Accessing God's Grace: A Call to Perseverance
Summary
This morning, we gathered as a community rooted in grace, recognizing that our salvation is not something we can earn, but a gift given through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We reflected on the beauty of coming together, expectant to hear from God through His Word, and the importance of approaching Scripture with open hearts. Our focus was on Hebrews 10:19-25, a passage that calls us to perseverance in faith, hope, and love, especially in times of difficulty and discouragement.
We explored the rich imagery of the Old Testament tabernacle, where the most holy place was separated by a curtain, accessible only to the high priest once a year. This separation symbolized the holiness of God and the inaccessibility caused by our sin. Yet, when Jesus died, the curtain was torn from top to bottom, signifying that through Him, we now have direct access to God. The most holy place, once a foreshadow, now points us to the reality of heaven—a place made perfect by God’s own hands.
The call in Hebrews is threefold: to draw near to God with sincere hearts, to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, and to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Drawing near to God is not just a ritual, but a sincere, daily pursuit—one that requires honest prayer and an expectant approach to Scripture. Holding onto hope means anchoring ourselves in the faithfulness of Christ, even when life’s circumstances threaten to overwhelm us. And spurring one another on is a communal responsibility, encouraging each other not just in formal gatherings, but in everyday life, through genuine relationships and acts of love.
We are reminded that none of us walk this journey alone. The early church faced persecution and discouragement, yet the call remains the same for us: don’t give up, don’t turn back. Instead, let us encourage one another, meet together, and live out our faith in tangible ways, knowing that Christ is faithful and His return is certain, even if the timing is unknown. In the meantime, we are called to make disciples, to love deeply, and to live with the full assurance that comes from faith in Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Access to God is a gift, not an achievement. The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death means that the barrier between us and God has been removed forever. We are invited to approach God with confidence, not because of our own merit, but because Christ is our eternal High Priest and intercessor. This access is a daily invitation to intimacy with the Father, not just a theological truth to be acknowledged. [41:27]
- Drawing near to God requires sincerity and intentionality. It’s easy to let routines or distractions crowd out our time with God, but He desires honest, heartfelt engagement. Whether in prayer, worship, or reading Scripture, God looks for authenticity rather than rote performance. Our spiritual growth depends on approaching Him with expectation and openness, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. [46:27]
- Hope in Christ is steadfast, unlike the fleeting hopes of this world. We often place our hope in circumstances we cannot control, but the hope found in Jesus is anchored in His unchanging faithfulness. This hope should be visible to those around us, shaping our responses to life’s challenges and testifying to the reality of Christ in us. Even when we falter, we are called to hold on unswervingly, trusting that He who promised is faithful. [50:22]
- Community is essential for perseverance and growth. The call to “spur one another on” is not limited to Sunday gatherings, but extends to every aspect of our shared lives. Genuine Christian fellowship involves encouragement, accountability, and practical support, especially in seasons of struggle or doubt. We are called to be present for one another, helping each other become more like Christ through love and good deeds. [55:51]
- Our mission is urgent and ongoing, even as we await Christ’s return. While the timing of His coming is unknown, our responsibility is clear: to make disciples, to teach, and to love. The assurance of faith and hope is not just for our comfort, but to empower us to boldly live out and share the gospel. In the meantime, we are to encourage one another and remain faithful, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. [59:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[32:27] - Opening Prayer
[33:58] - The Power of Expectancy in Worship
[34:48] - Why Hebrews 10? A Journey Through Scripture
[35:51] - The Context of Hebrews and Early Church Struggles
[36:42] - Christ in All of Scripture
[37:34] - Persecution and Perseverance
[38:19] - The Identity and Work of Jesus
[39:32] - The Tabernacle: Old Testament Foundations
[41:27] - The Most Holy Place and the Torn Curtain
[46:27] - Drawing Near to God with Sincerity
[49:55] - The Nature of True Hope
[51:10] - A Personal Story of Struggle and Hope
[53:37] - The Call to Community and Encouragement
[55:51] - Beyond Sunday: Living Out Fellowship
[58:51] - The Day Approaching: Living in Readiness
[59:36] - Our Mission Until Christ Returns
[01:00:34] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Hebrews 10:19-25 – Draw Near, Hold Fast, Spur On
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### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 10:19-22, what has changed about our access to God, and what imagery does the writer use to describe this change?
