• Ephesians 1:1-14

Most of us have had some experience planning a “big event.” Some of these—such as weddings —take a lot of planning. We reserve the facilities, make the decorations, decide whom to invite, address and send out invitations, and do all we can to make the occasion something special and memorable for all who attend.

In this opening passage in Ephesians, Paul describes a “big event”—a celebration—God was and is planning.

Ephesus was a great Greek city. It had a theater that was the envy of many in the ancient Mediterranean world. It was the site of games, athletic competition similar to the recent Olympics in Beijing. A magnificent temple to the Roman goddess Artemis—listed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world—was in Ephesus. Celebrations of many and various sorts were a consistent part of life in Ephesus.

Given Paul’s circumstances, it would seem he had little to celebrate. Three times in Ephesians, Paul implies he was writing from a jail to the church at Ephesus. In 3:1, he calls himself “the prisoner of Christ Jesus,” in 4:1, “the prisoner for the Lord” and in 6:20, “an ambassador in chains.” This is why we refer to Ephesians as one of Paul’s “Prison Epistles” (Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are the others). The book of Acts ends with Paul under something like house arrest. During this time news and various concerns came before Paul that led to his writing these letters.

In writing Ephesians, Paul was dealing with reports of two problems at Ephesus. Apparently, he had heard some were so relishing their freedom from the law that their moral standards had become lax. Also, there had risen more tension between the Gentile and Jewish Christians.

Paul opened his letter in his usual way. However, notice that, after identifying himself, Paul addresses in an inclusive manner. This letter is for “the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” He is starting with that which all of them—Jew and Gentile alike—have in common.

Despite his imprisonment, Paul knew he was not alone in living out faith in Jesus. He also recognized those Ephesian Christians were doing the same despite all their problems and struggles. How strange, Paul must have felt, that in the midst of so many celebrations in Ephesus, the church there was, instead, finding so much to drive them apart.

In our passage, Paul points to reasons Christians should live lives of celebration. First, despite our sinful nature, from the beginning God has planned to make us righteous and holy (vv. 3-4). Second, despite our sin, from the beginning God has planned to adopt us (v. 5). Third, it was God’s own sacrifice—not our own—that made all this possible (v. 7). Fourth, God’s plan is to “lavish” grace on us (vv. 7-8). Grace is not shared grudgingly nor with hesitation. Rather, like the loving father of the “prodigal son” (Luke 15:11-32), when we turn to God, we are showered with love, mercy and grace. And as was true when the son returned, the celebration began (Luke 15:24).

If God’s word is true (and, of course, it is), God’s does not want for “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Also, try reading through Romans and counting the number of times the word “all” appears. Here are just a few. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is the “father of all who believe” (Romans 4:11).  “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Romans 10:12).

There was so much that already joined the Jews and the Gentiles in the church in Ephesus, but they lacked unity. What is “God’s plan”? Paul writes that the plan “to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment [is] to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (v. 10).

This is first a call to unity. Despite their many differences, the Ephesian Christians were called to celebrate what they had in common in and through Jesus Christ. After all, they did share God’s grace and adoption. Then, they were to be holy and blameless. They were to be and act like God’s children. All this, Paul writes, is not only possible only by and through God—it is all done for God’s glory (v. 14).

God has planned the same celebration for us. Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, everything has been done and made ready. God has invited us to participate in this lavish plan. The question is that of our response. How will we live in unity with other Christians? How will we live holy lives as God’s children? How will our living bring glory to God?

Questions to explore

•  How has God’s work for us in Jesus made possible our unity as Christians?

•  How can/will our living holy lives and in unity with other Christians bring glory to God?

Of all the aspects of the Christian life, a personal sharing of faith with nonbelievers seems to be the one which brings the most unease or fear. While prayer, Bible study and even stewardship come easy, personal witnessing or evangelism prompts a host of reasons to excuse a lack of exercise.

Most of these excuses relate to some perceived limitation on the individual such as limited opportunity or limited ability. Chrisitians will say they do not know any non-believers or do not know enough to witness or do not have that gift. Some are able to summon the courage to witness, but only do so at specific times such as a church’s designated visitation night.

But as believers, it is our duty to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). As we conclude the study of the book of Acts, we see an occasion in the life of Paul that teaches us how to overcome any perceived limitations in our efforts to share the Good News.

Make new acquaintances (Acts 28:16-22)

After a long and dangerous journey, Paul arrived in Rome, the political center of the known world and a city to which Paul never had traveled. Although it was a Jewish leader in Jerusalem who had Paul arrested, he called together a meeting of the Jewish leaders in Rome shortly after arriving. Paul had reason to expect the same type of response from them as he had received in Jerusalem, but he apparently felt he had more in common with these leaders than anyone else in the city.

Everywhere Paul went, his primary desire was to share the gospel with anyone who would listen, and he most often started with those who shared his religious heritage. In this case, he began by simply sharing with them the story of his experience in Jerusalem, a city which would have held significance to them.

In doing so, Paul shows us an important first step in witnessing is to establish a relationship with people. Once they understand we have much in common, they will be more willing to listen.

Find interested people (Acts 28:23-25)

Once Paul established common ground with the Jewish leadership, they brought others to hear what he had to say.

Often one of the reasons believers do not witness is that they are afraid of ridicule if the other person is not interested. It is much easier to talk to people who are interested in what you are saying. But often, even if the first person is not interested, when word spreads, those who are interested will come to hear.

It is clear many in the crowd who came to Paul were interested since they stayed to listen “from morning till evening.” Focusing on those who already have an interest does not excuse us from being prepared to share with anyone, but those with an interest are the ones most likely to be convinced and to be a support afterwards. Believers should never use the excuse that they do not know any nonbelievers with an interest in spiritual issues. If we only look, we will find there are many interested people.

Look for open-minded people (Acts 28:28-29)

One of the negative results of the centuries since the Scientific Revolution is that humanity has come to believe that we have all of reality figured out. We can explain all of the aspects of the cosmos with purely physical and mathematical descriptions. Ironically, the Age of Enlightenment which was intended to broaden our minds with knowledge has, in some areas, resulted in a narrowing or closing of the human mind.

