Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 46 – Hebrews 9-13

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 46 - Hebrews 9-13

Week 46: Exploring Hebrews 9-13

In week 46 of our journey to read the New Testament in a year, we will explore the profound teachings in Hebrews 9-13. This section of Hebrews delves into the themes of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, the assurance of our faith, and practical ways to live out that faith daily. We begin with a look at the contrast between the temporary sacrifices of the old covenant and the eternal redemption offered by Jesus, who entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. As we progress, we’ll consider the powerful examples of faith demonstrated by those who came before us, followed by a call to endure in our own faith journey, especially in times of hardship. Finally, we conclude with a chapter focused on practical guidelines for faithful living, from showing hospitality to honoring our relationships and maintaining a life of praise. This week, let’s reflect on how these timeless truths apply to our daily walk with God and encourage us to live with confidence, gratitude, and commitment.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9:13-14 (ESV): For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Hebrews 9 describes the limitations of the old sacrificial system, which only provided temporary atonement for sin. In contrast, Jesus’ sacrifice is once and for all, entering the heavenly sanctuary to secure eternal redemption. His blood purifies believers fully, offering a way to serve God with a cleansed conscience.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

In Hebrews 10, the author reinforces the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the inadequacy of the old sacrifices, which could never fully take away sins. Believers are urged to draw near to God with confidence, encourage one another, and hold fast to their hope. A stern warning against falling away emphasizes the importance of enduring faith.

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11, known as the “Faith Chapter,” recounts the faith of heroes throughout biblical history who trusted in God’s promises despite challenges. Their lives demonstrate the power of faith, which enables believers to look beyond present difficulties to God’s future reward. Faith is defined as confidence in what is hoped for and assurance in what is unseen.

Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

In Hebrews 12, believers are encouraged to run their faith race with endurance, inspired by the faithful witnesses who have gone before. The chapter explains that while God sometimes allows hardship, it serves as loving discipline, shaping us for righteousness. Believers are urged to pursue peace, avoid bitterness, and live with holiness. The chapter ends by reminding readers of their place in an unshakable, heavenly kingdom, calling them to worship God with reverence and awe.

Hebrews 13

Hebrews 13 offers practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God, including showing hospitality, honoring marriage, and being content with what one has. The chapter calls believers to respect their leaders and remember the unchanging nature of Jesus. A final encouragement is given to continually offer praise to God and support others with good deeds.

Week 46: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 46: Reflection Questions for Hebrews 9-13

Consider the following reflection questions:

Hebrews 9: Christ’s Superior Sacrifice

  1. How does Jesus’ one-time sacrifice differ from the repetitive sacrifices under the old covenant, and how does this impact our understanding of forgiveness?
  2. What does it mean to have a “cleansed conscience,” and how can we live in this freedom?
  3. How does the eternal redemption Jesus offers encourage us, and what does it mean to serve God wholeheartedly?
  4. How does Jesus’ blood purify us from sin in a way that the old sacrifices could not, and how can we live with gratitude for this?
  5. What does Hebrews 9 teach about Jesus entering the heavenly sanctuary, and how can we confidently approach God because of His sacrifice?

Hebrews 10: Confidence and Enduring Faith

  1. How does Christ’s perfect sacrifice provide confidence in our forgiveness, and how can we live assured in His grace?
  2. What does it mean to “draw near to God with a sincere heart,” and how can we practice this closeness daily?
  3. How does the call to encourage one another strengthen our community, and how can we actively support fellow believers?
  4. What does holding fast to hope look like in practical terms, and how can we trust in God’s faithfulness even in difficult times?
  5. How does Hebrews 10 warn against falling away from faith, and how can we maintain steadfastness in our commitment to Christ?

Hebrews 11: Examples of Faith

  1. How does the faith of biblical heroes inspire us, and in what areas can we rely on faith when outcomes are uncertain?
  2. What does it mean to have “confidence in what we hope for,” and how can we strengthen this confidence in our daily lives?
  3. How do the examples of faith in Hebrews 11 teach us about trusting God’s promises, and how can we emulate this trust?
  4. How does Hebrews 11 encourage perseverance through unseen outcomes, and how can we cultivate a mindset of enduring faith?
  5. How does faith enable us to look beyond present difficulties, and how can we apply this perspective in our personal challenges?

