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 eighth and final meeting of the Spring 2026 Semester for the Called
Men’s Growth Group. The semester ends tonight, June 24, 2026. – Please monitor FV.church/events for more
information about the next semester.

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 12-13

Observation, Application, & Questions (Identify/Discuss Among the Group):

Key verses and topics for discussion, Hebrews Chapters 12 & 13:
Hebrews chapters 12 and 13 bring the entire letter to a powerful, practical conclusion. Having just gone through the
"Hall of Faith" in chapter 11, the author now turns directly to us; Chapter 12 challenges us to run our spiritual race
with endurance and accept God's loving discipline, and Chapter 13 provides a concrete blueprint for how a
community anchored in Jesus should live, love one another, and worship in the real world.------

1. Stripping Weight for the Race (Hebrews 12:1–2) Because we are surrounded by a "huge crowd of witnesses," we
are commanded to strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that trips us up, and run our race by
keeping our eyes on Jesus.

• Question: The author distinguishes between "every weight that slows us down" and "the sin that so easily trips

us up." What is the difference between a flat-out sin and a "weight" – that is, something that might not be
inherently wrong, but still slows down your spiritual momentum? What is a weight you need to drop today?

2. The Purpose of God's Discipline (Hebrews 12:5–11) The text reminds us not to make light of the Lord’s discipline or
get discouraged when He corrects us, because "the Lord disciplines those he loves." Verse 11 honestly admits that no
discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful—but afterward, it produces a peaceful harvest of right living.

• Question: How does changing your perspective from "God is punishing me because He's angry" to "God is

training me because I'm His child" change how you handle life’s difficulties, or His discipline?
If you are willing, share a time when a painful correction later produced a "peaceful harvest"?

3. Watching Out for Bitter Roots (Hebrews 12:14–17) We are urged to work at living in peace with everyone and to
work at living a holy life. Verse 15 warns us to: "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of
God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many."

• Question: Why does the author describe bitterness as a "poisonous root"? How does unchecked bitterness

quickly spread and "corrupt" our relationship with others? -What about “corrupting” an entire family, small
group, or church community?

4. The Unshakeable Kingdom (Hebrews 12:18–29) The author contrasts Mount Sinai (the terrifying, smoking mountain
of the Old Law) with Mount Zion (the joyful, heavenly city of the New Covenant). He warns that God will shake the
Heavens and the Earth, so that only unshakeable things remain.

• Question: When stressors or crises of life "shake" our daily routine, how does it expose what we truly rely on

for security? According to verse 28, what should our response be to receiving a Kingdom that cannot be
shaken?

5. Show Hospitality to Strangers (Hebrews 13:1–3) Chapter 13 opens with immediate, practical commands: keep on
loving each other, show hospitality to strangers, and remember those in prison and those who are mistreated.

• Question: Verse 2 gives us the striking reminder that by entertaining strangers, "some people have shown

hospitality to angels without knowing it!" In our modern, cautious culture, what makes genuine hospitality
difficult? How can we create a places that are welcoming and take care of outsiders/unchurched?

6. Contentment vs. The Love of Money (Hebrews 13:5–6) Believers are commanded to stay free from the love of
money and be satisfied with what they have. The reason given isn't a budget strategy, but a divine promise: "For God
has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'"

• Question: Why is a deep trust in God’s presence the ultimate cure for financial anxiety and greed? How does

knowing that He will never abandon us give us the courage to say, "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no
fear"?

7. Staying Anchored in Unchanging Truth (Hebrews 13:7–9) We are told to remember our spiritual leaders who taught
us the word of God and to look at the outcomes of their lives. This is immediately followed by one of the most famous
declarations in Scripture: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

• Question: The world's values shift constantly, what is popular today; may NOT be popular tomorrow. Verse 9

warns us not to be attracted by "strange new teachings." How does anchoring our identity in an unchanging
God and His Son, Jesus provide, stability? Instead of popular culture who’s morals twist and turn?

8. Going Outside the Camp (Hebrews 13:11–14) Under the old system, the high priest took the blood of animals into
the Holy Place, but the animal carcasses were burned outside the camp. Jesus also suffered outside the city gates to
purify His people. The author challenges us: "So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore."

• Question: "Inside the camp" represents safety, comfort, and religious tradition. What does it look like for a

Christian today to step "outside the camp" to follow Jesus? - Even if it means facing social awkwardness,
misunderstanding, or rejection?

9. The Sacrifices That Please God Now (Hebrews 13:15–16) Since Jesus offered the ultimate, end-all/be-all, final blood
sacrifice, our worship looks different. The author points out two specific sacrifices that we offer now: the sacrifice of
praise (the term "fruit of our lips") and the sacrifice of doing good and sharing with those in need.

• Question: Why is doing good and sharing resources or our wealth considered an act of worship in verse 16?

We need to balance our worship of singing and praying to God, with our worship of practically serving and
giving to others? – Agree/Disagree? Discuss among the group.

================================================
Supporting Scripture to review: -
"May the God of peace... equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of
Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him."
— Hebrews 13:20-21

1. On Stripping Off Weights and Running the Race; 1 Corinthians 9:24
"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"
Connection to Hebrews: This matches the opening imagery of Hebrews 12:1–2, which challenges us to strip off every
weight and run the race marked out for us. Both passages treat the Christian life not as a casual stroll, but as an
intentional athletic event requiring focus and elimination of distractions.

2. On Remembering the Lord's Loving Training; Proverbs 3:11–12
"My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he
loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
Connection to Hebrews: This is the exact Old Testament proverb that the author of Hebrews quotes explicitly in
Hebrews 12:5–6. It serves as the bedrock principle for understanding that personal hardships are often a sign of God's
parental care, not His abandonment.

3. On Cultivating Peace and Avoiding Bitterness; Romans 12:18
"Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone so far as it depends on you."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 12:14 urges believers to "work at living in peace with everyone." Paul echoes this
reality in Romans, acknowledging that while we cannot control how others act, our personal responsibility is to
exhaust every avenue to maintain relational harmony.

4. On the Final Shaking of the World; Haggai 2:6
"For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the
oceans and the dry land."
Connection to Hebrews: This prophecy is the scriptural warning cited in Hebrews 12:26 to show that everything
created and unstable will eventually be stripped away. It emphasizes that only those anchored in God's unshakeable
kingdom will survive the final spiritual audit.

5. On Practical Hospitality and Loving Strangers; Leviticus 19:34
"Do not exploit foreigners who live in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love
yourself, for you were once foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 13:1–2 opens with the command to "show hospitality to strangers." Leviticus shows
that this radical posture of welcoming outsiders and providing a safe space for them has been a core element of God's
moral standard since the very beginning.

6. On Contentment and Financial Peace; 1 Timothy 6:6–8
"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into
the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be
content."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 13:5 commands us to "stay free from the love of money and be satisfied with what
you have." Timothy provides the exact same practical formula—reminding us that true wealth is found in matching a
godly life with a satisfied heart.

7. On the Absolute Consistency of Jesus; James 1:17
"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He
never changes or casts a shifting shadow."
Connection to Hebrews: This perfectly complements the bedrock declaration in Hebrews 13:8 that "Jesus Christ is the
same yesterday, today, and forever." In a world where values and situations change constantly, both passages point to
the absolute, unshifting stability of God’s character.

8. On the Willingness to Suffer "Outside the Camp"; 1 Peter 4:14
"If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon
you."
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 13:13 challenges believers to step "outside the camp" and bear the disgrace that
Christ bore. Peter validates the emotional reality of this choice, promising that when we experience social rejection or
awkwardness for our faith, we are met with a deeper measure of God's presence.

9. On Providing Practical, Tangible Help to Others; 1 John 3:17
"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can
that person’s love for God be in them?"
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 13:16 reminds us not to forget to "do good and share with those in need, for such
sacrifices are pleasing to God." John strips away any vague spiritualization of this concept, stating directly that true
worship must be demonstrated through the sharing of physical, everyday resources.

---
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?

---

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

research.

• Biggest takeaway?

---
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?

---

• 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
_x_ 007, 06/17 Hebrews, Chapters 11
_x_ 008, 06/24 Hebrews, Chapters 12 & 13*
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.