This especially is true in the area of the supernatural or spiritual realm. Over the past few decades, however, there has been a reawakening to the reality of humanity’s essentially spiritual nature. There are many who honestly are seeking answers and are open-minded in their search.

This appears to have been the state of many of those who came to hear Paul speak. Those who came with an interest also came with an open mind. Although some did not initially believe Paul’s message, they did listen and then continued the discussion with others after leaving Paul.

One of the most difficult obstacles or limitations to overcome in witnessing is seeking to convince someone who is close-minded. Yet if we look, we can find those who, for a variety of reasons, are willing to listen with an open mind.

Let people come to you (Acts 28:30-31)

When Paul first arrived in Rome, he did not know anyone and was soon told that, while they had not heard negative reports about Paul, all the leaders knew about the message Paul proclaimed was negative. Yet having established a relationship with the local leaders, Paul soon found it unnecessary to go looking for people to witness to. They were coming to him.

A common misconception about personal witnessing is that it always requires a person to go out and approach people. While God does call us to be willing to go, simply living the faith we profess will attract those around us to come to us. It is then merely a matter of being ready and willing to respond. As we do so, we need not worry about not having all of the answers. Like Paul, we simply need to share with them what we know and trust God to turn their interest into conviction and acceptance.

• Hebrews 12:1-15

Consistency is the key to success in many areas of life. Consistent work yields productivity. Consistent discipline in exercise yields a healthier body. Consistent savings leads to accumulation of wealth.

Most Christians could use more consistency in their relationship with God, so this week we are reading Hebrews 12:1-15 with an eye toward developing a consistent walk with God.

Consistency in our walk with God means we are the same person at work as at home, and the same person at home as at church. It is this kind of consistency and discipline that equips believers to “keep on keepin’ on” when life is difficult. Becoming a more consistent believer requires determined, disciplined effort. We will learn in this week’s lesson that this is achieved by removing the hindrances of sin, accepting discipline from God and putting our faith in action.

This lesson is designed to help you choose God’s best for your life by discovering steps you can take to be more consistent in your Christian walk; and determining to be more consistent in your Christian walk.

Remove hindrances (Hebrews 12:1-4)

Perhaps you’ve watched runners in races. They wear special shoes that reduce their weight and give maximum support. They wear loose fitting clothes to allow for comfortable movement, and are yet fitting enough to reduce wind resistance. A runner works to remove everything that would reduce her speed and hinder her race.

So it is with the Christian lifestyle. To walk consistently with God, we must remove all the hindrances in the “race.” Primarily, sin is the thing that holds us back most often. We need to lay aside anything that hinders our progress and keeps our focus off of Jesus, our supreme example.

We must apply discipline and effort to remove the sins causing problems. Begin by making an honest self-assessment. If laziness is keeping you down, get active. Set goals, make a plan, move forward. If alcohol is distracting you from accomplishing a closer walk with God, put it aside. If an obsession with sex is causing you to chase after the wrong things, refocus your life on following God and put these things second in your priority list.

Consider a time when you tried to lose weight and get in shape. When we first decide to diet or take better care of ourselves, we do pretty well. But a few days into it, we find we lack the consistency to follow through. But when we make a change for good in our lives, we need to look to the “large cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us and allow their legacy of faithfulness to encourage us when opposition is high, or consistency is elusive. 

Hebrews 12:2 tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Practical ways of doing this include creating and keeping a special time for prayer and Scripture reading. It might also include finding someone who knows you well and discussing how they might keep you honest about who you are in all the areas of life. This creates accountability outside yourself and leads to a more consistent lifestyle. Ask your learners for more ideas about how to maintain consistency in their faith.
       
Accept discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11)
   
No one enjoys discipline. Correction can be embarrassing, even painful. When we receive discipline, we can feel ashamed or even angry. Hebrews suggests the difficulties of life are discipline from God, and the goal of God’s discipline is the possibility of holiness. It’s a worthy goal, but it can be a bitter pill to swallow.

We do well, however, if we can view discipline and correction from God as opportunities for growth in our holiness. You might ask your learners to reflect on a time from their own lives when they learned a hard but important lesson about life through difficulty or adversity. Ask them to identify how they grew as a result of the discpline/difficulty.

It’s also hard to keep perspective on why we are disciplined. It breaks my heart to have to punish my children, but I do so because I know correcting them is more loving than allowing them to continue down a path that leads to an unhappy life. When we move the perspective to God, it is easier to see that God’s correction and discipline in our lives are a sign God loves us and cares about our future.

Put faith into action (Hebrews 12:12-15)

This last section of Scripture is really about strength training and conditioning that will allow us to put our faith in action. The 2008 Olympics are going on at the time of this writing, and it is fascinating and inspiring to watch the athletes in prime physical conditioning. But they did not get that way over night. They didn’t even decide six months prior to enter the Olympics, but began conditioning and competing many years beforehand. Through their striving and practice they made it. 

Believers are in a similar situation. “Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” says the text. Prepare for action in our faith, and work always to make our faith the defining mark of how we live our lives. We believers race together and have a mutual responsibility to support and encourage one another “… make level paths” says Hebrews 12:13.

The striving for spiritual health and holiness produces consistent Christian living, a lifestyle where our faith is put into action.

• Hebrews 10:19-29, 32-36

“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” wrote Paul in Philippians 4:13. Confidence in ourselves always is helpful in difficult situations, and it makes a difference in our relations with others.

Remember Reggie Jackson predicting he’d hit three home runs in a World Series game and then did it? Or consider that successful salespeople are confident they can sell anything to anybody. 

So where does confidence fit into the life of a Christian? Is it right for a Christian to even feel confident? And if so, when does it border on arrogance?

This week’s passage indicates believers can radiate the same kind of confidence as Martin Luther or William Carey or Martin Luther King Jr. Christians can worship and witness with confidence when that confidence is based on the sacrificial work of Christ. Let’s talk about the specifics of that. 

