Hebrews 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Hebrews 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The writer calls holy brothers, who are partakers of a heavenly calling, to consider Jesus, their Apostle and High Priest (vv. 1-2). Jesus is shown to be superior to Moses because he built the house, while Moses served in it (vv. 3-6). The Holy Spirit warns against hardening hearts, recalling Israel's rebellion in the wilderness. The ancestors tested God and did not enter his rest (vv. 7-11). Believers are warned to avoid an evil heart of unbelief and encouraged to encourage one another daily (vv. 12-15). The text asks who rebelled against God during Moses' time. Those who came out of Egypt failed to trust God and faced his displeasure (vv. 16-17). They were banned from entering his rest due to their disobedience and unbelief (vv. 18-19).

Key verse

“For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end:”
Hebrews 3:14 (WEB)

Outline

Hebrews 3:1–2 Call to Consider Jesus
Hebrews 3:3–6 Jesus' Superiority to Moses
Hebrews 3:7–11 Warning Against Hardness of Heart
Hebrews 3:12–15 Exhortation to Believers
Hebrews 3:16–19 Consequences of Unbelief

Discussion questions

In v6, what does it mean that we are part of Christ's house?
What does the Holy Spirit say in v7 that is significant for believers?
In v12, why does the author warn against an 'evil heart of unbelief'?
In v19, why do the Israelites not enter God's rest because of unbelief?
When have you encouraged someone to hold fast their confidence in faith as mentioned in v14?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Hebrews 3: Hebrews 10, Psalm 95, Hebrews 4.

Before next time: read Hebrews 4.