Welcome to CALLED Men’s Group!  If you're looking to move forward in your faith, then this is the place for you!  We are a group of men, called by God to understand who He is, who we are, and what we are CALLED to do for Him!  We study the Bible & discuss together, find projects where we can give back, and encourage each other in spiritual growth! 

INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the sixth meeting of the Spring 2026 Semester for the Called Men’s
Growth Group. We will meet for the next two Wednesdays through the end of June, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

We are continuing our SOAP Bible study - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer and Questions, of the book of
Hebrews. Reminder: there are no specific prerequisites or formal “membership” required to attend, and you do not
have to have been at a previous meeting to attend tonight. Our purpose is to come together, read and study God’s
word, develop an understanding, grow in our faith and have a friendly discussion. Please keep in mind that we are all
in different places of our faith journey; we all come from various backgrounds and have different points of view. It
doesn’t matter if you’ve been a believer for 10 seconds, 10-years, or an entire lifetime; everyone is welcome; everyone
has value; everyone has a voice. If there are different points of view, we should not be hostile to one another, or feel
attacked; it is our different points of view that add to tonight’s discussion. We came together tonight as friends and
brothers in Christ, and we should leave the same (as friends and brothers in Christ).

Often there is no right or wrong answer; just interpretation of scripture and Biblical scholars don’t always agree either;
ultimately, JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

/// Go around the room and have people introduce themselves. ///

BACKGROUND, HISTORY AND AUDIENCE:

The book of Hebrews is often called a masterpiece of New Testament theology. It is less like a standard letter and more
like notes for a powerful sermon. The author dives straight into deep theology, without the typical introductory
greetings of a letter or identification of the author.

1. The Mystery of Authorship
For centuries, the church debated who wrote Hebrews. While the King James Version traditionally attributed it to Paul,
most modern scholars agree that the writing style, vocabulary, and theological focus differ significantly from Paul’s
known letters (like Romans or Galatians).

For more information regarding the author of Hebrews see: https://www.gotquestions.org/author-Hebrews.html

• Suggested authors include Barnabas, Apollos (known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Old Testament),

Luke, or even Priscilla.

• Ultimately, even though today, the author remains unknown and anonymous. Regardless, we can use the

message of the Book of Hebrews to further and deepen our faith.

2. Date and Audience

• The Date: Biblical scholars believe the book was written before AD 70. The author speaks of the Jewish

sacrificial system and Temple rituals in the present tense. If the Romans had already destroyed the Temple
(which happened in AD 70), the author almost certainly would have mentioned it to prove that the old system
had ended.

• The Audience: The NLT translation does not include a heading, but some Bible translations, like the KJV include

a title "To the Hebrews" which was added to the text; it accurately reflects the target of Jewish Christians.
These believers were facing intense persecution and under pressure. Many believers were bullied and
tempted into abandoning their faith in Christ and return to the "safety" of traditional Judaism and the Mosaic
Law, in order to avoid Roman and Jewish hostility.

KEY THEMES, HISTORICAL IMPACT AND PURPOSE OF THE BOOK:

3. The Core Message: "Jesus is Better"
The book of Hebrews is a sustained argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ. The author systematically proves that
Jesus is greater than every pillar of the Jewish faith:

• Greater than Angels: Jesus is the divine Son of God.
• Greater than Moses: Moses was a servant in God's house; Jesus is the Son of God, over the house.
• Greater than the Priesthood: Jesus is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
• Greater than the Old Covenant: Jesus offers us a better promise than the old covenant and was THE FINAL sacrifice – which ended the Jewish sacrificial system to atone for sins and salvation. Jesus served as the final and perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. Jesus’ sacrifice, replaced the need for repeated animal sacrifices and established a new covenant that offers complete forgiveness and atonement for salvation. While the theological end occurred with Jesus’ death, the actual Jewish end of animal sacrifices took place with the destruction of the Jewish temple in 70 AD, which some Christians view as divine confirmation of the new covenant.

4. Historical Impact: The "Hall of Faith"
One of the most famous historical summaries in the Bible is found in Hebrews 11. The author recounts the history of Israel—from Abel and Abraham to Moses and Rahab—to show that faith has always been the requirement for pleasing God.

5. Purpose of the Book
The history of Hebrews is rooted in exhortation; that is an earnest appeal, urge, or encouraging advice aimed at persuading someone to take action or follow a specific course of conduct. The author uses five "warning passages" to tell the readers: Do not drift away. Because Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, turning back to the old shadows is not just a mistake—it is a spiritual disaster.
The book concludes with a call to run with endurance, looking past the immediate suffering toward the city that is to
come.