Know the source of confidence (Hebrews 10:19-23)

Simply put, the source of our confidence as Christians lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Because of his work, we are able to approach God with confidence, without need to make a sacrifice. The blood of Jesus has opened the way to God, and we can draw near to God with a cleansed and guilt-free heart.

The idea then, is that we stand before God not on our own merit, but on the merit of what Jesus did for us. So then, if we have any confidence to approach God, it is only because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

Ask your learners what keeps them from approaching God with confidence. Mostly we keep ourselves from God by failing to confess our sins and by believing wrongly that the sins of the past are still being tallied by God.  Once we have confessed our sin, it is possible for us to stand with confidence before God.

Stay connected to Christians (Hebrews 10:24-25)

The Christian faith was never meant to be practiced in isolation. Jesus travelled with 12 disciples and stayed connected to the temple and its community of scholars and leaders. Hebrews instructs us to band together and meet regularly to foster community and accountability.

Our gathering times are not simply about being “fed,” however, because the idea of fellowship is that we encourage one another, pray for one another and grow closer to one another.

Believers will find it difficult to have confidence in their relationship to God if they are not actively connected to a community of faith—made up of like-minded believers. Serving in church alongside other believers helps us to stay connected to each other and to Christ.

Ask your learners to consider completing a service project in Jesus’ name sometime in the next 30 days. Observe the connectedness to one another that will occur in such a scenario.

Ask your learners to make a commitment to attend church together and make a commitment to miss no Sundays for six months.

Take sin seriously (Hebrews 10:26-29)

This passage is a call to take sin seriously, but it is not to be understood as teaching we can lose our salvation. The writer of Hebrews simply is warning us about the seriousness of sin and the consequences of sin upon our lives now. It is impossible to have confidence in our lives when God is not in control. It also is impossible to have control of our lives when sin is in control. 

Remember past victories (Hebrews 10:32-36)

One of the ways we can be confident in our life is to remember the victories of the past—both the ones we have accomplished and the ones God has accomplished.

The writer of Hebrews is complimenting the readers for being strong in the face of persecution.  It is this kind of confidence we want to have when facing challenges in life. 

Maintaining confidence is easier when we’ve had past victories, and those memories make us less likely to throw away our confidence in the present.
 

• Acts 24:22-26; 26:22-31

People respond to the gospel in a lot of different ways. Some readily accept God’s offer of salvation while others respond with a number of questions. Still others see the Christian message as something of a crutch for the “weak-minded.” Some may see it as a quaint idea that may have had significance for people long ago, but certainly could not be relevant to life in the 21st century world.

One of the results of the last 150 years of scientific advance has been a gradual decline in the perceived need for God by many people. With our increased knowledge of the natural world, they find less reason to appeal to the supernatural.

Because of this, believers often have found people increasingly closed to the gospel. Some may come to the conclusion that certain people are simply unreachable. They perhaps have witnessed to them and prayed for their salvation for weeks or months without any sign of change. Some may even give up on reaching them.

Yet the history of the church is full of stories such as that of Frank Morison and Josh McDowell who were atheists that set out to disprove the gospel only to become strong Christian believers. God wants us to understand no one is unreachable and we never should stop sharing the Good News with anyone. Paul provides us with a number of examples of how to maintain a witness to even the most secular people.

Some will wait: Keep talking (Acts 24:22-26)

After his initial arrest, Paul eventually was sent to stand before the governor Felix. Although it is unclear how, the Bible tells us Felix had considerable knowledge of the gospel. Perhaps a number of believers had stood trial before him. Perhaps he had secretly attended some of their meetings.

However he had obtained the knowledge, it is clear it was simply head knowledge without belief or acceptance. On several occasions in Acts, it seems as if Felix is close to converting, but continually puts Paul off.

There are many people outside the church today who can state accurately the essential tenets of the Christian faith. They perhaps used to attend church regularly. They have read the Bible and may watch religious television programs. Yet for some reason, they refuse to take the step of accepting God’s gift of salvation. Perhaps they feel they will have time to do that later.

Paul teaches that when we encounter such people, we should never say, “Well, I have told you all you need to know. Whenever you get ready to accept it, let me know.” We should simply continue to be a positive witness to the Truth in their life and keep talking to them.
 
Some will ridicule: Show respect (Acts 26:22-25)

Whereas Felix had merely put Paul off, Festus openly ridiculed Paul for his beliefs. Today, a number of unbelievers criticize and ridicule believers as weak, old-fashioned and deluded. Often these statements are based on misconceptions or are used as a defense or excuse for refusing to accept the message.

When this happens, it can be easy to react and return their ridicule. Yet such a reaction would actually harm the believer’s witness and violate Jesus’ call to love those who persecute us.

Paul demonstrated the proper response to ridicule—respect the other person and their opinions. Paul recognized the position Festus held and refused to start an argument over sideline issues. He respectfully kept the focus on his words.

While we may well encounter those who will make fun of or ridicule our beliefs, we must never get involved in the senseless practice of labeling others or returning insult for insult. One of the most effective weapons we have in such instances is to remain respectful even amid ridicule.

Some will be silent: Ask questions (Acts 26:26-27)

Throughout Paul’s trial, one person had remained mostly silent. King Agrippa apparently had been quietly observing the proceedings. He had been listening to both sides present their arguments and was likely weighing them in his personal balance. Like Felix, Agrippa apparently was no stranger to Paul’s message. He also likely had considerable contact with those who professed belief in Jesus. Paul noticed Agrippa was remaining silent and directly addressed a question to him which called on the king to take a stand on one side or the other.

As we share or witness, we will occasionally encounter those who do not respond in any way. In these cases, we need to determine whether they understand what we are sharing. Yet in asking questions, we should try to avoid putting them on the spot or in an awkward position. We may find they are close to accepting, but simply do not know how to express it.

Some will refuse: Express concern (Acts 26:28-31)

At the end of the day, none of the officials present could find any fault with Paul or his message. Yet none of them seems to have believed or accepted that message. Even after the king expressed the possibility that Paul might be able to convince him, all of the officials left the court. As they did so, Paul expressed his desire that each of them would come to salvation.