2. What three main instructions or “let us” statements does the author give in verses 22-24?
3. In the sermon, what did the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death symbolize? ([41:27])
4. What reasons does the author of Hebrews give for not giving up meeting together?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon described the Most Holy Place as a perfect cube, both in the tabernacle and in the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation. What is the significance of this connection, and how does it shape our understanding of God’s presence? ([41:27])
2. The preacher emphasized that drawing near to God requires sincerity and intentionality, not just routine. Why do you think God values sincerity over ritual, and how does this affect our spiritual growth? ([46:27])
3. The hope we have in Christ is described as steadfast and different from worldly hopes. In what ways does this hope impact how we respond to life’s challenges? ([50:22])
4. The call to “spur one another on” is presented as a communal responsibility. What are some practical ways this can happen outside of Sunday gatherings? ([55:51])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that access to God is a gift, not an achievement. Do you ever find yourself trying to “earn” God’s approval? What would it look like to approach God with confidence because of Jesus, not your own efforts? ([41:27])
2. When you think about your daily routine, what are the biggest distractions or routines that keep you from drawing near to God with a sincere heart? What is one small change you could make this week to prioritize honest time with God? ([46:27])
3. The preacher shared a personal story about losing hope and composure during a stressful season. When was the last time you felt overwhelmed or discouraged? How did you respond, and what would it look like to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” in a similar situation? ([51:10])
4. Think of a time when someone in the church encouraged you or “spurred you on” in your faith. How did that impact you? Is there someone you could reach out to this week to encourage or support? ([58:03])
5. The passage urges us not to give up meeting together. Are there relationships or gatherings you’ve neglected that you sense God calling you to re-engage with? What’s one step you can take to reconnect? ([55:51])
6. The sermon reminded us that our mission is urgent and ongoing, even as we wait for Christ’s return. Who is one person in your life you could intentionally invest in or share your faith with this month? ([59:36])
7. The preacher mentioned that spiritual growth happens through genuine relationships and acts of love, not just formal church events. What is one practical way you can show love or do a good deed for someone in your community this week? ([55:51])
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Close in prayer, asking God for sincerity in drawing near, steadfast hope, and the courage to encourage one another in love and good deeds.
Devotional
Day 1: Confidence to Enter God’s Presence Through Christ
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers can now approach God with confidence, no longer separated by sin or ritual, but welcomed into His presence by the blood of Christ. The old barriers, symbolized by the temple curtain, have been torn down, and through Christ, we are invited to draw near to God, not with fear, but with assurance that we are accepted and loved. This access is not earned by our own efforts, but is a gift of grace, reminding us that our relationship with God is secure because of what Jesus has done. [41:27]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally draw near to God today, knowing you have full access to His presence through Jesus?
Day 2: Hold Unswervingly to the Hope We Profess
In a world full of uncertainties and fleeting hopes, the hope found in Christ stands firm and unchanging. This hope is not based on circumstances or things we cannot control, but on the faithfulness of God who keeps His promises. Even when life’s pressures mount and we feel overwhelmed, we are called to cling tightly to this hope, letting it shape our attitudes and actions so that others can see the difference Christ makes in us. [50:22]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
Reflection: In what current situation do you need to hold more tightly to the hope you have in Christ, and how can you let that hope be visible to those around you?
Day 3: Spur One Another On Toward Love and Good Deeds
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation; we are called to encourage, challenge, and support one another in love. Meeting together—whether in worship, study, or fellowship—strengthens our faith and helps us persevere, especially in difficult times. By reaching out, checking in, and building each other up, we reflect God’s love and help each other grow in Christlikeness, making our community a place of genuine care and spiritual growth. [55:51]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage or reach out to this week to help them grow in faith and love?
