This guide gives you ready-to-use Bible study questions for Hebrews 6, with leader’s notes for each one. It works for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal reading. Hebrews 6 is one of the most debated passages in the New Testament, so the questions are built to help people read the text closely before they reach conclusions about it.
Hebrews 6 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a call to move beyond the basic teachings of the faith toward maturity, followed by a warning about those who fall away and a note of confidence that the readers are showing genuine fruit. The author then points to God’s promise to Abraham, which God confirmed with an oath, as proof that his word cannot fail. The chapter closes with hope described as a steadying anchor, and with Jesus entering the heavenly sanctuary as a forerunner and high priest.
Use the three sets of questions in order. The observation questions establish what the text says, the interpretation questions probe its meaning, and the application questions help the group decide how to live it.
Observation Questions
Begin here to keep the discussion anchored in the text itself. Ask the group to find the words in each verse before they offer opinions. Read each passage aloud once before the question is discussed.
Hebrews 6:1-3
1 Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, 2 of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 This will we do, if God permits.
(WEB)
Read this passage at the start to set the call to maturity before the group. It frames everything that follows and reminds the group that the goal is growth in Christ.
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.
(WEB)
This verse gives the group encouragement about the value of their service. Reading it aloud reminds them that God notices the work they do for his people.
Hebrews 6:13-15
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
(WEB)
Reading the story of Abraham helps the group see how God’s promise and patient endurance belong together. It is a good passage for groups facing long seasons of waiting.
Hebrews 6:18
That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.
(WEB)
This verse names the two unchangeable things and the strong encouragement they bring. Reading it aloud gives the group a clear basis for confidence in God’s word.
Hebrews 6:19-20
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil; 20 where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
(WEB)
Ending the reading with the anchor image gives the group a memorable picture of hope. It also points them to Jesus as their forerunner and high priest.
Memory Verse for Hebrews 6
Hebrews 6:19
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil…
(WEB)
This verse is short enough to memorize and rich enough to return to often. Encourage the group to repeat it during the week and to recall the anchor image when they feel unsteady.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you for the promise you made to Abraham and for the oath you added to confirm it. Help us move on from the basics of our faith toward a deeper and more mature life with you. Show us where we have grown weary, and give us the patience to keep serving those around us as we wait on your promises. Hold us steady with the hope we have in Jesus, who has entered the sanctuary on our behalf. Keep each person in this group close to you this week. Amen.
