“Living in Victory”

This week’s study is laden with warnings like: “do not”, “shall never”, and “see to it.”  When we see repeated warning signs of “danger ahead”, we need to slow down and be alert for trouble that lies ahead. So, before you begin, ask Him for wisdom and guidance as you study - take time to focus on Him in worship and praise.

Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE (Heb 3:12).  Hide the Word of God in your heart; Review; Meditate!

DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and the sermon about “Living in Victory?”

Meditate upon (Heb 3:7-19) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online).  Be still before Him and think about what you have just read. In your own words, summarize what the writer is saying.

• How many times is the word “today” used in the passage; why is it critical?
• How did the Hebrews test and try God (v9); do you test Him – if so, how?
• What is meant by “turns away from the living God (12); how can this happen; how can it be prevented (13)?
• What does it mean to “believe in Jesus”; is that different from “trusting in Jesus; if so, how?

Apply the Word

• How has this week’s study caused you to reflect on your own spiritual condition?
• Think of some ways that you could “encourage one another daily”; pick one and be an encourager today!

Respond in Prayer

Pray that God would strengthen your faith and confidence in Him (Phil 1:6,Is 26:3); that He would bless others through you!

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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.