HEBREWS 11: 23-25, 32-39

THE MEN’S GROUP BIBLICAL EQUIPPING – JANUARY 14, 2004

23
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he
who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one
another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is
the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you
see the Day approaching.
32
But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you
endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly
exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with
those so treated. 34 For you had compassion for those that were in prison,
and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing
that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. 35 Do
not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings great reward.
36
For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God,
you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet “in a very little while, the
one who is coming will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one will
live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.”
39
But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among
those who have faith and so are saved.

Background
Writer: Unknown. Probably a Hebrew from the second generation of Christians. It is
also unclear as to whom the letter was written to, but Hebrews generally
seeks to transition these believers from the teachings and philosophy of the
old testament to those of the new testament.
Date: 65-69 A.D. The text refers to the temple still standing in Jerusalem, which
was sacked in AD 70.
What’s Going On: Since we don’t know who this was written to, we don’t know about
any specifics of the persecution referred to. Obviously at this time many
believers were persecuted and jailed. The quote in v.37-38 is paraphrasing
quotes by Jesus (in Luke 21:19 and 18:8) but also from the obscure prophet
Habakkuk (Hab 2:3-4).
St. Matthews Emmaus Groups
Facilitator’s Biblical Equipping: Jan-April 2004

HEBREWS 11: 23-25, 32-39

THE MEN’S GROUP BIBLICAL EQUIPPING – JANUARY 14, 2004

Explore (Go light here because of the lack of context):

1. How does this community keep their confidence and faith in the
face of adversity?
2. What is the Day that’s approaching?
3. What is the reward that is promised?

Connect
1. Why is it important for believers to meet with one another?
2. How have some of our struggles and sufferings served to
strengthen our faith?
3. How can we keep from shrinking back?

Prepare
Everyone writes down how they plan to apply the concepts discussed here to
their daily life in the ensuing week. We will discuss how that went during
Check In next week.