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The New Covenant and Practical Perseverance

1. CONNECT

   10min
   In previous sessions, we saw that three themes appear in every major section of the book of Hebrews: Jesus brings the last days; Jesus fulfills the Old Testament; Jesus calls us to persevere in our faith. In this final session, we will see that the author of Hebrews wove these themes into the five major divisions of his book, ending with a focus on the new covenant and practical perseverance in the face of trials.

2. Reflection

   Throughout biblical history, God has governed his people through covenants. The prophet Jeremiah predicted in Jeremiah 31:31 that, in the last days, God would bring a new covenant, a covenant of peace that will not fail. The author of Hebrews demonstrated how Jesus had brought the new covenant, and urged his audience to remain faithful to Christ. Even as their lives grew increasingly difficult, he reminded them, "We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved" (Hebrews 10:39).

3. Guiding Question

   How does the promise that the new covenant in Christ will not fail give us strength to remain faithful to Jesus and help us persevere in troubled times?

4. WATCH

   15min

5. DISCUSS

   15min
   1. The author of Hebrews argued for Christ's supremacy by pointing out that the new covenant is superior to the old. He said that the new covenant "is founded on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6). What did he mean by "better promises"? (See Jeremiah 31:31-34 to help with your answer.) 2. In the old covenant, the Levitical priests had to offer sacrifices for the people's sins again and again. But when Jesus brought the new covenant, he put an end to these repeated sacrifices. How is Jesus' sacrifice better than those of the Levitical priests? 3. The author reminded his audience that they had willingly and joyfully suffered in the past for their faith. How does being reminded of our suffering in the past help us persevere in the present? 4. The author of Hebrews ended his book by encouraging his audience to be faithful in daily life. What were some of the things he encouraged them to do? If we are saved by grace, why are these types of actions still important?

6. APPLY

   15min
   1. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant? 2. The book of Hebrews exhorts us to persevere as if we are in a race. In biblical times, runners would strip off everything in order to run unimpeded. What does this tell us about how we are to live our Christian lives? What are we to "strip off"? 3. Based on the practical ways the author of Hebrews encouraged his audience to persevere, what does it look like for us to live faithfully in the midst of struggles?

7. CHALLENGE

   Recommended reading: Hebrews 13 Take time this week to remind yourself of all that Christ has done for you, and live out your faith with gratitude and joy. "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God" (Hebrews 13:15). Finish with a time of prayer.