Devotionals for Wednesday: April 12

Introduction

As we study the Gospel, we pray for, anticipate, and expect spiritual growth in our lives. To facilitate this spiritual growth, we will use two components. One component is the commitment to attend the Wednesday Bible study from 7 pm-8:15 pm, either on campus in the Worship Center or via Livestream at www.bethelhampton.com. The second component is a set of weekly devotionals that we complete prior to the Wednesday Bible study.

The questions listed below are for you to answer and reflect upon as you study the chapter for this week. We suggest that you take at least four or five days each week for this personal devotional.

A Study of Jesus’ Superiority

Book of Hebrews Chapter 12

Day 1 – Hebrews 12:1-2

1. The first verse in this chapter speaks of “so great a cloud of witnesses;” who are these witnesses and what are they witnessing to?

2. When you consider what the writer of this epistle (letter) was primarily concerned about and then you see his use of the analogy weight in verse 1, what would you think that the word weight was symbolic of?

3. In this same analogy, what do you think the word sin is representing?

4. Verse 2 identifies Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. As author He is the originator of our faith but what does it mean when He is identified as the finisher of our faith?

5. The writer of Hebrews spoke in verse two of a joy that was set before Jesus that he made appear as though it helped Jesus endure the treacheries of the cross. What do you believe that joy was?

Day 2 – Hebrews 12:3-11

The writer of Hebrews knew of the trials and testing that lay ahead for his unseasoned readers. He knew of their questions and fears. He was also aware of their potential to take more than they thought they could. He just needed to refocus their attention.

1. The writer of Hebrews told his readers of one individual who suffered hostility from sinners and encouraged them to draw strength from His example. Who was this person? (verse 3)

2. In verses 5 and 6, the readers are reminded of an exhortation that was spoken to them as sons. True or false, is the chastening being spoken of in this exhortation the same as the testing which posed a potential threat to the Hebrews?

3. Verse 6 reveals that to be chastened of the Lord proves what?

4. A parallel was drawn between our earthly fathers and our heavenly father. Our earthly fathers used chastening as it seemed best to them; for what reason did our heavenly father chasten us? (verse 10 might help)

5. Verse 11 states the obvious when it says that the absence of chastening seems joyful for the present but afterward it produces what fruit?

Day 3 – Hebrews 12:12-17

Verse 12 begins the reading for day 3 with the word “Therefore” which means the writer wants his readers to consider what preceded this verse. In this particular case he wants us to take certain actions that relate to what we read.

1. What are the readers being asked to do?

2. Verse 13 speaks of “making straight paths for our feet so that what is lame may not be dislocated but rather be healed.” In view of the exhortations (encouragement) we have been receiving, what do you believe his message to us is?

3. Once again another warning, what do verses 14-16 exhort (encourage) us to do if we want to see the Lord?

4. What does the illustration of Esau in verses 16 and 17 demonstrate to the Hebrew readers as well as to us?

Day 4 – Hebrews 12:18-29

The Israelites, in Exodus 19, were commanded by God to come to Mt Sinai to witness the Lord speaking to them. Hebrews 12:18-21 gives a brief but definitive report on how that event unfolded.

1. What was the prevailing or common emotion felt or experienced in that moment of time and was it a reasonable feeling?

2. Contrast the emotions felt in the above passage of Scripture with those that should be felt in Hebrews 12:22-24. How do they differ and why?

Verses 25-27 speak of yet another warning; one in which man is encouraged to listen to the voice. This passage of Scripture seems to compare two different conditions in which the speaking is being done.

3. What happened during the first episode and were the people still held accountable (responsible) for what was said?

4. What is the warning being sent out to those who the epistle (letter) was sent to, as well as we who are now reading that same letter?

5. Verse 28 encourages all the readers of Hebrews to not fear those who would try to persuade us to turn away from God’s acceptable way of worship but to do what?