1/19/2025 Pastor Kevin Albright (Hebrews 10:19–25, “Let Us Draw Near”)

(INTRODUCTION TO WHY WE STUDY HEBREWS 10:19-25)

One of the shepherd’s tasks is to help believers participate in church fellowship. Why can’t we just focus on our personal faith and devotions? Why do we also need to join other believers in an authentic community? Hebrews 10:19–25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another…” (24–25a). To really exercise our faith, we need one another.

How can we help each other? Hebrews repeatedly urges us to “draw near” (4:16; 7:19,25; 10:1,22; 11:6). It means to draw near to God through our Great High Priest, our Lord Jesus Christ. We do it both personally and in community. In 10:19–25 the words “let us” are repeated three times, and in the entire book of Hebrews, a total of 14 times. Only as we draw near to God can we continue to live by faith and not shrink back (10:38–39). As we draw near to God, we mature in discernment (5:14), share in his holiness (12:10,14) and inherit his kingdom (12:28). But it’s not easy for us to draw near to God, because he is holy and we are sinful. Our sin can even harden our hearts (3:8,13,15; 4:7). So Hebrews urges us to exhort one another every day (3:12–13). As we do, we strengthen one another, clarify our direction, and build each other up in peace and holiness. We help every person “obtain the grace of God,” avoid any “root of bitterness,” and live a spiritual life instead of falling into godless immorality (12:12–16). In this study let’s learn how to draw near to God through our Lord Jesus, and how to encourage one another to worship him in community.

(QUESTIONS)

Hebrews 10:19-25 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verse: 10:22a, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,

1. What “confidence” do believers have (19; cf. 4:16)? What are these “holy places” (9:24)? How does “the blood of Jesus” grant us access (9:12–14; 12:24; 13:12,20)? What is “the curtain” (20; cf. 6:19; 9:3)? The “new and living way” (20; cf. 9:8)? How does our “great priest” also help us (21; cf. 3:1; 4:14; 9:11)?

2. Read verse 22. Note how the expression “draw near” is repeated (4:16; 7:19,25; 10:1,22; 11:6). What does it mean to do this? What is an “evil conscience” (22b; cf. 9:9,14; 13:18)? What is this “washing” (22b; cf. 1 Pet.3:21; Eph.5:26)?

3. What is “the confession of our hope” (23; cf. 6:19–20)? Note how the expression “hold fast” is repeated in Hebrews (3:6; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23). What might cause believers to “waver”? Why should we not (23b)?

4. What is the third “let us” mentioned here (22,23,24), and what does it mean to do this? How should we specifically encourage one another (25)? Why is this an important part of being a shepherd?

(MESSAGE)