PRAYER: This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your word. Lord thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. Father, your love made a way for us to be in right relationship with you. Help us; help me Lord, to fully receive your forgiveness. Lord, strengthen our relationship with you, so that we know you, and more importantly, that YOU know us. In Jesus’ name – Amen

Scripture - Read: Hebrews Chapter 10 (39 verses)

Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
Key verses and topics for discussion, Hebrews Chapters 10:
Hebrews 10 serves as both the critical piece - the pinnacle of the author's theological argument and an intense shift
into a message of practical application. The author explains that the old law was merely a "shadow of the good things
to come" and reveals how Jesus’ single sacrifice permanently perfects us. Because of this ultimate breakthrough, we
are given a bold invitation to draw near to God, stay connected to our community, and endure through trials or
challenges.

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1. The Limitation of the Shadow (Hebrews 10:1–4) The author states that the old system under the law was only a "shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come." Because the same sacrifices had to be offered year after year, they could never permanently purify the worshipers. Verse 3 notes that those sacrifices actually served as an annual "reminder of their sins."

• Question: How does a "reminder of sins" differ from a true "removal of sins"? In our modern spiritual lives, what are some religious habits or guilt patterns we fall into that act more like constant reminders of our failures rather than celebrations of our freedom?

2. A Body Prepared for Obedience (Hebrews 10:5–10) Quoting the Psalms, Christ says to God, "You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer." He then adds, "Look, I have come to do your will, O God."

• Question: What does this tell us about what God values more—ritualistic performance or a heart submitted to

His will? How can we offer our own everyday "bodies" (our time, energy, and physical presence) to do His will
"today"?

3. The Seated High Priest (Hebrews 10:11–14) The text contrasts the earthly priests, who must stand and offer sacrifices day after day that can never take away sins, with Jesus. Verse 12 states that after Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, "he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand."

• Question: In the ancient Tabernacle, there were no chairs because a priest's work was never finished. Why is

the fact that Jesus sat down such good news for us? How does verse 14—stating we are permanently
perfected while simultaneously being made holy—help us handle our current flaws?

4. The Finished Work of Forgiveness (Hebrews 10:15–18) The Holy Spirit testifies to the New Covenant by promising to write His laws on our hearts and minds. He concludes with the definitive promise: "I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds."

• Question: Verse 18 states, "And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices." If there is no more need for a sacrifice, why do we so often feel the urge to "pay God back" or to punish ourselves after we sin?

5. Bold Access into the Most Holy Place (Hebrews 10:19–22) Because of the blood of Jesus, believers have a "bold contract" or absolute confidence to enter the Most Holy Place through a "new and life-giving way" through the curtain—which is His body.

• Question: The author invites us to "go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him." What usually holds you back from approaching God with complete boldness? How does a "guilty conscience" distort our view of God's welcoming character?

6. Holding Tight and Stirring Up (Hebrews 10:23–25) We are commanded to hold tightly without wavering to our hope, because God can be trusted to keep His promise. To do this, we must "think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."

• Question: What does it practically look like to "motivate" or stir someone up to love and to encourage one another to do good works, rather than just annoying or guilt-tripping them? Why is this kind of intentional focus necessary for our own spiritual survival?

7. The True Danger of Isolation (Hebrews 10:25) This verse contains the famous warning: "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

• Question: The author connects a lack of fellowship with spiritual drift. Why is it impossible to live out the Christian faith successfully in absolute isolation? What makes committing to a local church body or small group difficult today, and how do we overcome those hurdles?

8. The Severe Warning Against Deliberate Sin (Hebrews 10:26–31) A sobering warning is given to anyone who deliberately continues sinning after receiving knowledge of the truth. The author warns that treating Christ's blood as common or insulting the Holy Spirit of grace brings severe consequences.

• Question: What is the difference between a believer struggling with a recurring weakness and someone who "deliberately continues sinning" with total disregard for God? How does this passage highlight the extreme value God places on the grace provided by Christ's sacrifice?

9. Remind Yourselves of the Past to Fuel the Future (Hebrews 10:32–39) The chapter closes by asking the readers to remember the early days when they first learned the truth. They endured terrible suffering, public shame, and even the confiscation of their property with joy, knowing that "better things" awaited them.

