"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God."
John 1:1
Study Questions for The Greater Way Week 6: Perfection
Read Hebrews 6
God's Story
1. In Hebrews 6:1-2 the writer encourages us to go on toward perfection. What does that mean according to this passage?
2. Hebrew 6:4-6 talks about repentance of people who have fallen away from faith. What caution does this passage present for those who may consider giving up their faith?
3. The analogy of nature is often used in scripture to describe spiritual truths. Hebrews 6:7-8 is one of these passages. What natural images are used to describe something spiritual?
4. The critical line in this passage of scripture is Hebrews 6:9. Why is this an encouraging verse?
5. Hebrews 6:10-12 explains why the writer has written chapter 6. What is that reason?
6. The writer of Hebrews uses Abraham as an example in upholding the priesthood of Jesus. The passage mentions a promise. What is that promise and what is the link of Abraham with Jesus?
1. In Hebrews 6:1-2 the writer encourages us to go on toward perfection. What does that mean according to this passage?
2. Hebrew 6:4-6 talks about repentance of people who have fallen away from faith. What caution does this passage present for those who may consider giving up their faith?
3. The analogy of nature is often used in scripture to describe spiritual truths. Hebrews 6:7-8 is one of these passages. What natural images are used to describe something spiritual?
4. The critical line in this passage of scripture is Hebrews 6:9. Why is this an encouraging verse?
5. Hebrews 6:10-12 explains why the writer has written chapter 6. What is that reason?
6. The writer of Hebrews uses Abraham as an example in upholding the priesthood of Jesus. The passage mentions a promise. What is that promise and what is the link of Abraham with Jesus?
My Story
1. What is perfection? Why is it difficult to associate it with your life?
2. Have you ever considered walking away from your faith? If yes, did you do it? If not, what stopped you?
3. Consider the ways that nature is a good place to learn spiritual truths about God. How does scripture help you use nature as spiritual allegory instead of encouraging worship of nature?
4. As you consider your relationship with Christ Jesus, the High Priest. How confident are you? On what do you place that confidence?
5. In Hebrews 6:10-12, the writer does something all Christians would be well to do by encouraging others to stay on the way. Why is that an essential role for all Christians?
6. Think about your family ancestors. In what ways does knowledge of your family story help you understand your place in the world and your story?
1. What is perfection? Why is it difficult to associate it with your life?
2. Have you ever considered walking away from your faith? If yes, did you do it? If not, what stopped you?
3. Consider the ways that nature is a good place to learn spiritual truths about God. How does scripture help you use nature as spiritual allegory instead of encouraging worship of nature?
4. As you consider your relationship with Christ Jesus, the High Priest. How confident are you? On what do you place that confidence?
5. In Hebrews 6:10-12, the writer does something all Christians would be well to do by encouraging others to stay on the way. Why is that an essential role for all Christians?
6. Think about your family ancestors. In what ways does knowledge of your family story help you understand your place in the world and your story?
The Greater Way Study Questions for All Weeks
(downloadable files)
Previous Study Questions
Summer of Love Study Questions for All Weeks
(downloadable files)
Week 1: Love is a Verb! - Amos 5:1-17
Week 2: Let it Roll! - Amos 5:18-27
Week 3: The Measure of Love! - Amos 7:1-17
Week 4: Summer Fruit - Amos 8:1-14
Week 5: A Match Made in Heaven - Hosea 1:1-11
Week 6: The Scandal of Redeeming Love - Hosea 2:2-23
Week 7: Finding the Way Home - Hosea 4:1-19
Week 8: What Am I Going to Do with You? - Hosea 5:1-15
Week 9: Third Day Love - Hosea 6:1-7:16
Week 10: The Heart of a Parent - Hosea 11:1-11
Week 11: Free Love at Last! - Hosea 14:1-9
Week 2: Let it Roll! - Amos 5:18-27
Week 3: The Measure of Love! - Amos 7:1-17
Week 4: Summer Fruit - Amos 8:1-14
Week 5: A Match Made in Heaven - Hosea 1:1-11
Week 6: The Scandal of Redeeming Love - Hosea 2:2-23
Week 7: Finding the Way Home - Hosea 4:1-19
Week 8: What Am I Going to Do with You? - Hosea 5:1-15
Week 9: Third Day Love - Hosea 6:1-7:16
Week 10: The Heart of a Parent - Hosea 11:1-11
Week 11: Free Love at Last! - Hosea 14:1-9
Holy Trinity Sunday
(downloadable file)
April 19 - May 31, 2020
Exile and the Kingdom Study Questions for All Weeks
(downloadable files)
The ELCA Book of Faith Initiative
We are a church whose unity is in Jesus Christ, who gathers us around word and water, wine and bread. We believe that people meet God in Scripture, where God’s relationship to — and intention for — humankind is revealed.
