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August 15, 2021 - Formation of Rest

Series: Restoring the Soul

Speaker: Phillip Carnuccio

August 15, 2021
Hebrews '>Hebrews

Life Group Discussion Guides

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Follow Along with the Message

  1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

  • How are you doing? 
  • What can you thank God for this week?
  • When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
  • Do you have any practical needs?

  1. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

Primary Passages: Hebrews 4

Let's play word association with the word 'REST'.  What words, images or connotations come to mind?

What's your definition of 'REST'?  Does it apply to your soul?  

Are there seasons, rhythms or areas of your life that we assume REST cant be achieved?

Phil made an interesting point about one of the most memorized verses in the Bible, Hebrews 4:12.  Take a moment to read it.  Phil's point is that the verse has mostly been referenced by itself and not in the context of the entire chapter and/or book of Hebrews.  Do you agree?  Why or why not?

Its ironic that this chapter has the word 'rest' mentioned ______   times?  If you dont know already, give a quick read and count how many times its mentioned.

Phil also mentioned that anytime we see the word 'therefore' in scripture that it generates tension soon after.  The author is creating tension by correcting the audience's beliefs,  thoughts, actions,  traditions and/or relationships with the trinity and/or within the church and/or outside the church.  In Chapter 4, what is the author trying to correct or challenge or train?  in verse 1?  in verse 11?

What are the warnings or consequences of NOT entering 'God's Rest'?  in verse 2 and in verse 11?  in your own life and experience?

I oftentimes feel that I cant rest until things calm down or get done but Phil emphasized that the audience for the book of Hebrews was living in just a chaotic and uncertain time as we are today.  Can you relate?  Do you also feel that God's Rest cant be had until we either earn it or finish what we start or wait til circumstances subside around us?

Phil mentioned several requirements of 'entering God's rest':

  • Listening
  • Humility
  • Pain threshold
  • Patience 
  • Trust 

Phil issued a challenge for us by asking how much time do we spend in Silence before the Lord each day?  If you're like me,  I struggle with being consistently and attentively dedicated to absolute listening mode with the Spirit.  How can you do better with spending time daily with the Lord?

Phil talked about why he hated social media.  The 24/7 attention that social media is designed to require can drown out our capability to listen and connect with the Holy Spirit and stay in the present.  Do you agree with him?  If this is not your issue,  what competes for your attention?

Of the attributes listed above,  which requirements are your strong suit?  Which one(s) do you need to address first?

Finally, our encouragement this week is found in verse 4:14-16

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Let's TRUST that we do have ACCESS to the ultimate dwelling place in the universe, being in the presence of God through Jesus Christ.  Let's pray for each other to enter into that reality.



  1. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

  • How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
  • What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)



  1. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

  • People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
  • Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 
  • Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.

 

-------------------------------------

 

Bible Text focus : Hebrews 4

 
Let's play word association with the word 'REST'.  What words, images or connotations come to mind?
 
What's your definition of 'REST'?  Does it apply to your soul?  
Are there seasons, rhythms or areas of your life that we assume REST cant be achieved?
 
Phil made an interesting point about one of the most memorized verses in the Bible, Hebrews 4:12.  Take a moment to read it.  Phil's point is that the verse has mostly been referenced by itself and not in the context of the entire chapter and/or book of Hebrews.  Do you agree?  Why or why not?
 
Its ironic that this chapter has the word 'rest' mentioned ______   times?  If you dont know already, give a quick read and count how many times its mentioned.
 
 
 
Phil also mentioned that anytime we see the word 'therefore' in scripture that it generates tension soon after.  The author is creating tension by correcting the audience's beliefs,  thoughts, actions,  traditions and/or relationships with the trinity and/or within the church and/or outside the church.  In Chapter 4, what is the author trying to correct or challenge or train?  in verse 1?  in verse 11?
 
What are the warnings or consequences of NOT entering 'God's Rest'?  in verse 2 and in verse 11?  in your own life and experience?
 
I oftentimes feel that I cant rest until things calm down or get done but Phil emphasized that the audience for the book of Hebrews was living in just a chaotic and uncertain time as we are today.  Can you relate?  Do you also feel that God's Rest cant be had until we either earn it or finish what we start or wait til circumstances subside around us?
 
Phil mentioned several requirements of 'entering God's rest':
  • Listening
  • Humility
  • Pain threshold
  • Patience 
  • Trust 
Phil issued a challenge for us by asking how much time do we spend in Silence before the Lord each day?  If you're like me,  I struggle with being consistently and attentively dedicated to absolute listening mode with the Spirit.  How can you do better with spending time daily with the Lord?
 
Phil talked about why he hated social media.  The 24/7 attention that social media is designed to require can drown out our capability to listen and connect with the Holy Spirit and stay in the present.  Do you agree with him?  If this is not your issue,  what competes for your attention?
 
Of the attributes listed above,  which requirements are your strong suit?  Which one(s) do you need to address first?
 
Finally, our encouragement this week is found in verse 4:14-16
 
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
 
Let's TRUST that we do have ACCESS to the ultimate dwelling place in the universe, being in the presence of God through Jesus Christ.  Let's pray for each other to enter into that reality.

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