• Question: When you look back at your own faith journey, what "early battles" or sacrifices did you make that can serve as a reminder to not throw away your confidence now? According to verses 36–39, what is the key to enduring when you feel like backing down?

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Supporting Scripture to review: -
Hebrews 10 discusses the themes of the complete removal of sin, bold access to God, the importance of Christian
fellowship, and enduring faith.

1. On God Desiring Heart-Obedience Over Rituals
1 Samuel 15:22 - "But Samuel replied, 'What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, or your
obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of
rams.'"

Connection to Hebrews: This directly aligns with Hebrews 10:5–8, where Christ declares that God did not want animal
sacrifices or sin offerings, but rather a body prepared for obedience. Both passages emphasize that God has always
valued a surrendered heart over external religious performance.

2. On the Finished, Seated Authority of Christ
Ephesians 1:20 - "...that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the
heavenly realms."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 10:11–12 contrasts the old priests who had to stand day after day with Jesus, who
finished His work and sat down at the right hand of God. Ephesians confirms this seated position as the ultimate
demonstration of Christ's absolute victory and finished sacrifice.

3. On God Choosing to Forget Our Sins
Isaiah 43:25 - "I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again."
Connection to Hebrews: This aligns perfectly with the New Covenant promise quoted in Hebrews 10:17: "I will never
again remember their sins and lawless deeds." Isaiah shows that God's choice to forget our wiped-clean past is an act
of sovereign grace done for His own glory.

4. On Approaching God's Throne with Total Confidence
Ephesians 3:12 - "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s
presence."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 10:19 tells us that we have a "bold contract" or absolute confidence to enter the
Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. Ephesians echoes this incredible New Testament reality—the barrier is gone,
and we no longer have to approach God with fear or hesitation.

5. On Having a Cleansed, Purified Conscience
Ezekiel 36:25 - "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you
will no longer worship idols."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 10:22 invites us to come to God with our hearts sprinkled clean from a guilty
conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Ezekiel’s Old Testament prophecy beautifully foretells this exact
internal, spiritual cleansing that Jesus provides.

6. On the Faithfulness of the One Who Promised
1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 10:23 commands us to hold tightly without wavering to our hope, giving the specific
reason: "for God can be trusted to keep his promise." 1 Thessalonians reinforces this foundation—our security doesn't
rely on our own grip, but on God's unchanging faithfulness.

7. On Motivating One Another in Community
Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."
Connection to Hebrews: This supports the command in Hebrews 10:24 to "think of ways to motivate one another to
acts of love and good works." True biblical community is interactive; we are meant to actively sharpen, push, and
encourage one another to stay spiritually alert.

8. On the Reality of Facing God's Judgment
2 Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for
the good or evil we have done in this earthly body."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 10:30–31 gives a solemn warning about deliberate sin, reminding the readers that
the Lord will judge His people and that it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Paul reminds
believers that our daily choices and structural faithfulness carry real, eternal significance.

9. On Suffering and the Joy of a Future Reward
Romans 8:18 - "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later."
Connection to Hebrews: The author of Hebrews closes chapter 10 by reminding the readers how they previously
endured public shame and the confiscation of their property with joy because they knew "better things" awaited them
(Hebrews 10:34). Romans captures that exact mindset—the temporary weight of current trials is completely
swallowed up by our future inheritance.

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Other questions to explore:

• What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
• What and where is this happening?
  • What makes what was happening meaningful?
  • Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
• Who is involved?
  • How do they respond to God?
  • What character traits do you notice about them?
  • What is the significance of their involvement?
• What do you think is the key message?
• Did anything that surprised or stood out to you? What was it? Share with the group and discuss.
• Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group?
• Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?

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• Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and

research.

• Biggest takeaway?

Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway,
Wheaton, Illinois.
3. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens-
true-images-revolution/
4. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
5. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible
(HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
7. https://www.jeremiahstudybible.com/Hebrews/

May 2026:
_x_ 001, 05/06 Hebrews, Introduction, Chapters 1 & 2
_x_ 002, 05/13 Hebrews, Chapters 3 & 4
_x_ 003, 05/20 Hebrews, Chapters 5 & 6
_x_ 004, 05/27 Hebrews, Chapters 7 & 8
June 2026:
_x_ 005, 06/03 Hebrews, Chapters 9_
_x_006, 06/10 Hebrews, Chapters 10
__ 007, 06/17 Hebrews, Chapters 11
__ 008, 06/24 Hebrews, Chapters 12 & 13*
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.