Hebrews 12:1-8 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every- thing that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

These three chapters could be summarized in four words: Faith Endurance Confidence and Concern

Chapter 11: Faith The Great Chapter of Faith Defines the word faith 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Anthem…Walk By Faith This chapter was meant to encourage the people by reminding them of their history. All of these people are commended for believing in what they could not see. When they were willing to step out in faith, they were given more than promised.

Looking forward to promises (v16) Abraham: Father of a nation

Moses Looking ahead to reward (v 27) The Promised Land

Something better (v 39) They were given something better than what was promised…Hebrew Christians are seeing the completion of the promise in Christ. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

In our lives: God’s promises and rewards not only apply heaven, but to our futures here on earth as well. A sense of purpose in our lives. Knowing God changes our perspective on life, thereby reshaping our future.

Faith is important because we have to see possibilities in our mind before they can become realities in life. A church addition VBS, Youth program, Event A career or service opportunity A quilt, projects, hobbies, etc

In our communities: Rosa Parks believed things could be different. You have to imagine something different in order for it to change. 7 Habits / Drug-free Coalition

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Chapter 12: Endurance We are encouraged to press on, to live with Christ at the center of our lives, not ourselves. Looking ahead not back.

Therefore…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Run the race for the prize. Stay the course. You don’t get a prize for starting a race – the medal comes at the end.

Christ is our ultimate example. Endure hardship…for a greater purpose The discipline of training for a race brings pain for awhile, but it has definite benefits along the way and great rewards in the end.

11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons…

Spiritual discipline makes us better, stronger, more faithful, more peaceful and righteous More empathetic Benefits of faith and endurance are seen both now and in the future.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Present progressive tense

It is like receiving both a participation ribbon and a medal at the end of the race. The benefits of our faith come both now and in the future.

Chapter 13: Confidence and Concern Confidence in Christ & Concern for each other Because of what Christ has done for us, we are to live a different way, thinking of others rather than just ourselves.

6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

There should be practical, positive outcomes from our lives. Love each other Be good to strangers Keep marriage pure Don’t love money; be content Do good and share Pray for one another

Three great chapters Written to encourage and spur on the early believers…and us today. They can be encouraging, but also intimidating.

It seems that it is impossible to live up to all those “greats” of the early Israelites, but let’s think of our own stories of faith. We all have people who have made a difference in our lives and inspired us.

The faith story continues…

Continue on the journey of faith. Press on with endurance. Continue to be confidence in Christ and show concern for others.