly city. What is the balance between "in" the world but not "of" it? (John 15:19; 17:13-16; 1 John 4:4-6). The balance between being "in" the world but not "of" the world is that though "in" the world, the world is not in them, they are not "of" the world. The world hates the believers and their involvement in the world in based on God's will being done through them.

Q1. (Hebrews 11:8-19) Abraham was on a faith-quest, looking for a city (verse 10) and a country (verses 14-16). How does his faith-journey encourage yours? Abraham diligently labored and trusted in Jehovah that his hope for a promised earthly country would be realized. Abraham died before seeing the earthly country but he never gave up hope. His faith is an example and an encouragement to us to continue our sojourn until the Rewarder, rewards us with the prize that is set before us. In Scriptural typology, what is the final "city" which we shall see? (12:22) The city of our Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. What is the final country of which we are citizens? (12:28) The final country of which we are citizens of is a country which cannot be moved. It's not made by man and cannot be destroyed by man. It is a country prepared for us by God.

Q4. (Hebrews 11:11). Which part of faith is related to (1) the depth of Abraham's confidence in God? Which part of faith is related to (2) the real existence and power of such a God? The part of faith which is related to the depth of Abraham's confidence in God is knowing that God's promises are to be believed because God is faithful and will bring his promises to pass. The part of faith which is related to the real existence and power of such a God is that through his faithfulness, we experience his existence and power as he rewards those who diligently seek him. How would you describe a faith that lacks either element? A faith that lacks confidence in God or one that does not believe in the existence and power of God is empty and devoid of saving grace. Such faith depends only on what man can make happen. Based on verse 11 (not on verses 1-2), formulate in your own words a definition of faith. Faith is confidence in the faithfulness of God.

Q3. Every religion has its own kind of faith. What is the content of the Judeo-Christian type of faith that sets it apart from any other? Judeo-Christian type of faith is the confidence that Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins and that He rose from the dead and is now seated on the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. What is the basis of Noah's faith (11:7)? Noah's faith was based on "holy fear." Though he had never seen or heard of the events to come, his confidence in Jehovah led him to obey the command. What is the basis of our faith? The basis of our faith, as was Noah's, is the confidence that we have in God. How does faith grow (see Romans 10:17) Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Our faith grows when we stay in the Word of God. The more we know of Him the more our faith grows.

Q2. (Hebrews 11:6) The first element of faith is belief in God's existence. Why is the second element just as essential to true faith? Hebrews 11: says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." The second element of faith is to believe that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. This is essential because just mere belief that God exist is not the evidence of faith, as James puts it, "...the devils also believe, and tremble." Our faith says that when we seek God, we have the confidence that He will reward us. Whatever we are diligently seeking God for He will give us a reward which will come as the answer to our seeking. What does it mean to "seek" God? To "seek" God means to exert some effort to find out or learn something about Him. It means that we diligently read His Word, that we pray for understanding of His Word, that we stay in communication with Him. What difference does it make whether or not you believe God will reward seekers? Reward seekers, please God. If you do not believe that God will reward seekers, you will not seek him and you become like the unregenerated. Reward seekers have confidence that God will reward them.

Q1. Using Hebrews 11:1-3 as your source, how would you put in your own words what faith is and does? Hebrews 11:1-3 says: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:1-3 (KJV) Faith is believing that what you hope for exist even though you cannot see it. We have on record faith in action by the Patriarchs. They held faith, received answers to prayers and saw the promises of God fulfilled. The same faith that we have to believe in creation is the faith that we need to activate for all that we need today. The same God who created the universe is the God who will supply all our needs.