How often are we today that concerned about the spiritual condition of unbelievers, especially those who question, ridicule or refuse to accept our message? The Bible is clear that it is the desire of God that all people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and God has given us as believers the duty to share that message with all people regardless of how secular-minded they might be or how much they might ridicule us and refuse to believe.
 

• Acts 21: 17-29, 39 

No one likes to be criticized. While we may be able to handle “a little constructive criticism” from a relative or trusted friend, negative criticism most often immediately raises our defenses. Our ego is stung and feelings are hurt which often can provoke us to direct our own negative criticism at the critic. Self-protection springs into action as we react to what is perceived as an attack. This is only intensified if we feel the criticism is unfair or untrue.

Whether it concerns our appearance, words, beliefs or actions, no one likes to be criticized. Yet, since we all will face criticism at various times in life, what we need to learn is that God desires for us to learn how to positively respond rather than negatively react when others criticize us.

Paul was someone who faced criticism almost on a daily basis. His letters are full of his written responses to criticism. The book of Acts records an account of when Paul was arrested in Jerusalem based on the accusations and criticism of others. As we study this story, we can learn how we might respond to criticism in positive ways that please God.

Some criticism is unfair (Acts 21:17-21)

As Paul took the gospel to the Gentiles, questions arose concerning the relationship between the Gentile believers and the Jewish Torah. Since this new religious message had grown out of Judaism, many felt any new believer should adhere to Jewish law.
Paul, however, did not think so and taught new Gentile converts they did not need to follow the Torah. Those who opposed Paul distorted his teachings and claimed he was telling Jewish believers the Torah no longer was valid.

This was simply not true. Paul himself continued to observe the Jewish law and religious feasts. He specifically had timed his journey so he could be back in Jerusalem for Passover.

Often, believers today are criticized as being narrow-minded or anti-everything. Most often these criticisms come from those who do not understand Christianity or who intentionally oppose it. They may be using these critical remarks as excuses for not believing. Believers need to be aware of this and find positive ways to respond.

Take positive action (Acts 21:22-26)

In light of the specific accusations against Paul, the leaders of the church in Jerusalem encouraged him to openly demonstrate his belief in the validity of the Torah by performing purification rites. They also encouraged him to assist other Jewish believers in performing the rites to show he recognized the authority of the Torah for all Jewish believers.

Since this did not violate the gospel and was in line with Paul’s religious practice, he gladly did so. Rather than reacting in anger and engaging his opponents in an argument or debate, Paul simply acted in a way that clearly showed their criticism was unfounded.

Many in the church today could take a lesson here from Paul. So often when criticized, people verbally react in such a way that does little good and usually damages their witness. Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who criticize us. This never is demonstrated through arguing, but can be practiced by living in such a way that shows the error in their critiques and may attract them to belief.

Some criticism is untrue (Acts 21:27-29)

Paul’s opponents simply would not be deterred from their attacks against him. Even as he was in the midst of observing the requirements of the Torah, they were looking for opportunities to hinder his witness and damage his reputation. Having seen Paul talking to a Gentile friend in the city, they assumed he had taken that friend into the courts of the Temple. No one had seen them in the Temple area, but merely made the assumption.

There are few things that can do more damage than accusations based on assumptions. Many lives and relationships have been damaged deeply by such careless words. Here again the temptation is to react in anger and become defensive. Often, this simply adds fuel to the accusations. As believers, we never should become involved in making or spreading such assumptions about others. And when we find ourselves the victims of untrue criticism, we need to be careful that our response is positive and does not damage our witness.

Make positive statements (Acts 21:39)

When the city leaders heard the uproar over Paul, they sent soldiers to break up the impending riot and arrest Paul. As they tried to arrest him, the people continued shouting their accusations. Verse 34 states no one could seem to agree as the people were shouting different things about Paul. As they brought him into the barracks, the tribune repeated one of the many accusations against him.

Paul calmly corrected him by politely stating the truth about himself. He did not criticize the tribune or the people who had made the accusation. In fact, he asked for the opportunity to speak with the same people who had tried to kill him.

When faced with criticism, especially when it is untrue, it can be easy to allow anger to take over. When that happens, we find we often become guilty of being overly critical of others. Paul teaches us to always control our temper and only speak the truth and those things which would build someone up, even if they want to tear us down.

• Hebrews 5:11–6:12

The hallway of our house is an art gallery. Years of children’s finger paintings, pumpkin cut-outs, and cotton ball “snowmen” grace the walls.
My favorite is the framed matte with photos of my daughter’s school pictures—one for each year from kindergarten to now (she’s a high school junior at the time of this writing).

I love it because it shows how she has changed and stayed the same over the years. Her eyes still are blue, her hair still is curly, her nose still is shaped the same in all the pictures. But some things are changed, too. She clearly is becoming a young woman, and the changes that mark the passing of time are obvious.

I am crazy about this picture because it shows how she has matured over time, and I can remember how her actions reflect an ongoing maturing process that goes far beyond the surface level of the photos.

Can we say the same for our own lives? Can we gladly testify to the old preacher’s line: “I ain’t what I wanna be, and I ain’t what I’m gonna be, but thank God, I’m not what I used to be?” Can we look back over our walk as a Christian and see the ways in which we’ve grown and changed? The ways in which we still are the same?

This week’s lesson is about this very idea—the idea that Christians should be growing in spiritual maturity. The good news is that all Christians can reach a higher level of maturity. All Christians can change for the better, and with God's help, can become a stronger person of faith. We’re going to dig into Hebrews 5 and 6 to unearth ways of growing in faith.

Discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:11-14)

The Hebrew Christians were spiritually immature. The writer of Hebrews uses the analogy of a baby that takes milk and never grows to taking food of a substantial nature. The specific food needed for spiritual maturity was an understanding of righteousness.

Take care to note verse 14 with your students. The Bible teaches that the fruit of spiritual maturity is the ability to “distinguish good from evil.” This is called discernment, and it involves making decisions about right and wrong.

The fine art of discernment is necessary in the life of Christians who are faced with issues not explicitly discussed in the Bible or found in Jesus’ teachings. We are called to grow and mature in the faith so we can make hard decisions by using discernment in deciding between right and wrong choices, as well as “good” versus “best” choices.

Application ideas

• Ask your learners to identify areas of their spiritual walk where they’ve become stagnant. Has this lack of growth led to any regrettable decisions? How might they view ongoing spiritual growth as opportunities in light of past mistakes?

• Consider using an illustration from farm life. If a plant stops growing, it is dying. A plant that is unhealthy and failing to grow never will bear its intended fruit.

• Ask your learners to take note of Hebrews 5:14 and emphasize for them how the passage implies a day-to-day effort at working out spiritual growth. Explore with your class what a “daily workout” might look like spiritually. Should it include regular Bible study? Prayer? Worship? Communion?

Be fruitful and blessed by God (Hebrews 6:1-8)
       
The writer of Hebrews believed the readers of the letter needed to move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ by making deliberate efforts to grow spiritually. In this passage, we are exhorted to rely on the elementary teachings about Christ so that we will be fruitful in our spiritual growth.

One of the ways to do this is to help your learners identify their level of spiritual maturity by discussing how much the truths of Christianity have affected their lives. Would they agree with the writer that they have “tasted the heavenly gift” and “shared in the Holy Spirit?”

Another way is to help them assess their fruitfulness in the kingdom of God. The seventh and eighth verses of chapter 6 describe how land that is full of thorns and thistles is fruitless and eventually will be burned. Land that produces a useful crop receives the blessing of God.

What then, are fruitful “crops” that God blesses in your church? Ask them to name specifics.

This passage likely will raise some questions about verses 4-6 because it calls into question the doctrine of perpetual or permanent salvation.
Some commentators have various theories about how we might interpret this passage. Here are some possible alternatives for understanding the text:
(1) The writer is presenting a hypothetical case, based on the Greek grammar.
(2) The writer was warning against believers renouncing their faith and losing their salvation.
(3) The threat involves a loss of rewards rather than a loss of salvation.
(4) The readers were true Christians whose lives showed little or no evidence they were true believers.
(5) The readers were not true Christians.
(6) Hebrews was addressed to Christian Jews still worshiping in a Jewish synagogue composed in part of non-Christian Jews. By the author’s use of first (vv. 1-3) and second (vv. 4-6) person, he indicates these two groups. Verses 1-3 exhorted Christians to move beyond the Christian truths compatible with Jewish doctrines, while verses 4-6 refer to a decisive rejection of Christ by Jewish unbelievers.

Ultimately your learners must choose their own interpretation of this passage, but it is this writer's personal belief that Christians do not lose their salvation. Work hard to keep your group focused on the learning goals of this lesson—thinking about spiritual maturity—not on this divisive doctrine. You might consider setting aside another day to discuss this with your group.

Demonstrate diligence (Hebrews 6:9-12)

The writer of Hebrews is making note of their works of love and the way they have served God by helping God’s people. The writer was encouraging them to continue in this diligence and avoid laziness.

How can your learners do this? One way is to look for good examples of faithful servants of God and then work to emulate what they do right. Each of your learners likely know at least one person who is spiritually mature. Ask them to identify that person to themselves and then describe their traits of maturity to the group.

Ask the whole group to share and make a list on a marker board or flip chart of the things they say. When everyone has shared, ask them if there are other traits of spiritual maturity. Finally, ask them to identify 2-3 traits they need to improve in their own lives. Close with a prayer asking for strength from God to improve in those areas and to grow spiritually.
 

• Acts 18:24-28; 19:1-10

Over the past few decades, it has become somewhat fashionable to be religious. Celebrities increasingly have paraded their personal choices in religious beliefs through the media. The religious beliefs of political candidates have played an increasing role in elections. It has become acceptable to openly discuss personal experiences in our individual quests to understand the deep spiritual hunger we all feel.

One thing this situation has revealed is the error in the frequent assumption that people from the same area or with similar backgrounds share religious beliefs and understandings. This is simply not true in many cases. Even in the midst of what many see as a “Christian nation,” there is widespread misconceptions or accepted half-truths about the Christian faith.

In order to address this, many churches develop “seeker-sensitive” ministries through which they seek to explain Christianity to those who are religiously curious. Yet in doing so, some merely emphasize the religious aspects of Christianity by watering down or adding to the Christian message.

God created humans to seek spiritual connection with God and calls all believers to help others understand how to truly make that connection in a way that brings purpose to life. The story of Paul’s encounter with the people of Ephesus has much to teach us about how we can respond to religious people.

Listen to what others say (Acts 18:24-28)

In order to know what someone believes, we must first listen to what they say. Often due to a person’s reputation or position, it is possible to assume they have a complete understanding of what they are talking about. Yet when we take time to listen, we may find their understanding is in error or incomplete.

Apollos apparently had a reputation as one who was highly educated in the Scriptures and was an effective teacher. Perhaps he had the right degrees from the right schools. Yet when Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak, they quickly saw he did not fully understand God’s plan for salvation. He knew and could thoroughly explain the external rituals and practices of the Christian faith, but lacked an understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. In other words, he was an expert in Christianity as a religion, but did not understand it as a relationship between the individual and God.

Many today similarly know the vocabulary of Christianity well enough that, on the surface, they sound as if they are a growing believer when in fact their Christianity is only incomplete head knowledge. Only as believers really listen to them can they help them more fully understand.

Ask others questions (Acts 19:1-3)

As we listen to others share what they know, we may begin to detect shortcomings or weaknesses in their understanding. It is at those points that believers need to ask questions.

As Paul talked to the residents of Ephesus, he sensed they had an inadequate understanding of the Holy Spirit. Yet rather than brush it aside by assuming they understood, Paul asked a question directed at the area where their understanding was incomplete.

Today, many may see Christianity as a set of rules like other religions or they may see salvation as simply securing a future home in heaven. Both of these are simply inadequate beliefs which need to be corrected. The best way a believer has to assist in that process is to refuse to assume someone understands Christianity is much more about freedom and meaning in life and has great significance for life prior to death and to ask questions about their perspective on Christianity.

