WARNING AGAINST REFUSING GOD

Hebrews 12:14-29

Key Verse: 12:25

“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?”

1. Read verses 14-15.What are we exhorted to do in verse 14? Why? How can we live in peace with all men? (Ro 8:32) What does it mean to be holy? What is a bitter root? (Cf. Deut. 29:17-18) How can we uproot bitter roots?

2. Read verses 16-17. In what way is Esau an example of unfaithfulness? Why could he not receive God's discipline? Why must we be faithful? (17,2 Co 7:10)

3. Read verses 18-21. To what event do these verses refer: How did God demonstrate his holiness? Why (Ex 19)? What did Moses say about this event? (21)

4.  Read verses 22-24. How was the Mount Zion described in verse 22? What is the believer’s position in the city of the living God? (23) How was God described in verse 23b? How was Jesus described in verse 24? What are the great privileges given to the believers in verses 22-24?

5. Read verses 25-29. Greater benefits also involve greater warnings. Why can’t we escape God’s judgment if we ignore his greater warning from heaven? (25) What is the thing that cannot be shaken? (28) Why is the new covenant greater? What are the blessings of covenant people?