Jesus Christ Is Enough // Consider Jesus (Heb. 3:1-6)

Introduction

Christianity has a long history of being misunderstood, even by Christians! It's all too easy to make it about Jesus PLUS something (good works, moral living, religious activities, emotional experience…). But the book of Hebrews claims that when we add anything to Jesus, we're actually subtracting. It holds up Jesus Christ – fully God, fully human – as the promised Deliverer. The One who alone saves us from our sinfulness and restores our relationships with God, others, and creation. Its message, the message of Christianity, is really quite simple: Jesus Christ is enough!

Ice Breaker Questions

Here are some possible ways to get a conversation started:

1. If someone was visiting NP for the day, what would you have them do? Eat?

2. What is your most used app (exclude phone, email, and text messaging)?

Getting Started

1. Open up with some prayer – some possible prayer topics:

• God would lead your time of discussion.

• That this study would help our understanding of who God is and who we are in light of that.

• Pray for your GG, that God would bring unity and community in your group.

• We would see Jesus as the author of Hebrews describes Him.

2. Read Hebrews 3:1-6

Discussion Questions

1. In verse 1 we see that Jesus is our apostle “sent one” and high priest of our confession. How do you feel about bringing your brokenness/sin to Jesus? Is there anything in your life you are withholding from Him? Why?

2. Both Moses and Jesus understood and carried out what God had called them to do, even leading to Jesus dying on the cross. What is Jesus calling you to do in this season? Is there something you are scared Jesus is or will call you to? Read Matt. 26:39-44. What about Jesus wrestling with His calling is encouraging to us?

3. Moses was one of, if not the, greatest person the Jewish person could think of. He was who they looked to for guidance, advice, leadership, example, etc. Who is the greatest person you can think of? What attributes do you most admire about them? How specifically is Jesus even better than that person?

4. If verse 3 says that Jesus is the builder and verse four tells us the builder of all things is God, what correlation is it making between Jesus and God? How is it encouraging that Jesus is building/developing you even in this moment? What is an area of your life that you still need Christ to build you up in?

5. There are many people in the world that struggle with loneliness and a sense of abandonment. How does the truth of us as believers all being a part of this spiritual house intersect with that loneliness? How do we meet discouraged believers with the truths about the good builder and the house?

Closing Prayer

Prayer can often be somewhat of a weird time, and we understand it can be awkward to pray out loud, but as your group grows in comfortability ask people to pray out loud. Prayer is a very effective tool the Holy Spirit uses to draw our hearts closer to God. It is also a time you as a group can come together and come before the throne of God and make requests and just experience Him.

Some suggestions:

• Ask if there are any prayer requests.

• Pray that Jesus would use the week to reaffirm the truths discussed here.

• Pray for a new/renewed understanding of who Jesus is.

Personal Spiritual Practice

This section is for anyone that wants some practical steps to try throughout their week. They are not required, but maybe a great way to reinforce what has been discussed during group. Maybe this could even be a way to check in either during the week or the next time you meet as a group.

1. Sitting with God: Imagine having a cup of coffee with Jesus. Review the people, events and happenings of the last few days. Ask Jesus to speak to you about your life. What things does Jesus seem to be pointing out to you?

2. Soaking in the Word: For most of us, learning is the goal when we read scripture, but in this context we simply want to hear what God is saying; to listen, feel and experience the Words of Christ washing over you.

3. Read Hebrews 3:7-19 (or listen on a Bible app if you have one) for 5 days in a row, perhaps from different versions. What words or phrases seem to be emphasized? Ask Jesus, “What do I need to know today about my life with you?

Next Week’s Passage: Hebrews 3:7-19