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Our Identity as Christians

1. CONNECT

   10min
   We talked last week about the value of God's Word for times of trouble. We also looked at how the Lord used the author of Hebrews because he was a "passionate intellectual." In this session, we will focus on the original audience of the book of Hebrews. What trials were they facing? How did this book address their needs? As we learn more about those who first received the book of Hebrews, we can see more clearly how this book calls on us to reject the temptations of the world and identify ourselves with Christ.

2. Reflection

   Hebrews 12:1-2 appeals to followers of Christ in this way: "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." The author of Hebrews acknowledged that his audience faced serious temptations as they endured trials. He wanted them to identify with Christ and turn away from everything that hindered them.

3. Guiding Question

   How does our identity with Christ help us "run with perseverance the race marked out for us"?

4. WATCH

   15min

5. DISCUSS

   15min
   1. What were some of the circumstances that influenced the original audience of Hebrews? What are some circumstances that influence our Christian community today? 2. Why do you think the author was so concerned for his audience's spiritual maturity? What kinds of problems can arise when Christian communities remain immature in their doctrinal beliefs? How do the author's words to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority" (Hebrews 13:17) remind us of our need for spiritually-mature pastors and teachers as we face challenges? 3. The audience of Hebrews was tempted to lose confidence and boldness as they faced persecution. So, the author encouraged them to "Consider [Christ] who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:3) What kinds of persecution tempt Christians to lose heart today? How are we encouraged by Christ's example to persevere against such opposition? 4. The Scriptures teach that true followers of Christ cannot lose their salvation. Still, at times, people profess faith and later utterly reject Christ. The author of Hebrews warns that those who turn away from Christ should only have "a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" (Hebrews 10:27). How does this warning remind us that remaining faithful to Christ in difficult times is crucial for everyone who professes faith in Christ?

6. APPLY

   15min
   1. In what ways can we support a community of believers that needs to mature spiritually? How do we do this in a way that effectively reaches a community that might reject or persecute us? 2. How can we encourage our communities to keep their eyes fixed on Christ in spite of current difficulties?

7. CHALLENGE

   Recommended reading: Hebrews 3-6 Take some time this week to write down ways in which this lesson helps you see something old or new that pushes against you or your community because of your faith in Christ. Finish with a time of prayer.