Summary: “Let brotherly love continue.” (Hebrews 13:1)<br><br> At first glance, this command seems simple and even bland, especially if you know you’ve spent much time around Christians. It’s kind of like the “fasten your seatbelt” of the Bible—obviously it’s important, but a lot of us have heard it so many times that we feel free to pay it little attention.<br> Interestingly, Hebrews 13 contains many of these kinds of commands that seem familiar and oft-repeated in Christian communities. And yet… even though we know them and may even strongly desire to keep them, our efforts often result in frustration. For example, I really don’t love my brothers and sisters all that well, all that often.<br> Why is this? There are many possible reasons, but it seems the most significant comes back to the issue of faith. We tend to do what we believe, and when we don’t do what we think we believe, we should consider the possibility that we don’t believe what we thought.<br> How’s that for a confusing sentence?<br> But it’s also a really important sentence as we conclude our Hebrews series on faith and, quite literally, bring it all home.<br> <br> DOWNLOADS<br> SEE IT // BE IT<br> (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)<br> Title: Running Together // Scripture: Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2<br> ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.<br> SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes<br> “Let brotherly love continue.” (Hebrews 13:1) At first glance, this command seems simple and even bland, especially if you’ve spent much time around Christians. It’s kind of like the “fasten your seatbelt” of the Bible—obviously it’s important, but a lot of us have heard it so many times that we feel free to pay it little attention. Interestingly, Hebrews 13 contains many of these kinds of commands that seem familiar in Christian communities. Why is this? There are many possible reasons, but it seems the most significant bring us back to the issue of faith. We tend to do what we believe, and when we don’t do what we think we believe, we should consider how our beliefs are being challenged or overwritten by our culture.<br> THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.<br><br> Our behavior reflects what we truly believe. <br> SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes<br> Picture (What is the story saying?): What seems to be the focus/purpose of Chapter 13? How does our culture oppose the Jesus-focused way we’re commanded to live? (self-serving individualism; society splitting tribalism; soul-quenching secularism)<br> Mirror (Where am I in the story?): In verses 1-13, are there any commands that provoke or discourage you? (for example, about marriage, contentment, obedience, hospitality, diverse teachings)<br> Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): When we live according to these commands, how does it shape our interactions with others? (view others through lens of identity in Jesus; demonstrate radical dependence on God; be the church called into the world, strengthened by grace)<br> BE IT – Practice <br> Change UP // Exercise 5 minutes<br><br> We are called to radical dependence on our God. Spend time with Joshua 1:5 and other scriptures that remind you of God’s character. In the silence of meditation, listen to what He’s affirming in you and calling forth from you.<br> Change IN // Group Activity 5 minutes<br><br> God is at work in us and through us. Discuss what He’s putting on your heart and how you think He wants you to walk it out.<br> Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes<br><br> The very nature of our faith compels us to engage with those outside our “tribe.” Share ideas together and make a plan to show hospitality to someone outside of your normal circles during this holiday season.
