Error
Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Hall of Fame
February 1,2025
Week 4: Abraham - Looking Forward to Heaven
Jeff Griffin
Hebrews 11:8-19
From music stars to sports legends, a Hall of Fame celebrates heroes who inspire greatness. And the Bible even has its own Hall of Fame. In our study of Hebrews 11, we’re talking all about how the spiritual champions of old can inspire our faith today. This week we’re looking at Abraham, the founder of Israel who died before seeing his God-given dreams take off.
Thinking back across your life thus far, what place holds a special spot in your heart (a home you lived in, treasured vacation location, dream destination)? What makes it significant to you?
1. Abraham gets the longest mention in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Fame (11 verses). From what you know about Abraham, why do you think this is?
2. Jeff talks in his message about how Abraham avoided discouragement by taking the long view. Looking at Hebrews 11:8-10, how is this demonstrated in Abraham’s life?
3. Hebrews 11:10 & 13 tell us that God is the architect of Zion who prepares a city for His people. Jesus told his disciples something similar in John 14:2. How do both of these promises help you to cultivate a joyful anticipation of heaven?
“In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2, NASB)
4. We learned the term inaugural eschatology from Jeff’s teaching, the idea of the “already and not yet” that allowed Abraham and other heroes of the faith to “greet from afar” God’s kingdom. How have you experienced this tension in your life? In what ways can you celebrate God’s current work while longing for the fullness of His kingdom?
5. Hebrews 11:16 tells us God’s reaction to those who greeted His kingdom and promises from afar and lived as “foreigners and strangers on earth” (11:13). What does this tell you about how He sees your disappointments and frustrations with the world we live in? When those frustrations or disappointments arise in the coming days and weeks, how can this truth guide your reactions?
“But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16, NET)
Abraham stayed true to God even though he never fully saw God’s promises fulfilled in his lifetime. Pray for God’s grace to embrace the same joyful anticipation that fueled Abraham’s faith.