Day 4: Sincere Hearts in Prayer and the Word
God desires that we come to Him with sincerity, not just out of habit or obligation, but with hearts that are open and honest. Approaching God in prayer and reading His Word should be done expectantly, seeking to truly hear from Him and share what is on our hearts. When we set aside distractions and come before God with genuine intent, we experience deeper intimacy and transformation, moving beyond rote routines into a living relationship with our Creator. [46:27]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Reflection: What distractions or routines do you need to set aside today to approach God with a sincere and expectant heart?
Day 5: Encouraged to Persevere and Make Disciples
As we await Christ’s return, our calling is to persevere in faith, encourage one another, and actively share the good news with others. The assurance of God’s faithfulness gives us boldness to speak, serve, and love in our communities, workplaces, and families. We are not alone in this mission; together, as the body of Christ, we are empowered to make disciples and live out the gospel until the day He comes again. [59:36]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to share Christ’s love or message with someone in your sphere of influence?
Quotes
Remember back in matthew chapter 27 jesus is dying on the cross and it reads and jesus had cried out again in a loud voice and he gave up his spirit and at that moment the temple the curtain was torn top to bottom the curtain that separated that separation this space it separated sinful people from the holy god was broken open torn open forever and at that point in time we could enter that place jesus said no one comes to the father except through me in his death jesus opened this curtain and through him through his body our great high priest we may enter with confidence into the most holy place because jesus became our intercessor forever. [00:43:43] (64 seconds)
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance that faith brings having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another all the more as we see the day approaching. [00:45:45] (39 seconds)
And Jesus made that clear as well at the end of Matthew. Go make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And so we go. We go. And we do that with full assurance that faith brings. And we hold on unswervingly to the hope that we profess. And we spur one another on and encourage each other in love, toward love and good deeds. For he, Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. [00:59:47] (44 seconds)
Scripture supports Scripture and how all of it reminds us of Jesus Christ. Christ is throughout Scripture from page one to page end. And if we truly want to grow with him and grow into the likeness of him, we need to meet him there. We need to meet him in his Word in its entirety. [00:36:15] (26 seconds)
Brothers and sisters we have full assurance that faith brings full assurance that our lives our souls they all belong to him our hearts our hearts are sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water isn't that full assurance changed heart that we can have confidence to come into the holy place without guilt without shame we can come to him anytime and anywhere. [00:48:58] (42 seconds)
God's not looking for our rote memory prayers are those sincere those are just words God wants to hear what's on our heart he desires for us to eagerly and earnestly come to him and cast our cares upon him and when we approach the word do we open our Bibles with sincere hearts and what I mean by that do we open the Bible differently than we open a novel or a magazine or read something on our phone or do we open our Bibles expectantly to hear from him. [00:48:14] (43 seconds)
In Christ, we have a hope that overrides the other trivial things. But as believers, do we reflect that in the world? Can your non -Christian friends see and hear the hope that you profess? Or to put it another way, do we see the hope in you all the time? You know this hope. You have this hope. But are you or I holding on to it unswervingly? [00:50:25] (33 seconds)
Scripture is always an easy say, hard do. What a mess we would be in if we had to do this alone. On our own, without the Holy Spirit. On our own, without our brothers and sisters in Christ coming alongside. [00:53:27] (16 seconds)
As believers, we're all on this walk together. Either way, whether you're a new Christian or you've been on this walk for a long time, as long as we're on this side of heaven, none of us, none of us have arrived. We're still on this path to become more and more like Jesus. [00:57:38] (25 seconds)
And at those times, isn't it so refreshing to have a brother or sister in Christ come along? you, to spur you on, to encourage you. Think about the last time that you called someone that you haven't seen in a long time, just to check in. Hey, how are you? How's it going? How's your walk with the Lord? How can I be praying for you? [00:58:09] (29 seconds)
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