Small Group Bible Study – Hebrews (free)
Growing Small Groups
Bible Study for Small Groups
Book of Hebrews
Leader’s Guide for Small Groups
This Bible study guide for small groups on the Book of Hebrews is meant to equip you so that your small group can experience the power and transformation that comes with sharing in God’s word together and sharing your lives with each other.
Fellowship happens when people contribute, they come with a heart of humility and a desire to learn and grow. This requires honesty and transparency with ourselves, with each other, and with God.
The icebreakers, reading assignments, and questions are all meant to help enable this process of fellowship. This is only a tool, not a solution. To have the transformational power of fellowship happen, it requires faith. Please pray for your small group and ask the Holy Spirit to show up among you and give everyone this attitude and ability.
USe this guide and these questions as you see fit. They are meant to jump-start discussion, not to provide an agenda. IF someone has a thought or idea, and this prompts a great discussion without getting to any of these questions, in faith follow that disusccsion. If someone from your small group brings up a prayer request or pain point, drop the Bible study and love on them. Bring sin and unforgiveness to the forefront of the small group instead of discussion questions.
Most of the ‘What does it mean to you’ questions have been asked in a way that there is no right answer. They are designed to stimulate thoughts and discussions. Open-ended questions are the ingredient to get authentic conversations going. Use the questions you like, drop the questions you don’t like, and change anything you like. This is for you.
How to perform a Bible Study for Small Groups
We have a whole article dedicated on how to do a Bible Study for small groups. We have provided that link below:
Lesson 1 – Superior to Angels
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands. “
Icebreaker: When was a time you had two people tell you to do different things? How did you decide who to listen to?
Summary: In this chapter, the author of Hebrews explains to the church that Jesus is greater than the angels. The angels are his servants and there to minister.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 1:1- 14
What Does It Mean:
1. How does God speak to us by his Son?
2. How does the Son compare to the angels and according to scripture what is one indication of this position?
3. According to this scripture, how long will the Son last?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. Are you ever tempted to put anyone or anything in a higher position than the Son?
2. How does the Son’s position and reign impact the way you view him?
3. What are the angels’ role and how does that compliment your purpose and mission?
Prayer: Oh Lord, forgive us if we have ever elevated anyone or anything higher than you in our hearts or mind. We thank you for laying the foundation of the earth. We thank you for creating angels to help us minister to the lost. We honor you
Lesson 2 – Becoming Human
“I will put my trust in him”
Icebreaker: Have you ever overcome or faced a fear? How did that work out for you?
Summary: iHere we are reminded and warned to pay attention. Jesus becomes human for us so that he can complete what he was sent to do for us.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 2:1-18
What Does It Mean:
1. What must we do so that we do not drift away?
2. What did God use signs, wonders, and various miracles for?
3. If God had not suffered death, what would his position be relative to angels?
4. Who are the sons and daughters referred to that are brought to glory?
5. What does scripture say holds us to slavery?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. What changes do you feel would be beneficial to make in your life so that you do not risk drifting away?
2. Are you holding onto fear? If so, will you share what it is and if you believe Jesus can take that way?
3. Does anything in this life make you feel like a slave? Can anything be done about it?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for declaring us, freeing us from slavery, and becoming human. We praise you for being low so that you can be made high. Here I am Lord, I give you my fear. Will you help me trust that what you offer me is greater. Amen.
Lesson 3 – Greater Than Moses
“Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of the house has greater honor than the house itself.”
Icebreaker: Have you ever been honored for something you created or worked on? What was it?
Summary: The comparison and relation of Jesus to all other beings and Biblical superheroes continues as the author points out for good where Jesus stands. They follow this up with a warning against unbelief.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 3:1-18
What Does It Mean:
1. How can we be ‘in his house’?
2. Why did our ancestors never able to ‘enter my rest’?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. What things are you thankful for that you may not have attributed to God as the builder of everything?
2. How can you enter into God’s rest? Do you have to wait?
3. What can you do to help others not turn away from the living God?
4. What things are capable of hardening your heart? What can be done to help with this?
Prayer:
Oh Lord, thank you for offering us rest. Please help us continue our faith in thankfulness and praise. We desire to be with you, Lord Jesus. Prevent my heart from hardening. Help me hold my conviction firmly.
Lesson 4 – God’s Rest
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into the heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”
Icebreaker: Where is a place you’ve visited and never wanted to leave? What made it special to you?
