fbpx
News Articles

Bible Study: September 21, 2014


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.

Bible Passage: Hebrews 2:14-18

Discussion Questions: What do you do when you feel overwhelmed by a debt? How does that feeling compare to the realization of the debt owed as a result of sin?

Food for Thought:

Most of us attended college with the hope of putting ourselves in a better place to provide for our families once we graduated. Graduation finally comes, but so do the loan payments. Research indicates that two-thirds of all college graduates carry some type of loan debt. They are starting out in the hole and will spend the next 10 years trying to get out of that hole. For some, it seems hopeless and they begin to accept the idea that they will never live debt free.

We face the same prospects when it comes to our spiritual lives. Every sin, regardless of whether it is a word, thought or deed, carries a price tag. That price tag includes a holy God’s righteous anger and wrath. Hell, the ultimate expression of that wrath, awaits the sinner. All moral law points to the reality of sin requiring punishment. The writer of Hebrews reminded his hearers that Jesus willingly stood in our place and took that punishment by becoming our propitiation (Hebrews 2: 17).

Propitiation refers to a wrath-bearing sacrifice, which Jesus Himself became when He offered up Himself. It carries the idea of a sacrifice that turns away God’s wrath and judgment. This term is important for us to know because it helps us grasp the seriousness of sin.

We either bear God’s wrath ourselves for an eternity in hell, or we place out trust in Jesus’ death on the cross, knowing that His sacrifice turns away God’s wrath. Jesus took our punishment by becoming the wrath-bearing sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, there is no more fear! Mercy and grace are for those who are sons and daughters of God in Christ.

Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found on the Internet at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible .

Other ongoing Bible study options offered by LifeWay for all ages can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.

    About the Author

  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources