“Go Public – Leaving the Camp”

As you study this week’s passage, reflect back on what you have learned about the unshakable kingdom that we are receiving. Are there people you know that are not receiving this kingdom?

Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28, NIV

DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and sermon about “Leaving the Camp/Go Public?”

Meditate upon (Heb 13:10-16) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online).  Be still before Him and think about what you have just read; Listen to Him.  In your own words, summarize what this passage is saying to you.

• Why is it significant that Jesus was crucified “outside the city gate”? (v. 12)
• What does the author mean when he calls us to go to Christ “outside the camp” (v.13)? (see Mt. 10:37-38; 16:24; Mk. 8:34; Lk 14:26-27; Jn. 15:18-20).
• In your own life, what might it mean for you to go “outside the camp”? Give some examples.
• What rationale does the author give for doing this? (v. 14). How can you develop this attitude or focus?
• What three kinds of “sacrifices” does God desire, mentioned in (vs.15-16)? How frequently are we to do these?
• For each of us today, are we ready to separate ourselves from the world, suffer the consequences of obedience and enjoy the rewards that are only found “outside the camp” (Ps 16:11)

(Resource – Faith Foundations Study Guide, Alan Perkins)

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Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT

Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word.  We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it.  Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn.

Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.

• Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and give you understanding. Remember, your goal is to meet with Him, so spend time in Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication (ACTS) – the supplication is to understand the Word, to know Him and to enjoy Him!
  
• Preview – Read the passage quickly; what’s the topic or theme? Did you notice anything in particular?
  
• Read – Read the passage again more slowly.  Is God trying to tell you something?  Is there something you haven’t noticed before?  
  
• Observe – Read the passage again out loud.  Look at each word; each phrase; underline or mark key words; vary the emphasis you place on the words.  What is He saying to you; what is He asking you to do?  Paraphrase the passage in your own words.
  
• Apply – Is there a command to obey; a sin to confess or an action to take?  How can you apply this scripture to your life?  Does He want you to do it now?
  
• Pray – Pray that He would enable you to do what He has told you to do in applying the scripture. Memorize (Phil 2:13); stand upon its truth. Be still before Him, listen, and let the Word saturate your thoughts and your heart.
  
• Tell – Write in your journal what He has revealed to you, then share with someone what you have learned. Don’t place your light under a basket (Mt 5:15). Remember to have a plan, a place, a purpose (to meet with Him), and finally – PERSEVERE, even when you don’t feel like it or don’t think you have the time, give God the “first fruits” of your day! Early mornings are wonderful in His presence; set your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier.