RUNNING THE RACE || A Study of Hebrews: Our Perfect High Priest

This year, our Bible study will take us through the powerful and hope-filled book of Hebrews. Each month on the 2nd Friday, we’ll discover how its timeless truths strengthen our faith, anchor our hearts, and help us run our race with victory in Christ.

 

Called by God

“No one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was.”
Hebrews 5:4

Hebrews chapter five reminds us that spiritual authority is never self-appointed.

In the Old Testament, the role of high priest was not chosen — it was assigned by God. Aaron did not seek the position; he was called to it. In the same way, Jesus Christ did not take upon Himself the honor of becoming our High Priest. He was chosen and appointed by God the Father.

Jesus’ priesthood was not rooted in human ambition, but in divine purpose.


Learned Obedience

“Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.”
Hebrews 5:8

Jesus’ life on earth was not lived from a pre-written script that made obedience effortless. Though He was fully God, He lived fully as man — choosing obedience daily, often through suffering.

When Scripture says Jesus “learned obedience,” it does not mean He lacked moral perfection or character. Rather, it means He experienced obedience in human flesh — under pressure, pain, and limitation.

Because of this, Jesus understands suffering in a way no one else can. He knows what it means to trust God in the midst of difficulty. He knows what it costs to obey when obedience is hard.


The Perfect Source of Eternal Salvation

“In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.”
Hebrews 5:9

Jesus’ willingness to fully share in our human experience — including suffering — did not diminish Him. It qualified Him.

By obeying the Father completely, even unto death, Jesus became the perfect and sufficient source of eternal salvation. His obedience opened the way for our rescue, restoration, and reconciliation with God.

Because He suffered and obeyed, we can come to Him with confidence. Our High Priest is not distant or unapproachable — He is compassionate, faithful, and deeply aware of our struggles.


RHW Victory Lens

Victory does not come from self-promotion or striving to prove ourselves.

It comes from trusting God’s calling and walking in obedience — even when the path includes suffering.

Jesus shows us that obedience may be costly, but it is never wasted. God uses it to bring life, healing, and salvation — not only to us, but through us.


Reflection Questions

    • Is God inviting me to trust His calling rather than my own plans?
    • Are there areas where obedience feels difficult right now?
    • How does knowing Jesus understands my suffering change the way I approach Him?
    • What does faithful obedience look like for me in this season?

 


Closing Prayer

Father God, thank You for sending Jesus as our faithful High Priest. Thank You that He understands my weakness, my struggles, and my pain. Help me trust Your calling and choose obedience, even when it feels difficult. Teach me to lean on Jesus as my source of strength and salvation as I continue running the race You have set before me. Amen.


Worship Reflection

BOOK STUDY || The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer || Ch 3

On the fourth Friday of each month in 2026, we’re studying The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer. Join me as we learn practical. Scripture-based steps we can take when fear or worry try to take hold.

 

CHAPTER THREE — Five Keys to Overcoming Anxiety, Part 2

“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”
— George Müller


INTRODUCTION

In Chapter Three, Joyce Meyer continues her teaching on the five keys to overcoming anxiety. In this chapter, we focus on the final three spiritual keys—keys that help equip us to face worry, stress, and uncertainty with greater faith and confidence in God.

These keys remind us that anxiety loses its grip when we truly believe who God is and how deeply He loves us.


KEY #3: Believe That God Is in Control

“I will not fail you or abandon you.”
— Joshua 1:5b (NLT)

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, God placed His Holy Spirit within us—to strengthen, guide, and help us at all times. He is always with us, wherever we go, and we can communicate with Him through prayer. Prayer is simply talking with God, and Joyce will expand on this more in later chapters.

Believing that God is in control means trusting that He sees what we cannot see and knows what we do not know.

“God is never without an answer to your problems.”
— Joyce Meyer

Scripture reminds us again and again:

    • Jesus is the way (John 14:6)
    • God makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)
    • With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)

KEY #4: Trust God

“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
— Psalm 56:3

Joyce teaches that trust produces rest, peace, hope, and a positive attitude. Trust demonstrates that we truly believe God is in control—even when circumstances feel uncertain.

“Anxiety is a method by which we try to figure out what only God knows. If we trust Him, He will give us answers at the right time… Many times, God’s answer is something we could not have even imagined.”
— Joyce Meyer

Trust releases the burden of needing to know everything now.


KEY #5: Choose to Believe How Much God Loves You

“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.” — 1 John 4:18a (NCV)

Joyce reminds us that anxiety and worry are often rooted in the fear that something bad will happen—or that we won’t be taken care of. When we believe God is in control and choose to trust Him, yet still struggle with fear, we must grow in our understanding of His love.

That growth may take time because of our human imperfections—but God’s love is not limited by them.

“It is because of your imperfections that God sent Jesus to die for you and take the punishment you deserve.”
— Joyce Meyer


CALL TO ACTION

Take time this week to meditate on Joyce’s Five Keys to Overcoming Anxiety. Prayerfully sit with each one, asking God to strengthen you where you feel weak.

    • Remember past victories
    • Fight the good fight of faith
    • Believe that God is in control
    • Trust God
    • Choose to believe how much God loves you

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You for giving me these five keys to help overcome anxiety. I trust that You will provide the strength and grace I need to walk in true faith and deeper trust in You. Amen.