The Book of Faith Initiative strives to increase biblical literacy and fluency for the sake of the world. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is committed to this five-year initiative encouraging members, congregations and synods to dig deeper into our book of faith — the Bible.
For many, the encounter with Scripture is limited to the excerpts that are read on Sunday morning. Many of us — and many of our neighbors — are somewhat intimidated and unsure of how to engage Scripture. We believe all are invited to open Scripture and join the conversation.
In order to delve deeper in the word, the Book of Faith Initiative recommends a four-fold method for reading the Bible: devotional, historical, literary and Lutheran theological reading. It’s up to you and your faith community to decide how the Book of Faith Initiative will become a vital part of your ministry so that together we grow in our deep engagement with the word of God. Get involved To get started, visit www.bookoffaith.org and www.twitter.com/bookoffaith.
Join the conversation. Join the Book of Faith social networking group to find ideas, watch videos, download study guides and discuss Scripture online. Join the conversation online by following @bookoffaith on Twitter, joining the Book of Faith group on Facebook, or signing up to receive Book of Faith resource updates from Augsburg Fortress via e-mail. [link to http://www.augsburgfortress.org/eNewsSignup.jsp]
The Book of Faith Initiative strives to increase biblical literacy and fluency for the sake of the world. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is committed to this five-year initiative encouraging members, congregations and synods to dig deeper into our book of faith — the Bible.
For many, the encounter with Scripture is limited to the excerpts that are read on Sunday morning. Many of us — and many of our neighbors — are somewhat intimidated and unsure of how to engage Scripture. We believe all are invited to open Scripture and join the conversation.
In order to delve deeper in the word, the Book of Faith Initiative recommends a four-fold method for reading the Bible: devotional, historical, literary and Lutheran theological reading. It’s up to you and your faith community to decide how the Book of Faith Initiative will become a vital part of your ministry so that together we grow in our deep engagement with the word of God. Get involved To get started, visit www.bookoffaith.org and www.twitter.com/bookoffaith.
Join the conversation. Join the Book of Faith social networking group to find ideas, watch videos, download study guides and discuss Scripture online. Join the conversation online by following @bookoffaith on Twitter, joining the Book of Faith group on Facebook, or signing up to receive Book of Faith resource updates from Augsburg Fortress via e-mail. [link to http://www.augsburgfortress.org/eNewsSignup.jsp]
Free Online Learning Opportunity with Corsera
Free online college level courses on topics of religion are available at Coursera.com. To sign up for courses go to www.coursera.com and register with your email to begin enjoying world-class instruction on great topics of faith. The following current offering is recommended as a supplement to Pastor Frank’s class: Becoming the Book: How the Bible Came to Be.
The Bible’s Prehistory, Purpose and Political Future with Dr. Jacob L. Wright of Emory University Candler School of Theology
A six-week course on the history and origins of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) taught by a renowned professor of Jewish Studies
Course Overview: With its walls razed to ground by Babylon’s armies, Jerusalem joined a long line of ancient vanquished cities—from Ur and Nineveh and Persepolis to Babylon itself. While some recovered from the destruction, others did not. But none responded to political catastrophe by fashioning the kind of elaborate and enduring monument to their own downfall that we find in the Bible. Most conquered populations viewed their subjugation as a source of shame, but the Hebrew people claimed their identity anew storytelling, becoming the People of the Book.
The Bible’s Prehistory, Purpose and Political Future with Dr. Jacob L. Wright of Emory University Candler School of Theology
A six-week course on the history and origins of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) taught by a renowned professor of Jewish Studies
Course Overview: With its walls razed to ground by Babylon’s armies, Jerusalem joined a long line of ancient vanquished cities—from Ur and Nineveh and Persepolis to Babylon itself. While some recovered from the destruction, others did not. But none responded to political catastrophe by fashioning the kind of elaborate and enduring monument to their own downfall that we find in the Bible. Most conquered populations viewed their subjugation as a source of shame, but the Hebrew people claimed their identity anew storytelling, becoming the People of the Book.