Life Group Leader Guide:
The sermon, part of a series titled "Jesus is Better," focuses on Hebrews 3:1-11, emphasizing the superiority of Jesus over Moses and the importance of faithfulness in the Christian life. The preacher begins by reminding the congregation of the context of Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians tempted to abandon their faith under pressure. The central theme is that a believer's endurance is linked to their understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done.
The sermon outlines three main points: a consideration to be acknowledged, a comparison that brings assurance, and a consequence to be avoided.
1. Consideration to be Acknowledged (Verses 1-2):
The sermon urges the listener to "consider Jesus," highlighting His roles as the apostle and high priest of our confession. This consideration involves a deep, reflective focus on Jesus, who was faithful to God, even in His humanity. The preacher uses the analogy of a rocket scientist receiving a letter from Elon Musk to illustrate the importance of paying close attention to Jesus, who holds all authority and resources.
2. Comparison that Brings Assurance (Verses 3-6):
The sermon compares Jesus to Moses, a revered figure in Jewish history. While Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house, Jesus is faithful as a Son over God's house. The preacher elaborates on Moses' significant role in Israel's history, emphasizing that Jesus is worthy of more glory because He is the builder of the house, not just a servant within it. This comparison assures believers of their identity and hope in Christ, urging them not to elevate other figures above Jesus.
3. Consequence to be Avoided (Verses 7-11):
The sermon warns of the dangers of unbelief and hard-heartedness, drawing from Israel's history of rebellion in the wilderness. The sermon highlights the characteristics of unbelief: hardened hearts, flippant attitudes towards God's works, and wandering hearts due to a lack of relationship with God. The preacher stresses that God's anger towards sin is a reflection of His justice and love. The warning is clear: unbelief leads to missing out on God's promises, just as the Israelites failed to enter the Promised Land.
The sermon concludes with a call to action, encouraging believers to reflect on their focus and faithfulness. The preacher emphasizes that our security and hope are based on the object of our faith—Jesus—and not the quality of our faith. Believers are urged to fix their eyes on Jesus, the ultimate apostle and high priest, and to respond in faith, avoiding the pitfalls of unbelief.
Application Questions:
1. How often do you take time to deeply consider who Jesus is and what He has done for you? What practical steps can you take to focus more on Jesus in your daily life?
2. In what ways might you be elevating other figures or voices above Jesus in your spiritual journey? How can you ensure that Jesus remains the central focus of your faith?
3. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's voice due to fear or doubt? How can you address these areas and cultivate a heart that is responsive to God's leading?
4. Reflect on the condition of your heart. Is it more like clay or wax when exposed to the "Son"? How can you foster a heart that remains soft and responsive to God's word?
5. How can you draw from past experiences of God's faithfulness to strengthen your trust in Him for the future? What specific promises of God can you hold onto during challenging times?