Hebrews 12:18-29

Key Verse

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.  Hebrews 12:28

Opening Reflection:  What are you most looking forward to when you get to heaven?

Study:

·         Read through Hebrews 12:18-29.  How does this passage sum up all the points that the author has made in writing this letter to the Hebrews? 

·         Take time to compare the two mountains described in verses 18-21 and 22-25.  What are the key differences between the two?  What point is the author trying to make in this comparison?  It may be helpful to fill in the chart below either by yourself or with your Life Group. 

Mount Sinai	Mount Zion

You may want to review Exodus 19 & 20 and Deuteronomy 4 & 5 to read more about Moses and the Israelites’ experience on Mount Sinai.

·         In verse 25, the author again warns not to reject Christ’s offer of salvation. Why does the author repeat this warning?  What is the practical outcome of rejecting Christ here on earth?  What is the eternal outcome of rejecting Christ?  If you haven’t yet put your faith in Christ, what is stopping you?  How can your Life Group pray for and encourage you in making that step?

·         Both earth and the heavens will be shaken in the days of Judgment (Hebrews 12: 27; Matthew 24:29-31), but God’s kingdom will remain unshakable (Hebrews 12:27-28; Daniel 2:44 and 7:14, 27). In what ways, does the author of Hebrew say we should respond to this reality?  How do you express your gratitude to God?  How do you worship Him with reverence and awe?

·         What does it mean that “our God is a consuming fire”?  You may want to look up Deuteronomy 4:23-24 and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 for help in answering.