Hebrews 12: Endurance and God’s Discipline

  1. How does the encouragement to “run with endurance” shape our approach to life’s challenges, and how can we stay focused on our faith journey?
  2. What can we learn from the concept of discipline as an expression of God’s love, and how can we respond to difficult times with trust in His purpose?
  3. How does the call to “strive for peace with everyone” influence our relationships, and what steps can we take to foster peace and reconciliation?
  4. In what ways does pursuing holiness draw us closer to God, and how can we cultivate a life that reflects His character?
  5. How does the reminder of our unshakable kingdom encourage us during uncertainty, and how can we respond in worship and gratitude for God’s steadfastness?

Hebrews 13: Living Out Faith with Love and Integrity

  1. How does the call to show hospitality challenge us, and how can we create a welcoming environment for others?
  2. What does it mean to honor marriage, and how can we uphold its sanctity in our relationships?
  3. How does contentment in Hebrews 13 inspire gratitude, and what practices help us stay grateful?
  4. How does respecting and learning from faith leaders contribute to our growth, and how can we support their guidance?
  5. How does Hebrews encourage continual praise and good deeds, and in what ways can we actively live out these principles?
Reflection Questions Hebrews 9 How does Jesus’ one-time sacrifice differ from the repetitive sacrifices under the old covenant, and how does this impact our understanding of forgiveness? What does it mean to have a “cleansed conscience,” and how can we live in this freedom? How does the eternal redemption Jesus offers encourage us, and what does it mean to serve God wholeheartedly? How does Jesus’ blood purify us from sin in a way that the old sacrifices could not, and how can we live with gratitude for this? What does Hebrews 9 teach about Jesus entering the heavenly sanctuary, and how can we confidently approach God because of His sacrifice?
Reflection Questions Hebrews 10 How does Christ’s perfect sacrifice provide confidence in our forgiveness, and how can we live assured in His grace? What does it mean to “draw near to God with a sincere heart,” and how can we practice this closeness daily? How does the call to encourage one another strengthen our community, and how can we actively support fellow believers? What does holding fast to hope look like in practical terms, and how can we trust in God’s faithfulness even in difficult times? How does Hebrews 10 warn against falling away from faith, and how can we maintain steadfastness in our commitment to Christ?
Reflection Questions Hebrews 11 How does the faith of biblical heroes inspire us, and in what areas can we rely on faith when outcomes are uncertain? What does it mean to have “confidence in what we hope for,” and how can we strengthen this confidence in our daily lives? How do the examples of faith in Hebrews 11 teach us about trusting God’s promises, and how can we emulate this trust? How does Hebrews 11 encourage perseverance through unseen outcomes, and how can we cultivate a mindset of enduring faith? How does faith enable us to look beyond present difficulties, and how can we apply this perspective in our personal challenges?
Reflection Questions Hebrews 12 How does the encouragement to “run with endurance” shape our approach to life’s challenges, and how can we stay focused on our faith journey? What can we learn from the concept of discipline as an expression of God’s love, and how can we respond to difficult times with trust in His purpose? How does the call to “strive for peace with everyone” influence our relationships, and what steps can we take to foster peace and reconciliation? In what ways does pursuing holiness draw us closer to God, and how can we cultivate a life that reflects His character? How does the reminder of our unshakable kingdom encourage us during uncertainty, and how can we respond in worship and gratitude for God’s steadfastness?
Reflection Questions Hebrews 13 How does the call to show hospitality challenge us, and how can we create a welcoming environment for others? What does it mean to honor marriage, and how can we uphold its sanctity in our relationships? How does contentment in Hebrews 13 inspire gratitude, and what practices help us stay grateful? How does respecting and learning from faith leaders contribute to our growth, and how can we support their guidance? How does Hebrews encourage continual praise and good deeds, and in what ways can we actively live out these principles?

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 46 - Hebrews 9-13
Hebrews 9:13-14 (ESV): For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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