The Race of Faith Hebrews 12

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners… “who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection…” Hebrews11:33-38

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure” …and others were tortured, not accepting their release…They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Hebrews (11:33-38) Hebrews11:33-38

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race  Against great pressures…  Against time… “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race  It means purpose, direction, pursuit “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race  It means purpose, direction, pursuit  It means tearing worlds apart! “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race  It means purpose, direction, pursuit  It means tearing worlds apart! “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race  It means purpose, direction, pursuit  It means tearing worlds apart! “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race  It means purpose, direction, pursuit  It means tearing worlds apart! “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith Means Action  Last Time: a long history of winners  But their lives were not “secure”  The “Walk of Faith” is an intense race  It means purpose, direction, pursuit  It means tearing worlds apart! The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4-5 “…the race that is set before us.”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win Now faith is the substance of things hoped for… Hebrews 11:1 (BBE)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Because it’s a Marathon race (not a Sprint) let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Because it’s a Marathon race (not a Sprint)  Because it’s possible to lose. let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Because it’s a Marathon race (not a Sprint)  Because it’s possible to lose. let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me— the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move! …let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us… Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Escaping destructive traps… …let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us… Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Escaping destructive traps… Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. John 8:34

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Escaping destructive traps…  Leave useless bulk… also lay aside every encumbrance… Heb. 12:1

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Escaping destructive traps…  Leave useless bulk… also lay aside every encumbrance… Heb. 12:1

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also… Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also… Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) History of Faith Faith Today

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift  It is not what you think it is… Faith is NOT Wishful thinking “Good thoughts”

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift  It is not what you think it is…  It is a supernatural gift For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 (NASB)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift  It is not what you think it is…  It is a supernatural gift So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift  It is not what you think it is…  It is a supernatural gift So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also…

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift  Biblical Faith means focusing on Jesus We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith… Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift  Biblical Faith means focusing on Jesus We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith… Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith is a Gift  Biblical Faith means focusing on Jesus  Biblical Faith means the joy of winning. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith must be received…  Biblical Faith means focusing on Jesus  Biblical Faith means the joy of winning. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 11:33-34

The Race of Faith  Biblical Faith means Action  Biblical Faith is the Substance to Win  Biblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!  Biblical Faith must be received…  Biblical Faith means focusing on Jesus  Biblical Faith means the joy of winning. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 11:33-34 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; Hebrews 12:4 (NASB)

The Race of Faith  The Race means Action  The Race is the Character to Win  The Race means the Freedom to Move!  The Race is a Gift  The Race means focusing on Jesus  The Race means the joy of winning.

The Race of Faith  The Race means Action  The Race is the Character to Win  The Race means the Freedom to Move!  The Race is a Gift  The Race means focusing on Jesus  The Race means the joy of winning. Your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT) Your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)

Stedman – Features of Godly Discipline  It always could be worse  It’s always God’s love  He’s always right, never wrong  It’s always an opportunity for victory  Necessary pain, which will make sense.  A conspiracy? No doubt.  It always requires a demonstration of faith.  Christians who live victoriously are inexplicable.  Else “lame…out of joint”  Strengthen “what remains…”  It can always damage irreversibly  No Root of bitterness  Always wrong, no matter what  Highly contagious.  Flippancy, like Esau  Repentance became impossible.  It requires our deep concern  For the suffering of others  It requires “an assembly”  Not being driven by fear  Not law-driven, self-effort, clenched teeth, asceticism, fear  “Zion” – Grace  A new government, new mangement  Angels: ministering spirits sent forth to help us when we need it.  “Assembly” is the church, “names written in heaven”, those we share with  “Universal Judge” – we all stand before Him.  Old Testament Saints, who already lived by faith, now waiting for us.  Jesus, the Mediator indwelling and available.  With all this on our side, there’s no need for failure.  Have you taken advantage of your resources?  There’s no reason to fail! This is the entire argument.  It requires attention  Be grateful for the Kingdom we’ve been given  Reverence and Awe: a great fire.  “Perilous times will come…” and things go in cycles.  God is shaking the heavens & earth: something going on right now, the universal shakeup.  The false securities are being tested now.  “Security in numbers” – agreements become untrustworthy  The failure of our organizations: big government only dominates.  Violence & indifference, even in our “civilized” society

 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NASB)

Expanding the Threshold of our Faith  Why “expand” …?  God has a purpose: to continue JC’s work. Decision to trust Inner revelation Tested Faith Counting for JC