The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

In Hebrews 12, the Jews are urged to be careful not to come short of the grace of God and miss out on their birthright. Otherwise, they won’t find any place for repentance elsewhere.

The author goes on to share an analogy of two mountains – Sinai and Zion – to contrast the old way of the Law and the new way of grace. There’s a passing away of earthly things for a salvation and a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

In this important message, you’ll see the significance of choosing Jesus and the safety and freedom from fear it brings. You’ll also discover more reasons to rest in the simplicity of the New Covenant, including encouragement that what God really wants from us – our “acceptable service” – is easy and light!

Discussion Questions for Hebrews 12:15-29:

1. What do you think it means to “come short of the grace of God”?
2. Why do you think Esau’s birthright comes up in this passage?
3. How might the Hebrews also “find no place for repentance” if they look in the wrong place?
4. What are the two mountains in this passage? How are they described? What do they each represent?
5. What expressions do we see in verse 23 that describe your new identity in Christ?
6. Why are Jesus and Abel compared here?
7. What are the “things which cannot be shaken”?
8. What is our “acceptable service”? In other words, what does God really want from us?

Did King Nebuchadnezzar ever repent and believe in God? Why was he so fascinated with Daniel? Why do so many learned people fail to see the context of 1 John 1:9, insisting that we have to confess every sin to be forgiven by God? Why does Romans 2 say that the doers of the Law will be justified? Who are these doers?

Why do we continue to hear messages from Malachi 3 about robbing God if we’re in the new covenant? Can a person who’s truly been saved lose their salvation? Who was Rahab and what is the significance of knowing her story?

Do we really have free will? Why does second Corinthians 5:21 say that we “might” become the righteousness of God? Can you explain the Trinity? Which person of the Trinity lives in us? Are believers today obligated to observe the Sabbath?

What is your take on psychology, medicine, and therapy? I’m scared I might be a lukewarm Christian. Might God one day tell me, “Depart from Me”?

I’ve been swindled out of almost $1 million, and I think of revenge every day. What should I do? Am I allowed to hang out with unbelievers or only Christians? Do believers today need to observe a Sabbath day? I heard a voice in the middle of the night that said, “Follow me”, and I worry that it was Jesus trying to tell me something. What are your thoughts?

Can you help me understand Hebrews 10:29? Can women speak in church? Can women be leaders in church? What year did the Roman Catholic Church begin? What are your thoughts on Catholicism? My friend prays to Mary and defends this. What Scriptures will help them understand we pray to God, not any human? What do you think of a believer at a Messianic Jewish congregations reciting the Shema? Might it lead to an old covenant mentality about some things? Why does Galatians give a list of people who will not inherit the Kingdom? Could some of these people be Christians?

Imagine all the believers throughout history gathered to celebrate what we have in Christ today. That’s the picture we’re given at the outset of Hebrews 12. Then, we’re told to take off running and enjoy the journey with Jesus, looking to Him as our inspiration.

But interestingly, this passage also brings controversy. The author seems to use the word “scourge” to describe God the Father’s treatment of His children. Scourge? Ouch! That would be punishment, not discipline. And that kind of punishment was usually reserved for criminals, not children.

So, what’s going on? Is God the Father really engaging in a form of child abuse to keep us in line? Isn’t it true that Jesus was scourged so we wouldn’t be… and “by His stripes we are healed” (1 Peter 2:24)?!?

In this clarifying message, you’ll learn the truth about God’s discipline: It’s training for the future, not punishment for the past. As a result, you’ll learn to trust your Father’s heart even more.

Discussion Questions for Hebrews 12:1-15

1. Who is the great cloud of witnesses in verse 1?
2. How is the Christian life like a race? Is it a marathon or a sprint? How do we “win”?
3. What does the “sitting down” in verse 2 represent?
4. Describe God’s discipline. How is it different from punishment?
5. What is the alternate translation for the word “scourge” in verse 6? Why is this important?
6. Read verses 7-11. Why can we look forward to God’s discipline?
7. Read verse 14. Will only certain Christians see the Lord? Explain.

How should we view prayer and prayer meetings? Do I have to listen to my father if he’s giving me bad advice? How should we approach tough decisions? What does it really mean to fear God? Should we be scared of Him?

How do you balance the eternal security of Romans 8:1 with Galatians 6:8? Did God create evil? Are those who believe they can lose their salvation not even saved? I deal with scrupulous thinking and wonder if I’m saved. Can you help?