Discussion Guide for Hebrews 12: Pursuing Holiness
Key Sermon Themes
- Surrender to God’s Will: “Will you surrender that? Will you submit to me? Because when you do…you’ll find you really live.”
- Confession: Specific confession is crucial. “Not just a general ‘God forgive my sins,’ but what are you asking God to forgive?”
- Saying No to Sin: “The grace of God that brings salvation helps us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.”
- Repentance and Penance: Repentance is acknowledging sin; penance is taking practical steps to turn from sin.
- Enjoy Pleasing God: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” (Psalm 119:32).
Discussion Questions
1. Understanding the Passage (Hebrews 12:1-14)
- What does Hebrews 12 mean when it encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”?
- How does the imagery of running a race help us understand our call to holiness?
- In what ways does God’s discipline (v. 7-11) demonstrate His love for us?
2. Reflecting on the Sermon
- Which of the five main points (Surrender, Confess, Say No, Repentance, Enjoy Pleasing God) resonates most with you, and why?
- The speaker shared a vivid story about the lizard being transformed into a stallion (from The Great Divorce). How does this illustrate the transformation God offers through holiness?
3. Application Questions
- What specific areas in your life might God be asking you to surrender to Him?
- What practical steps can you take to “say no” to sin in your daily life?
- How can you invite someone to hold you accountable for your struggles, as the speaker described with his confessor?
4. Prayerful Response
- Take a moment to reflect: What sin might God be putting His “scalpel” on in your life? Are you ready to surrender it to Him?
- How can your group or church support each other in the pursuit of holiness?
Group Prayer Prompts
- Praise and Worship: Thank God for His love and discipline that shapes us into His likeness.
- Confession: Encourage group members to silently or verbally confess specific sins to God.
- Surrender: Ask for God’s help in surrendering areas of life that feel difficult to release.
- Strength to Say No: Pray for the grace and courage to resist temptation and choose godliness.
- Joy in Holiness: Ask God to help you experience the freedom and joy that comes from living a holy life.
This guide is designed to encourage deeper understanding of Hebrews 12, reflection on personal holiness, and practical application. Use it as a resource for personal or group study.