Teach what’s needed (Acts 19:4-7)

Once areas of misunderstanding or incomplete understanding have been identified, then a believer can teach the other person the truth. This is an area where many believers feel inadequate. They may come to a certain point in the conversation and then refer them to a pastor or minister.

While this is not always a bad idea, it may instill the erroneous idea that one needs some special training or education to fully understand the Christian faith. This strengthens the perception that Christianity is a religion. Correcting misconceptions or filling in incomplete understanding of Christianity does not take a seminary degree. It simply takes a believer faithfully walking with God on a daily basis through Bible study and prayer.

Seek opportunities to help (Acts 19:8-10)

The Bible clearly teaches Satan is an enemy of the Christian faith constantly seeking ways to weaken or discredit it. One of the most effective tools in Satan’s arsenal against Christianity is misinformation and half-truths. Once these are part of a person’s thoughts, they can lead the person to assume their salvation and relationship with God is good when in fact they may be lost or living an ineffective Christian life.

Because of this, it is important that faithful growing believers always be watchful for opportunities to help others understand and grow in their relationship with God.

Everywhere Paul went, he sought out those groups or individuals who lacked something in their beliefs. This does not give believers license to take a “holier-than-thou” attitude and seek to correct every minute detail in someone else’s theology. Such action would simply further discredit Christianity as a religion of strict detailed regulations and dogmatic doctrines.

Yet when we see one whose beliefs are misguided or incomplete, we should all follow Paul’s example in seeking out opportunities to help them grow in a deeper relationship with God.
 

• Hebrews 2:14–3:1, 5-14

 Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is better to be faithful than famous.” While success and fame are more valuable that faithfulness in the present culture around us, faithfulness is the quiet hallmark to which Christians are called. It is by remaining faithful—even when all other signs indicate we should not—that we are most counter-cultural. 

When faithfulness to one’s commitments takes a back seat to indulgence in one’s wants, we find a recipe for a stew that is flavored with personal discontent, feelings of inadequacy, covetousness and unfulfilled lives. But when we are faithful to God rather to our indulgences, we find a rich way of living that offers peace beyond all understanding.  

While God expects believers to be faithful, God also provides resources and tools to keep the faith. Our spiritual resources for remaining faithful are rich and plenty, and this week’s lesson is about discovering those precious gifts for keeping the faith. God will not call us to faithfulness without giving us a way to accomplish this goal! 

What can help me stay faithful to God? Our tools are Jesus our helper, our calling, our Bible and our church family.

My Helper (Hebrews 2:14-18)

Perhaps one of the most comforting and reassuring passages in all the Bible, Hebrews 2:14-18 paints a portrait of the human side of Jesus who endured testing and suffering in order to provide salvation for the world. His humanity is evidenced as a reminder that you and I, though human, have a helper in Jesus. Jesus is able to provide a resource to us in the times of testing and temptation—times when our faithfulness is being stretched to the max.

The great beauty in this passage is that it acknowledges the fully human nature of Jesus. It clarifies that his temptations and tests were as real as ours, and as our model of faithfulness, Jesus’ help to us can help us endure. 

Application idea
 
• We can be confident that when we trust in Christ and what he has done for us, we are released from sin’s domination. Ask your class to privately consider a time when they were tempted and needed to trust in Christ’s power to help them through the temptation. How might they encourage others going through similar tests and temptations?   

My calling (Hebrews 3:1, 5-6)

Moses stood firm, we are told in verse 5, to watch over God’s “house” as a servant. That is to say, he was faithful in guiding the children of Israel out of Egypt and to the very edge of the Promised Land. It was this holy calling that took priority in his live, and the genuineness of his work guided his life.

The same faithfulness was seen in Christ as God’s Son, and he faithfully followed his calling. Like Moses, Jesus was a servant in God’s house, and in fact, we can say he was a servant to all. That was his calling.

As believers today, we are equally subject to a heavenly calling to put our faith in Jesus and give him priority in our lives. We are the house of God if we “hold firm the confidence and the pride that belong to hope” (Hebrews 3:6). 

Application ideas

• Because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain faithful to God’s calling upon our lives. Ask your learners to share or consider a time when they sensed God was calling them to do something. Tell them about a time you did what you thought God was asking you to do and how that turned out. Or perhaps share about a time when you did not follow God’s calling. What were the consequences? 

My Bible (Hebrews 3:7-11)

In this passage, the writer is recounting the wandering of the Israelites in the wilderness as a consequence of their lack of faithfulness to God. It is important for us to know the voice of God so that we, too, can be faithful in our walk. While God speaks in many ways and in many times, the Scriptures can be affirmed as one of the best ways God speaks to us.

It is important, then, if we are to remain faithful in hearing God’s voice, that we would be diligent students of Scripture. Memorizing texts, understanding the context of Scripture and praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us in reading the Bible are all ways we can be faithful to God. The writer of Hebrews began his quotation from Psalm 95 by noting the psalmist’s words were the words of the Holy Spirit (3:7).

Ultimately, believers are called to read the Bible through the “lens” of Jesus as savior.  Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection must necessarily “flavor” or influence how we read all of the Bible. To be faithful to Christ, it is imperative to read Scripture in this way.

My church (Hebrews 3:12-14)
       
The fourth tool God gives us to help us remain faithful is the church. We are to be on guard that we do not have unfaithful hearts as the Israelites did (vv. 7-11). The church at her best offers believers encouragement to help Christians maintain a higher level of commitment and faithfulness to God. 

Verse 13 says we should exhort one another so we might not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. The encouragement of fellow believers helps us avoid the snares of sin, and it keeps us closely connected to one another. In this sense, the church—the body of Jesus Christ—serves to keep us strong and help us be faithful.

Application ideas

•    Ask your learners to tell about a time when the church helped them remain faithful to God.

•    Ask your learners to consider the people in their church that are hurting or suffering and brainstorm how your group might “be the body of Christ” to those people—and thereby encourage them in their faithfulness to God.
 

