How to Draw Near

Walter Henegar | May 19, 2024

Hebrews 10:19-39 (ESV)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.


26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.


32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,

“Yet a little while,

and the coming one will come and will not delay;

38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,

and if he shrinks back,

my soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.



Sermon Summary

How do we draw near to God? Hebrews 10:19-29 describes five essential ways: Through Jesus, with a true heart, without wavering, all together, and till the Day.

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
  2. Is the idea of drawing near to God appealing to you? Why or why not? Describe your experience with seeking to get close to God.
  3. What do you tend to bring God for “admission” into his presence? Your resume? Your recent victories over sin? Something else?
  4. What prevents you from coming to God with a “true heart”? How do you hide from him?
  5. Do you ever think about walking away from faith in Jesus? How do verses 26-31 affect you?
  6. Name some of the internal and external forces that draw us away from meeting together consistently. What are some practical ways to push against them? What does it cost?
  7. What is most compelling to you about Jesus’ promise to return on The Day?


Resources Consulted

  • Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyowo
  • African-American Bible Commentary, ed. Brian K. Blount
  • ESV Study Bible, ed. Lane T. Dennis
  • The Message of Hebrews, Raymond Brown
  • Hebrews for Everyone, NT Wright
  • Hebrews Crossway Classic Commentary, John Owen
  • Hebrews Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, Mary Healey
  • NIGTC Commentary on Hebrews, Paul Ellingworth
  • NIC Commentary on Hebrews, Philip Edgecombe Hughes
  • Hope Ain’t a Hustle, Irwyn Ince
  • Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul, R. Kent Hughes
  • It is a fearful thing to fall out of the hands of the church, Amy Peeler
  • Knowing God, JI Packer