Jesus: Our Freedom

Getting to Know the Amazing Jesus Series

The Amazing Jesus: Our Freedom

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday August 4, 2019

This Week Reading:  Hebrews 10:11-18  

Main Themes: Guilt; Sin; Forgiveness of sin; Life Change; Transformation  

Background Information:

Section One: Verse 11
Guilt is the feeling we get when we do something wrong. Everyone has built into them a conscience and a basic sense of what is right and what is wrong. When we do wrong our conscience lets us know. Everyone tries to deal with and resolve feelings of guilt. Some people do it by ignoring the feelings and to change what is right and wrong. Some seek to cover over the feeling with alcohol or other substance abuse. Finally many people seek to resolve these feeling of guilt through religious rituals.

In this verse the writer is writing about the Jewish religion in which a priest would continually make sacrifices of animals for sins. he notes that these things have no power to bring forgiveness of sin.

Section Two - Verse 12

This verse refers to Jesus' death and sacrifice on the cross. Where it says "this priest" that refers to Jesus and His death on the cross. Note that it is a one time sacrifice and is effective for all time. Therefore forgiveness comes only through the sacrifice of Jesus. This forgiveness and freedom from guilt becomes ours when we admit we need it and turn to Jesus and believe He died for us personally. 

Section Three - Verses 13-18

 Jesus death on the cross not only gives us freedom from sin but also gives us the power to overcome areas of sin in our lives. This is transformation. It starts with a new heart which God by the Holy Spirit gives us. The verses quoted in these verses come from Jeremiah 31:33. Therefore through Jesus one time sacrifice we find freedom from guilt and victory over sin. We become changed people who are on a journey to become like Jesus.

Point of Light Group Guide: 

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone especially new persons and read out loud the purpose of your group:

Our goal is to grow as disciples of Jesus and to make disciples of other people and invite them to our group or start another group with them. 

B. Worship Time: Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use Your Presence is Heaven to Me  Here are the words (or pick your own on YouTube)

Who is like You Lord in all the earth?
Matchless love and beauty, endless worth
Nothing in this world can satisfy
'Cause Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry

Your presence is heaven to me
Oh God, Your presence is heaven to me

You are the treasure of my heart
Treasure of my heart and of my soul
In my weakness you are merciful
Redeemer of my past and present wrongs
Holder of my future days to come

Your presence is heaven to me
Your presence is heaven to me
God, Your presence is heaven to me
There's nothing like Your presence
Your presence is heaven to me

So we sing
Oh Jesus, oh Jesus
Your presence is heaven to me
Oh Jesus, oh Jesus
Your presence is heaven to me

Nothing like your presence

All my days on earth I will await
The moment that I see You face to face
Nothing in this world can satisfy
'Cause Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry

Nothing
Nothing in this world can satisfy
Oh Jesus
'Cause Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry
Jesus You're the cup that won't run dry

Your presence is heaven to me
Your presence is heaven to me

C. Word: Read Hebrews 10:11-18 aloud together.

D. Discuss the following questions together

Point of Light Group Questions

1. Read and discuss section one of the Background information - Discuss what guilt means. Have you ever felt guilty? What is that like? How does someone feel who feels guilty? What things do people do to try to get rid of feelings of guilt? Can you give any examples from your life.

2. Read and discuss section number two above. How would you explain to someone the reason Jesus died on the cross? When did you first understand what Jesus death on the cross meant? When did you find freedom from guilt in your life? How did that feel before and after? Are there people you know who need to know how to find freedom from guilt? what would you tell them?

3. Read and discuss section number three above. Read the promise in Jeremiah 31:33. Jesus fulfilled that promise on the cross according to the book of Hebrews. How can you apply this to your life? Why is it important to have a new heart? Do you have a new heart? How do you get a new heart? 

4. Discuss what you will apply from these verses and how God spoke to you.    

E. Prayer Time: 

                 1. Pray for an empty chair representing new people who you want to join                                     the group. Name names of people specifically.

                 2. Pray for the needs of the members of the group. It is best to divide into 2                               groups one of male and the other female.