“Running Toward the Consuming Fire” — Rick Shenk, Elder
Sermon Outline
Running Toward the Consuming Fire
Hebrews 12:18–29
Introduction: Exodus 19-20
1. Be Confident Before the Consuming Fire (vv. 18-24)
2. Be Thankful for the Consuming Fire (vv. 25-28a)
3. Be Obedient to the Consuming Fire (vv. 28-29)
Conclusion: The Consuming Fire - Where Love and Wrath Meet
SCC Kids/Further Study
1. What is something scary you have done, that after you faced your fear and did it, you discovered that you enjoyed it?! For example, Ride a roller-coaster! Or, Go to school for the first time! Share your story.
2. In Exodus 19, God told Israel to do something scary: He told them to come close (but not too close!) and listen as he told them the Ten Commandments. But it was scary for them! God’s voice was like thunder. And the mountain shook like an earthquake. God said, he wanted to talk to them often, but they said, “No!” But in saying, No, they lost something. Read Exodus 19:5-6. What did they miss out on because they were scared?
[The Bible says they could have been a whole nation of people and everyone of would be a “priest” and each one of them would be God’s special favorite (“treasured possession.”]
3. God says that you can be his “special favorite” (treasured possession). What does that mean? It is kind of like when your teacher not only calls you by name, but also gives you special opportunities to help her in the classroom and even tells you (and the class) how proud she is of you and your work. Now, read 1 Peter 2:9-10. This is God’s offer to you, like to Isreal – notice he uses some of the same words as Exodus 19. [ Explain ]
How do you get to be God’s “special favorite”? Read the opening verses of 1 Peter (1:1-2). In other words, if you are a Christian (John 3:16), you are God’s “special favorite.” [ Explain ]
4. The text in Hebrews 12 is for God’s “special favorites” – you, if you are a Christian. But wait, the text says that God is still a “burning fire” (verse 18 and 29). So, is God safe for us to get close to? How do you know? [ Let the students look at the picture on page 1 (above). Help them understand that Jesus, because he died for us, protects us from Running Toward the Consuming Fire | Page 3 of 14 God’s wrath and allows us to be safe with God in his love – because he took our punishment. ]
5. So, the last thing that we learn in this text of Hebrews 12 is that we are to “offer to God acceptable worship” – because he is a burning fire (verse 28-29). That means, obey God and enjoy coming close. This is kind of like it is with your parents, who also love you. For example, if you did not carry out the trash or do the dishes (or whatever your chores are) you do not want to see Mom or Dad! And if you are watching your favorite show on the internet when you are supposed to be doing homework, you do not want Mom or Dad to “come close” and see you. Right!? But are you still their son or daughter? Of course you are! But are you worried about “drawing near”? Sure! It is the same with God. So, what does God want you to do (obey) this week so you can enjoy drawing near to him?
