“Living the Unshakable Life” | Hebrews 12:28- 13:6
• Ben Bailie • Series: Hebrews
Key Idea For The Week: Because we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, we are called to live lives that reflect that kingdom—with reverent worship in the presence of God and sacrificial love in the presence of others. Are you unshakable? In a world full of instability—emotionally, economically, and relationally—Hebrews 12:28–13:6 calls us to live with stability rooted in the unshakable kingdom of God. The author first turns our attention upward: in the presence of God, we respond with worship marked by gratitude, reverence, and awe. Worship is not about going through the motions but anchoring our hearts in something greater than ourselves. When everything else shakes—jobs, relationships, emotions—God’s unshakable presence steadies us with joy and holy fear. But this unshakable kingdom life also sends us outward. Hebrews 13 shows us what it looks like to live with unshakable love in the world: we keep loving even when it’s hard, open our lives to strangers through hospitality, enter into the suffering of others with mercy, honor marriage in a world of confusion, and remain content in a culture of constant craving. These practices are not moral performances—they are fruit of God’s promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” When we live in His presence, we find the strength to open our hearts to others again and again. And we become unshakable. Here is our outline: 1. In the presence of God, we are receiving an unshakable kingdom: so… (Hebrews 12:28–29) Be Grateful Be Reverent Be Filled with Awe 2. In the presence of others, we are sent with unshakable love: so… (Hebrews 13:1–6) Be Loving (v.1) Be Hospitable (v.2) Be Merciful (v.3) Be Pure (v.4) Be Content (vv.5–6) Discussion Questions For Adults: 1. Hebrews 12:28 says we are “receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” What does that practically mean for your daily life? Where are you currently experiencing “shaking”? 2. How does gratitude stabilize your heart when everything else feels uncertain? Why is gratitude a spiritual discipline? 3. Why is brotherly love so easily lost in a community? What’s one way you can intentionally let “brotherly love continue” this week? 4. How does hospitality become a spiritual practice rather than just a social one? Have you ever been surprised by how God used a moment of hospitality? 5. What is the connection between fear and the love of money? How does God’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” free us to be content and generous? For Children: 1. What does it mean that God’s kingdom can’t be shaken—even when hard things happen? 2. Can you think of a time when you said “thank you” and it made someone smile? Why do you think God wants us to be thankful? 3. How can we show love to someone who feels left out or sad? 4. Do you know what it means to be a good host? What’s one way we could be kind to someone new at church or school? 5. If Jesus promises to never leave us, what are some things we don’t have to be afraid of?