Summary: God offers us something called his ‘rest’. This is an important place. It can be a new concept to some people. His power and mercy are here and he offers to help us stay strong.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 4:1-16
What Does It Mean:
1. What do you think ‘God’s rest is’? Is it a place, a time? Permanent or temporary?
2. How can you be in God’s rest?
3. Can you leave, or fall out, of God’s rest?
4. What should our attitude be when approaching God’s throne?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. What things are going on in your life that have the potential to risk the opportunity of rest God has for you?
2. What things make it hard for you to slow down and rest?
3. What changes could you make in your life or schedule to more enjoy God and take advantage of his rest?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we want every good and beautiful thing you offer us. Help our own schedule, pride, and sin prevent us from experiencing you. Help us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Lesson 5 – The High Priest
“No one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God,”
Icebreaker: Have you ever been asked to serve in a role, or in leadership? How did you respond? Why did you say yes or no?
Summary: The role of the high priest is explained and then it transitions to why Jesus is has become the high priest. It concludes with more warnings about falling away.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 5:1-14
What Does It Mean:
1. How were priests choose for their role in the olden days?
2. How are your pastors chosen?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. Has God called you to leadership? Have you answered this call, or is something preventing you from taking the next step?
2. Are you consuming solid Biblical food, or do you feel something is causing you to stay with the milk?
3. How are you distinguishing good from evil?
Prayer:
Lord, we love you. We thank you for being our high priest. Thank you for offering the ultimate gift and sacrifice for our sins. Help us mature in you Lord. Teach us your truths and equip us to be leaders and teachers if you call us.
Lesson 6 – Maturing in Christ
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity,”
Icebreaker: When did you realize you had grown up and were an adult?
Summary: A strong message that hits us between the eyes and calls us to grow up. Makes us examine if we are committed or still just playing around with the gospel truth of salvation and then shows us how unbreakable God’s promise is to us by the power of His oath.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 6:1 – 20
What Does It Mean:
1. What does it mean by ‘elementary teachings’?
2. What does it mean for someone to have once been ‘enlighted’, or to have ‘tasted the heavenly gift’?
3. Do you think people can lose their salvation?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. What ways have experienced Jesus or the Holy Spirit? Would you consider yourself have been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age?
2. Are you prompted by God not forgetting your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people? Does this influence your priorities?
3. What is the best way for you to ‘imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised’?
4. Are you greatly encouraged by the hope set before you? Why or why not?
Prayer
Lord, help us take you seriously in all areas of our life. Help us include you at work, at play, when we rise, and when we lay. Permeate all areas of relationships and our activities. We want to love you.
Lesson 7 – A Priest Forever
“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.”
Icebreaker:
What was a commitment or something you or someone else swore by and had to change their mind on?
Summary:
A character that hasn’t been mentioned since the days of old has been brought forth to the attention of the Hebrews. It is pointed out that this character, this man, this priest held a role of honor that wasn’t required of him. In addition, he was honored by one of the biggest superheroes of the old testament, Abraham. Abraham gave him a lot, and apparently, it wasn’t even required by law. The lineage of this man wasn’t given a beginning or an end. Let’s look at why he was so important and why he is being used to explain something to the Hebrews.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 7:1 – 28
What Does It Mean:
1. What do you think it means to be a priest forever?
2. What does it mean by the lesser is blessed by the greater?
3. How was Levi still in the body of his ancestor? (verse 10)
4. What do you think it means, ‘For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also?”
5. How is it, that the law made nothing perfect?
6. Is Jesus considered to be a priest, why or why not?
What Does it Mean to You:
1. Do you put any hope or trust in your pastor or priest to confirm your religion or faith?
2. What should we honor our living priests and Jesus? Should we react similarly or different than Abraham?
3. What is your expectation of your pastor?
4. Are there any needs you have that Jesus is not currently meeting? What are they, can this be changed?
Prayer
Lord help us understand the depth and power. Thank you for being our high priest. Thank you for a relationship that you know our hearts, you know our struggles, and we can hide nothing from you. Thank you for accepting us in this place and inviting us to get to know you more.
Lesson 8 – Priest of a New Covenant
“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant”
Icebreaker: Have you ever been asked to leave a building, party, or event? Why and how did you respond?
Summary: The people failed to obey the old covenant so God is declaring a new one.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 8:1-13
What Does It Mean:
1. How will the church structure in heaven be like or unlike the church structure here on earth?
2. How does the new covenant impact the law of the old covenant? Should we still obey it?
3. The old laws were written. Where will the new laws be?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. Are you being trapped or held back in your faith or love for the Lord because of the law?
2. What should our attitudes and posture be towards our neighbors that don’t know Jesus?
3. In what ways can you honor the new covenant?
Prayer:
God, thank you for sending Jesus. I’m so thankful for the new covenant. Help me show my thankfulness and respond in a way that honors and glorifies you.
