The Better Covenant - Hebrews 8; 10
Sermon Recap
What does it mean to feel belonging? What makes it different from being welcome or accepted or even being loved? There’s something more to it that can be difficult to name.
That inner sense of belonging isn’t just an emotional dynamic. It affects the way we think, the way we relate to other people, even how our bodies react in particular places. More than just a social dynamic, it is a spiritual dynamic as well.
A sense of belonging is connected to our ability to endure and persevere as a follower of Jesus. We need to be part of a community of other Christians who will hold onto us and encourage us in meaningful ways.
We need to not be alone. The call to following Jesus that is expressed in the book of Hebrews is most often expressed in a plural – “Let us draw near to God…” So we need to come alongside each other, supporting each other as we follow Jesus.
We give to each other the help of our eyes, eyes that are focused on the hope that we have in Jesus (10:23). Keeping focus on that hope will help us not swerve from the way. We may need to serve with our elbows, sometimes even provoking or irritating each other to continue in love and good deeds (10:24). And, we serve each other even with our butts, keeping company with each other as we regularly gather to worship (10:25), sharing the stories of our lives that will help us long for the kingdom.
We need to not lose sight of Jesus. Once we have known Jesus and what He has done for us, to walk away from Him – renouncing the faith, calling him false – is to take a place alongside the enemies of Jesus, awaiting judgment. There IS no other sacrifice for sin. It is appalling to even consider doing what the author describes in vs 29 (trampling on Jesus, despising the blood, mocking the Spirit) and yet, we have to live with the honest recognition that we, too, are capable of betraying our Lord. So we keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting ourselves to His grace so that we don’t have any reason to fear His judgment.
We need to not forget who we are. Just like the author reminds his friends of their history of faithfulness (vs 32-34), we need others to do the same for us. To remind us of the ways we have already endured in order to encourage us to continue on. More, sometimes we just need a friend to “snarl” the truth into us, to speak with force and certainty that although there may be some who shrink back from following Jesus, that’s not who we are (10:39).
In a way, we are all like Frodo, facing into an impossible unknown that will test our faithfulness. And also, we are all called to be like Sam, insisting that (because of Jesus!) we will be going with each other, whatever comes.
Entering Conversation
Feel free to use any or all of these questions - or your own – in any order. The goal of our talking together is not merely better understanding, but to help us respond to what we have heard. Always, share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.
(NB: Some groups are giving intentional time this term to learning each other’s stories. If so, feel no pressure to also attempt a weekly sermon discussion. Let stories be told, maybe followed by a prayer of blessing over those who shared this week.)
Think of a place, group or season of life where you really felt you belonged. What made it feel that way?
Is there a place where you frequently feel like a misfit? That might include church. How does it affect you (eg, in your thinking, your relationships, your faith?)
Who in your life helps you keep your eyes on Jesus? What do they actually do?
Which of these three do you most need from others right now: eyes, elbows or butts? Which is easiest for you to give?
What was your gut reaction to the warning in verses 26–31? Did it unsettle you, steady you, or something else?
Has someone ever “snarled” truth into you the way Paul did for Gary? What did they say, and why did it take force?
Gary asked the church to pastor him, and in the end, to pastor each other in the same ways. What does it look like for this group to take that request seriously?
If specific needs were shared this week, it might be appropriate to talk through ways of practically responding, ways of stepping toward each other in relationship.
End your time by praying together. If specific concerns were shared, name them as you’re able and trust them to God’s care. Wrap up your time in prayer by praying the Lord’s Prayer together, including kids if appropriate to your group.