- Preacher: Steve Constable
- Sermon Series: Hebrews | Jesus Is Better
- Sermon Title: The Two Mountains
- Scripture: Hebrews 12:18 – 29
1. We are used to talking about goodness in such relative and diluted ways: “he’s a good man;” “that was good of you;” “I am doing pretty good, thank you!” But what if goodness was not a relative idea, but a concrete reality found in one particular person. Can you imagine how it would be to meet such a person: a being of concentrated and pure goodness? Would you sit down to tea or run for your life?
READ Hebrews 12:18-29
2. The author uses Ancient Israel’s experience at Mount Sinai (Heb. 12:18–21) as an example of the fear that loomed over God’s people under the Mosaic covenant [the Law] (For example, Exof. 19:12–25 or Deut. 18:16). In Deuteronomy 9:19, which is quoted in this passage, Moses expresses fear that God would destroy Israel in their sinfulness and rebellion. In what ways is the threat of idolatry still as dangerous for our world and even the visible church today?
3. While the Israelites trembled in fear at Mount Sinai, new covenant believers can access the new heavenly Zion before the living God with joy and confidence because of Christ’s work (12:22–24). What is the picture painted here of the heavenly Zion, the New Jerusalem (see Isa. 62:6–12)?
4. Does reading about that new and eternal home that you have been promised in Christ provoke longing in you? Do you think about it regularly or not? Why do you think that you do or do not? What comfort or excitement does or might anticipating it give you?
5. In light of the new covenant and Jesus’ eternal reign in heaven, the readers are beckoned to respond in faith before Christ returns again to judge and it is too late (Heb. 12:25–27). Reading these verses (25-27), what does that look like for you? What are we to turn from and how are we to worship?
6. If you are feeling far from God, do you think it was God or you that has moved? What is there in the passage that tells you that it is too late for you to turn to Him or return to Him again [hint: nothing!].
7. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God” (Heb. 4:16 NLT). Come boldly in prayer to Him now. Leaving your spoken and unspoken allegiance to sin behind you, throw yourself on the mercy and joy waiting for you in Jesus Christ!