Lesson 9 – New Offering
“Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Icebreaker: What was something that was hard for you to do or accomplish, and you had to do again a second time or more?
Summary: There is a reason and commonality between what God needs to make a sacrifice successful, and what Jesus was sent for us. The old ways didn’t work.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 9:1-28
What Does It Mean:
1. What were the requirements to enter the inner room?
2. What is the purpose of sacrifices being offered to God to cleanse our consciences?
3. What is required for a ‘Will’ to be put into effect?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. The scripture indicates you have to be called to receive the promised eternal inheritance. Do you believe you have been called? Why or why not?
2. Do you ever feel a burden of trying to right a wrong on your own effort?
3. Are you ready to for when Christ appears a second time? Are you waiting for him?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for entering the sanctuary for us. Thank you for your one and final and perfect sacrifice. Then you that we no longer face judgment because you did.
Lesson 10 – Once and for All
“Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, my God.”
Icebreaker: Did you ever look forward to or trust a prediction about something? How did that prediction turn out and what was your response?
Summary: Jesus has come to do it once and for all. To do it right. He has come to complete the removal of the old requirements and be the final and official way to God as the scripture predicted.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 10:1 – 39
What Does It Mean:
1. What does God desire our response to be for our sins?
2. What is the Holy Spirit’s role in the new covenant?
3. According to scripture, what should our attitude be approaching God?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. Do you feel guilty for your sins? How does God want you to feel?
2. Do you feel like the Holy Spirit is alive and active in your life? Why or why not?
3. How should you help your brothers and sisters in Christ while we prepare to see God again? Are there ways you want to improve in this area?
Prayer:
Jesus, we look forward to you coming back. Help us always be prepared for it. Help us not hang on to any guilt and feel like we need to take care of it ourselves. We want to be ready to run to you and approach you with confidence Lord. Will you help us please Jesus.
Lesson 11 – Faith in Action
“faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Icebreaker: What is something you have faith for that will happen during your life? A trip, a job, a purchase, life plans?
Summary: We need faith. It’s required to love Jesus and it’s required to live the life Jesus calls us to.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 11:1-40
What Does It Mean:
1. What happened to Enoch?
2. What is required to please God?
3. What is your favorite faith story?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. Is there an area of your life that you want to have more faith in?
2. Do you think the faith you have today is pleasing to God? Why or why not?
3. Consider challenging yourself to believe BIGGER things for God. What would they be?
Prayer:
Jesus, if our faith is required to please you will you build our faith? Will you help us believe in you more, and what you are going to do? Will you help believe greater things, Lord? If our faith is holding us back from pleasing you please help us grow.
Lesson 12 – God Disciplines
“If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all”
Icebreaker: Were you disciplined growing up? Looking back are you glad you were disciplined or not?
Summary: God disciplines those he loves and we should expect this and be thankful for it because it confirms we are his children.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 12:1 – 29
What Does It Mean:
1. How far should we go to resist sin? Is there sin that is too much for us to resist?
2. Why does God discipline us?
3. What is our role in relation to our brothers in sisters in Christ so that no one grows up to cause trouble?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. What area in your life have you felt God’s discipline?
2. Is there any area of your life that God is trying to train you in? Are you submitting or resisting?
3. Is there anything hindering you from a fuller life in Jesus?
4. Is there anyone you are not at peace with? What can be done to be obedient and reconcile this relationship?
Prayer:
Lord, we welcome and invite your discipline. It’s hard but it’s worth it. We are thankful to be called your children and we accept all that you offer us. We believe, in faith, the temporary pain of discipline is worth the eternity of your glory.
Lesson 13 – Be Encouraged
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Icebreaker: Have you ever had an awkward time having guests over? Share that experience and what made it weird.
Summary: The writer of Hebrews offers us encouragement and points us int eh right direction as the book comes to an end. We’re left with hope and exhortation.
What Does It Say:
Read Hebrews 13:1 – 25
What Does It Mean:
1. How should we treat strangers, and how should we treat brothers and sisters?
2. What does God say about marriage?
3. Does Jesus change?
4. Can you think of any ‘strange teachings’ that are taught today?
What Does It Mean to You:
1. Are you submitting to your leaders?
2. Are you tempted by teachings that do not come from the Lord?
3. What good thing do you feel you lack so that you can do His will?
Prayer:
Lord help us not be distracted by all the worldly advice and teachings that don’t come from you. They offer a false promise of happiness, but we want your eternal promise of joy. We want more of you Lord.