 • Acts 17:16-31

Life is full of questions. Many of these deal with the practical issues of living while others concern the great mysteries of life and reality. Humans are unique in all creation for our ability to ask and seek answers to these later questions.

As we do so, our quest inevitably leads us to explore various religious beliefs and traditions. We seem to instinctively know that the answers to our deepest questions can only be found within the realm of the divine.

Unfortunately, there are an ever-increasing number of voices in the world claiming to offer the most meaningful and fulfilling answers to our questions.

As a result, many come away from such a pursuit with the idea that all religions lead to the same place. They all seem to have basically the same answers to life’s questions, and thus one may choose the one he or she prefers from among many equally valid religious traditions. They fail to appreciate or understand the ways in which Christianity offers answers which are distinctive from other religions in important ways.

Many Christian believers also fail to fully acknowledge this uniqueness and seek to blend their Christian beliefs with various other philosophies. When non-believers ask them, they are unable to point to the unique aspects of Christianity because they have not taken time to fully understand them.

Such a situation is nothing new. Paul was faced many times by people asking questions. At a time when what would later be known as “Christianity” was just taking shape, many people questioned its teachings. As we look at the account of Paul’s encounter with one such group, we can understand Christianity’s uniqueness and how we can help others to recognize it as providing the only meaningful answers to their questions.

Who God is not (Acts 17:16-18)

It often can be difficult to imagine the cultural and religious life of the people with whom Paul interacted. It was a time dominated by competing philosophical ideas and religious devotion to a wide variety of gods.

Many of the myths concerning the various gods presented them in a way which resembled human behavior and interaction. These myths included stories of jealousy, deception, pettiness, lust and revenge.

Religious beliefs also were influenced by the many ideas of the great Greek philosophers who taught everything from stoic self-denial as a means to achieve enlightenment to the pursuit of pleasure as the highest goal in life. These were the convictions of the majority of the people Paul encountered, and thus Paul spent much time seeking to show God was not the same as the many pagan deities.

Today, there are many misconceptions concerning the God of the Bible among non-believers. Many only have heard a few stories from the Bible and believe God is a great cosmic police officer or judge waiting to strike down any who cross the line of the divine law. Others see God as a God of centuries ago who could not possibly understand life in the 21st century. Still others hold that God is only a crutch for the weak-minded.

As believers, it is vitally important that we take time to show people the error of their misconceptions and clearly distinguish the God of the Bible from all the things God is not.

Who God is (Acts 17:19-29)

While it is important to clarify misunderstandings about God, it equally is important to clearly convey who God is. As he toured Athens, Paul came across an altar to an unknown god. This may indicate the Athenians knew their many other gods did not satisfy their deepest hunger for answers but, knowing the answers must be “out there somewhere,” sought to worship the god who held the answers even though they did not know that god’s name.

Paul simply filled in the blank for them. He clearly told them that this “unknown god” did indeed hold the answers they were seeking. This unknown god was in fact the Creator of the universe who gave life to everyone.

Since we enjoy that life and bear within us the image of the divine, we should not seek to worship an idol of gold. The “unknown god” is the only true God who created us and loves us. Today, the issue believers face is not that people worship God among many other gods, but that they lack an understanding of who God really is. They may understand that God created everything, but may not see God as a personal being.

It is not enough that we know God’s name and understand what God is not. We must come to appreciate God for all God is.

How is God unique (Acts 17:30-31)

Over the centuries, many people have brought their questions about the meaning of life to the door of Christianity for answers. Many of these have come as atheists intent on disproving the validity of the Christian message. As they have explored its pages, many of these have come to one aspect of the story which they could not explain away and which convinced them of the uniqueness and truth of the gospel—the resurrection.

No other religion looks to an empty tomb for validation. Paul addressed those who believed that physical death was the end of a person’s entire existence.

Today, death remains as the single greatest fear and unknown for every person. Then and now the resurrection stands as proof that death is not the end. There is life on the other side. Yet the Bible is clear that one’s experience of the afterlife is dependent on one’s actions and beliefs in this life. In order to live for eternity in the presence of all that God is, one simply must accept by faith the unique teaching of the resurrection. Believing that the only true God is the Almighty Creator of all that is and that he loves us and demonstrated that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as God’s Unique Son will answer all of life’s questions.

• Hebrews 1:1-6,10-14; 2:1-4 

Have you ever wondered why a lion tamer uses a stool? Is the trainer really going to stop the lion with that stool? Nope. The reason is that the big cat’s vision does not allow him to focus on more than one thing at a time. The stool has four legs and thus four points to distract the lion. It keeps the cat busy trying to focus while the trainer is working with other lions.

The ability to stay focused is the key to success—in sports, in school, in business, and in life. If we focus on too many things – like the lion – we get distracted and can’t focus on the life that God would have us live. Focus is important in the Christian life. Jesus said it this way: “If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light” and “No one can be a slave to two masters” (Matt. 6:22,24).

So what does it mean to have a focused life if you claim to follow Christ? Primarily it means that we are to focus our lives on the life that Jesus lived in order to find the pattern for living a life that pleases God. Today’s lesson will help your learners understand the reasons we ought to focus on Jesus and help them take specific steps to keep their focus on Jesus. Because Jesus is the perfect, most complete revelation of God, we need to focus on Him.

Jesus is worthy of our attention (Heb. 1:1-3)

God has spoken ultimately, completely, and fully in Jesus. Jesus is the perfect, most complete revelation of God. Because Jesus is perfect in his example for us, he is the beginning point for focusing our lives. What’s more, his perfection is a revelation of the nature and character of God – the same God that we are called to imitate in all our dealings and relationships.

There is no need to look beyond Jesus for any greater revelation. He is the ultimate and best and having redeemed us from our sin, he becomes the channel through which we can experience fellowship with God the Father. Sometimes we make the mistake of putting the Bible on the same level as Jesus in terms of revelation, but this lesson is a good opportunity to remind your learners that Jesus is the one and only lens through which we should read scripture. Scripture only becomes a revelation when it is understand from the perspective of one who sees Jesus as the savior of the world – and the perfect revelation of God to the world.

