November 23, 2025

Let Us Be Grateful – Hebrews 12:28-29

Ice Breaker

1. Read Hebrews 12:18-29 as a group.
2. How would you respond if faced with an imminent danger from a powerful earthquake, volcanic eruption, or avalanche?

Loving God Unreservedly

3. How do you feel when you contemplate reaching out to God? Do you experience fear, or do you feel a sense of confidence? What are the reasons behind those feelings?
4. What does it mean to truly “worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (v. 28) in our daily lives? How can we, as a group, support one another in embodying this approach?

Loving People Sacrificially

5. The author references Israel’s encounter at Mount Sinai (Heb. 12:18–21) to illustrate the fear that surrounded God’s people under the Mosaic covenant (Ex. 19:12–25; 20:18–21; Deut. 18:16). Moses expressed his fear that God would destroy Israel due to their idolatry, as noted in Deuteronomy 9:19. How is the danger of idolatry still relevant today, even within the church?
6. Instead of fearing like the Israelites at Mount Sinai, believers under the new covenant can joyfully and confidently approach God at the heavenly Zion because of Christ’s work (12:22–24). How is the new heavenly Zion/Jerusalem described in Isa. 62:6-12? Which parts of this picture make you long for it?
7. In what ways does God’s holiness help us understand the meaning of redemption through Christ?
8. How might gratitude, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28, transform the way we experience trials and hardships?

Making Disciples Purposefully

9. In what ways can our communities live out worship with reverence and awe, as Hebrews 12:28–29 calls us to?
10. Is there someone near you who needs to hear about Jesus? Pray for an opportunity to share the gospel through simple acts of kindness (like baking, cooking, helping with tasks, inviting them to your thanksgiving feast, etc.).

Dig Deeper (optional/personal study)

11. Research: The seven points the author lists in 12:18–19 describe the scene of the giving of the Law to the Israelites (Ex. 19–20).

• Take extra time to read Exodus 19–20.
  • o Should we fear God?
• Might it be said that there are two kinds of fear: Fear out of awe and respect; and fear from danger?
  • o Which kind occurs in Exodus 19–20?
  • o Which kind should we have?
• What are the differences between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion in Hebrews 12:18–29, and what do they mean?