Getting to Know the Amazing Jesus: Our Freedom
Main Themes: Guilt; Sin; Forgiveness of Sin; Life Change; Transformation
An Invitation
Become part of what God is doing and connect with a group. Find a Point of Light Group.
Guide for Point of Light Groups
Welcome: Read the purpose of your group:
Our goal is to grow as disciples of Jesus and to make disciples of other people by inviting them to our group or starting a new group with them.
Worship Time: Spend a few minutes singing a worship song.
Word: Read Hebrews 10:11-18 aloud together.
Read the background information and discuss the questions below.
Prayer Time:
Pray for an empty chair, representing new people you want to join the group. Think of specific people to pray for by name.
Divide into two groups (for males and females) to pray for the needs of the members of the group.
Background Information & Discussion Questions
Part A — Hebrews 18:11
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 their feeling of guilt through religious rituals.
In this verse, the writer is talking 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.
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?
Part B — Hebrews 18:12
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.
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?
Part C — Hebrews 18:13-18
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 that God by the Holy Spirit gives us. The verses quoted in this passage 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.
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?