Jesus Is Superior (Heb. 1:4-6,10-14)

This portion of scripture is replete with Old Testament quotes. Ask your learners to consider why the writer would go to such lengths to report what the Old Testament passages are saying? One might conclude that these quotes are designed to show that Jesus is superior to the angels, and that as God’s Son, he is unchanging and has authority of the whole of creation.

Application Ideas:

• Ask your learners to identify the things that distract them from focusing on following Jesus in their lives. They might mention work, sickness, recreation, television, and so forth. After a time of sharing, ask them to describe why Jesus is superior to all those distractions.

• Ask your learners to share sources of spiritual authority in their lives. They might mention certain authors, pastors, or other church leaders. Remind them that the greatest spiritual authority is Jesus himself and that while those other authorities might be credible, they are not infallible. Believers should weigh out the teachings of those whom they grant spiritual authority as well as making sure that the greatest authority for living the Christian life is granted to Jesus.

The Consequences of Neglect (Heb. 2:1-4)

Because of Jesus’ superiority, believers need to pay attention to Jesus. Ignoring him or neglecting to follow him after the great gift of our salvation can lead to some serious spiritual problems. This means that we cannot be content to simply hear Jesus, we must also obey Jesus with our lives.

The recipients of this letter were not ones who’d rejected Jesus, they were ones who had been ignoring him or neglecting their spiritual formation under him after coming to faith. Who among us has not experienced this? We have a significant spiritual awakening – either at our salvation, or perhaps during a retreat or revival – only to later find that our fervor and excitement have diminished.
.

Application Ideas:

• Believers need to pay attention to Jesus because ignoring Him leads to serious spiritual problems. Ask your learners to identify a time when they felt themselves “slipping away” from their relationship with God. What happened to “bring them back?”

• Ask your learners to ponder this: Which is more difficult: “Staying devoted to God” or “Coming back to God?”

• Consider singing the words to Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. The lyrics describe well the “prone to wander” nature of Christians, as well as the journey back to God.

• Revelation 21:1-5,22-27; 22:1-5

I remember a conversation I had with an elderly Christian man when I was a mere 24 years old. We’d been discussing a wide range of topics on a cool June evening and we came to the topic of the afterlife. Both of us being Christians, we were thinking in terms of heaven and what it would be like. After a while I said, “It all sounds pretty good, but I don’t know if I’m quite ready for it. I have a lot of living I still want to do.”

His gentle reply was that he, too, had felt that way when he was younger, but now that he was on up in years his view had changed. He’d seen so many people die whom he missed that he was eager for a heavenly reunion and to see God. While I’m not ready to die at this moment, the more I’ve aged, the more I’ve come to appreciate his perspective. Heaven will be a wonderful place for believers in Jesus and it will be a God-centered place as well. Today’s study will help your learners appreciate the beauty, joy, and glory of heaven that is described in the Book of Revelation.

New (Rev. 21:1-5)

After a lot of imagery that is frightening, John offers us an exciting image of the new heaven and new earth that is to come. Now God is dwelling with God’s people and all the things that have caused us grief and pain will be absent. Every tear shall be wiped away and all things will be made new.

When we live in this world that has pain and sorrow, it is encouraging for us to remember that there is a place in heaven for believers, and it is new and glorious. What’s more, it is completely God-centered. The passage says that, “They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev 21.3b). This verse points to the wondrous intimacy with God that believers will experience in heaven. This is an assuring promise that need not be limited to heaven – remind your learners that intimacy with God can happen in the here and now as we nurture our relationship with God through spiritual formation.

Application Ideas:

We can better endure those things that cause us sorrow and pain by remembering that those are only temporary and will be absent from heaven. Ask your learners how they might be encouraged through hard times by remembering this promise.

We will have a complete and unhindered intimate relationship with God in heaven, but we can begin to experience that relationship even now. Ask your learners to think about what steps they can take this week to draw closer to God.

Ask your learners to think about how a new car or new house smells and feels. Think about how fresh paint makes a house seem new and bright. Then encourage them by saying that as good as those experiences may be, they will ultimately pale in comparison to the wonder of the new heaven and the new earth.

Glorious (Rev. 21:22-27)

John described the glory of heaven as the glory God Himself brings to it and the glory brought in by the kings of the earth. His descriptions illustrate that the very light of heaven will be from God’s glory, and of it there will be no end. No night will descend upon heaven, and it will be a place of peace – there is not even a need to shut the gates of the city. Further, heaven will be a place of purity and righteousness.

The wonder of this glory is staggering. A student of the Bible will recall God’s pillar of fire that guided Israel during the Exodus, and John is harkening back to this Shekinah glory of God’s presence that brings illumination to all who follow. In heaven this glory will be so close that all will be illuminated.

In the midst of this glorious heaven, John’s references to the nations indicate that our unique cultures will play a role in contributing to the glory of the holy city – but this will be without competition or prejudice as we know it on earth today.

Application Ideas:
Ask your learners to imagine how it will be to have God’s presence so close and strong that it illuminates our everyday living. What will this be like? Is it possible to live in the glow of God’s glory in our lives here and now?

Ask your learners to reflect on the diversity of heaven. Do you think there will be dissension over the songs being sung? Or about the diversity of races and cultures represented?

Joyful (Rev. 22:1-5)

In this final scene for today’s study we see the river of living water – crystal clear – that nourishes the tree of life. Bearing fruit twelve months out of the year, this tree of life is a source of healing for all the nations. This tree removes the curse that came by way of Adam and Eve eating from another tree – the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The final abatement of the curse is the source of ultimate joy for all believers as they dwell in God’s home.

We can rejoice that all we have lost due to sin and the curse upon humans will be restored in heaven, and it will be a place of great joy. Ask your learners to imagine the implications of the removal of the curse of sin. For example, what would the removal of the curse do to affect the way we relate to one another? What happens to jealousy, pride, greed, and hatred? Or, what would the removal of the curse do to affect our bodies? What happens to cancer, heart disease, and other human maladies?