Discussion Questions: Hebrews 3:7-19
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CG Questions: Hebrews 3:7-19
Opening Question
The “therefore” in verse 7 of chapter 3 indicates a connection between 7-19 and what has already been said. What is this connection? What is the truth of 1-6 that leads to the call of 7-19?
1. Hebrews 3:7 says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Whose voice? Think of a time when you heard this voice. What was your response?
2. Has there been a time when you “hardened your heart?” What does it look like to have a hardened heart? How do you know when your heart is hardening?
3. In verse 10, the phrase, “going astray in their hearts” is used as well. How might you keep your heart soft? How might you refocus your heart when you find it going astray? (Psalm 51)
4. Have you ever been “tested in the wilderness?” In the midst of difficult times, what temptations might exist? The Israelites doubted God’s goodness in the wilderness. (Exodus 17 and Psalm 95) Have you ever doubted God’s goodness in the midst of difficult times? If so, what drew you back to the truth about His character?
5. Hebrews 3:9 refers to God’s faithfulness to His people while they were in the wilderness for forty years. As you reflect on your own moments “in the wilderness,” think about the specific moments God was faithful. Dwell on these moments. Thank Him for these moments. Allow yourself to rest in the reality of His faithfulness in the wilderness.
6. What does it mean to “enter into God’s rest?” Have you experienced this kind of rest?
7. Why is “brothers and sisters” plural in verse 12? In other words, why is this cautionary statement given to all, rather than to one? What might this say about the importance of community?
8. The word “exhort” carries many meanings in verse 13. It means to call to one’s side, to comfort, to admonish, to encourage, and to strengthen. It can even mean to “summon one’s friends to attend to in a trial.” How often are we called to exhort one another? Why?
9. How have you been encouraged or strengthened this week by a brother or sister in Christ? How have you encouraged or strengthened someone else this week? How might constant exhortation keep you from the “deceitfulness of sin” and draw you closer to the Lord?
10. What does it mean “to share in Christ?”
11. Is there such a thing as “solo Christianity?” Can you do this life with Christ on your own, apart from community? Why or why not, based on this passage?
12. How was Moses different from Jesus?
13. What prevents us from entering into God’s rest?
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
- Augustine