Q4. (Hebrews 10:35-36) Why is perseverance in faith hard sometimes? Perseverance in the faith is hard sometimes when we take our eyes of the cross and walk in the flesh. Jesus told us that we will be persecuted and this should come as an expectation not as a surprise. So that when we are persecuted our faith may rise to the ocasssion and grow in the strength of our Lord. Why is perseverance so important? If we are to receive a reward at the end of our journey we must persevere to the end. How is Christian fellowship important in perseverance? (3:12-14) Christian fellowship is important to perseverance because we continually encourage our brothers and sisters. In numbers there is strength. What can we do to encourage other Christians in this sometimes difficult journey? In this sometimes difficult journey we can encourage other Christians by our prayers, times spent together, giving our testimony, by sharing with them the Word of God - especially a word that pertains to the difficulty they are facing and by just having a listening ear, allowing them to talk through the problem.

Q3. (Hebrews 10:26-31). What kind of sin is expressed by the phrase, "deliberately keep on sinning" (10:26)? The sin expressed by the phrase, "deliberately keep on sinning" is a persistent rebellion towards God. Is this talking about sins related to the weakness of our flesh or apostasy? This is not about sins related to the weakness of our flesh. It is flagrant apostasy. What elements in 10:29 contribute to your understanding that this is indeed flagrant apostasy, not garden-variety sin? We can be sure that this is indeed flagrant apostasy because in verse 29 the author describes the sin as trampling the Son of God under foot, treating the blood of the covenant that sanctifies as an unholy thing and insulting the Spirit of grace. 29How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

Q2. According to Hebrews 3:13 and 10:24-25, what should be a prime motive for meeting together with other Christians? The prime motive for Christians meeting together should be to encourage each other as we are admonished in the following verses. "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Heb. 3:13) " ... But let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb. 10:25) What is our usual motivation? Our usual motivation is what can we get. How will I benefit? Why do Christians so often get out of the habit of attending church or a small group? Christians often get out of the habit of attending church or small group because they fail to see it as a command of God. How can we help these individuals? We can help these individuals by encouraging them to stay strong in the study of and their duty to obey the Word of God.

Q1. (Hebrews 10:19-21) How did the veil of the Tabernacle function in Old Testament worship? The veil of the tabernacle in the Old Testament functioned as a barrier that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies, where the ark of the covenant, representing God's throne or dwelling place, was located. All men did not have to God, only the serving priest. What is the significance of the veil being ripped in two at Jesus' crucifixion? When Jesus died, this heavy curtain in the Temple in Jerusalem was rent in two from top to bottom signifying that Christ's death removed the separation between God and man. Why is our access to God called a "new and living way"? Our access to God is called a "new and living way" because the tradition of the priest going to God on behalf of man was no longer necessary. In the "new and living way" every man can go to God for himself. In what sense is it new? New because access to God didn't exist for all humans before Jesus opened up the way through his sacrifice on the cross for our sins. In what sense is it living? Living because Jesus is not a mere martyr but a resurrected and living Savior, who "always lives to make intercession" (Hebrews 7:25) for us. Today, right now Jesus is interceding, to the Father, on our behalf.

Q4. (Hebrews 10:4) Why can't the blood of bulls and goats actually take away sin? The blood of bulls and goats can't actually take away sin because it was only a shadow of what was to come. It was a act that had to be performed again and again. Animal sacrifices were not adequate because the sins of the greater (the human) were atoned for by the sacrifice of the lesser (the animal). What happened then to the sins the Old Testament saints thought were atoned for under the Old Covenant? These were atoned for once and for all, when Christ went to the cross and died for the sins of the whole whole, past, present and future.

Q3. (Hebrews 9:28) How did the purpose of Christ's First Coming differ from his Second Coming? Christ first coming was to bear or take away sin as the Suffering Servant. At His second coming he will bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Which did the Jews expect? The Jews expected a Messiah who would bring salvation, freeing them from their earthly enslavement. How does the mission of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 fit here? However when Jesus came He came as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, to bear the sin of the world.

Q2. (Hebrews 9:15). Read also 1 Timothy 2:5. In what sense does Jesus serve as a mediator? Jesus is mediator between God and man. He has ransoned us from slavery to sin that separated us from God. Now in this New Covenant, Jesus draws us to God through his cleansing blood. In what sense is Jesus a ransom from sin? Jesus is a ransom from sin in the sense that his blood was the sacrifice the purchased us from being a slave to sin.

Q1. (Hebrews 9:14) In what way does Christ's sacrifice of himself cleanse the conscience in a way that the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant could not? Christ's sacrifice of himself cleanse the conscience in a way that the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant could not because the effect of Christ's sacrifice brought the cleansing of the conscience so that we can be confident of forgiveness and any doubt of condemnation is removed. We can now come boldly to the throne of grace and there find mercy.

Q5. (Hebrews 9:11-12) What does "redemption" mean? Redemption means to pay a price for something. What were we redeemed from? We were redeemed from the slavery to sin and a death sentence on account of our sins. What was the price of our redemption? How long does our redemption last? The price of our redemption is Christ's own blood, offered freely, willingly and lovingly for our sins. This redemption is for all time, for ever and ever.

Q4. (Hebrews 9:9) Why were external sacrificial regulations unable to cleanse or perfect the conscience? External sacrificial regulations were unable to cleanse or perfect the conscience because they pertained to the externals only. The cleansing or the perfecting of the conscience comes with the healing and purity of the heart towards God. How does a guilty conscience keep us from intimacy with God? A guilty conscience keeps us from intimacy with God because the nagging guilt and consciousness of sin inhibits the sinner from approaching God's holy presence with freedom and boldness. What is necessary for us to be able to come "boldly" (4:16)? Acceptance of the divine forgiveness of sins and the Lordship of Jesus Christ who sits upon the throne.

Q3. (Hebrews 9:7) Did the Old Covenant provide forgiveness for intentional, active, maintained rebellion against God? No, the Old Covenant did not provide forgiveness for intentional, active, maintained rebellion against God. Persons who committed such acts were cut off and retained their sins. Does the New Covenant provide this forgiveness? The New Covenant does provide this forgiveness. Jesus died for all our sins, intentional and unintentional. What is required for forgiveness to be granted? We receive forgiveness through faith, by humbling ourselves in repentance and receiving pardon.

Q2. (Hebrews 8:7-13) Why did the Old Covenant fail? The old covenant failed because the house of Israel and the house of Judah did not remain faithful to the covenant. What are the primary promises of the New Covenant as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34? The primary promises of the New Covenant as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 are as follows: God's law will no longer be external, but will become internalized in the heart of people by the Holy Spirit. They will be together as God and his people. They will all know the Lord personally. They will be forgiven from their sins.

Q1. (Hebrews 8:6) In what sense is Jesus the "mediator" of a new covenant? What did he do to mediate this? As "mediator" of a new covenant, Jesus act as a go-between, He intercedes to God on behalf of the people praying that they keep their part to the covenant so that they may obtain blessings and the promises of the covenant.

Q4. (Hebrews 7:26-28) How is Jesus described in verse 26? In verse 26 Jesus is described as being holy, blameless, pure, set apart and exalted. How does Jesus differ from human high priests? Jesus differ from human high priests in that they have to present a sacrifice for atonement on a daily basis for a specific group of people, whereas Jesus did it for the entire human race once and for all. The human priest also had sin to be atoned for but Jesus is sinless. Finally, where there is weakness found in the human priest and his sacrifice, none can be found in Jesus who has been made perfect forever. What about Jesus' role as High Priest gives you special confidence? The perfectness of Jesus' role as High Priest gives me all the confidence that I need. Perfection is the ultimate goal and Jesus did that; completing the Father's will and is now sitting on the right hand of the Father making intercession for me. Praise God!

Q3. (Hebrews 7:24-25) Why is Jesus able to save people "completely" -- "to the uttermost" according to verse 25? Jesus is able to save people "completely" -- "to the uttermost" according to verse 25 because he always lives to intercede for them. What is the essential function of a priest? The essential function of a priest is to intercede with God on behalf of the people. He does this as he presents, to God, the sacrifice for atonement of sin on behalf of himself and the people. Why is intercession the essence of being a priest? Intercession is the essence of being a priest in that it is the type of prayer the priest uses when communicating to God on behalf of the people.