1. Heritage College and Seminary

2. In this chapter, the writer urges us to walk in the footsteps of the faithful – those who are the great cloud of witnesses – many of who are mentioned in the previous chapter.

3. Comparing Godliness to a Race: (12:1-13) I.The Race we must run – Endurance to run well (12:1-4) A.We are to faithfully run the spiritual race God has marked out for each of us (12:1) B.Jesus is our role model (12:2-3) 1.The champion who initiates and perfects our faith 2.He endured the opposition of sinners and died on the cross 3.He knew the joy that would be his 4.He sits in honour at God's right hand (Throne) C.The writer reminds us that we have not suffered as Christ suffered (12:4)

4. Comparing Godliness to a Race: (12:1-13) II.The endurance of discipline (12:5-13): Divine discipline is the theme of this section A.First, a reminder from Proverbs 3:11-12 sets the tone for the topic of discipline as it relates to the present audience (12:5-6) 11 My child, don't reject the LORD's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Pro 3:11-12 NLT)

5. Comparing Godliness to a Race: (12:1-13) B.The reaction to discipline - Believers are urged to respond positively to discipline (12:5b-5c, 7a) 1.Negative responses (12:5b-5c) a.Not something we should ignore (12:5b). b.Not something to discourage us (12:5c) 2.Positive response – To remember that God is treating you as his very own (12:7a) Verse 6 states that discipline is in itself, an expression and proof of God’s love for us

6. Comparing Godliness to a Race: (12:1-13) C.The reality of discipline (12:7b-10) 1.God himself gives out discipline – for our good (12:9-10) 2.All believers can expect to be disciplined by their heavenly father (12:7b-8) D.The rewards of discipline (12:11) 1.Discipline produces righteousness (12:11 b). 2.Discipline produces peace (12:11a). E.A note of encouragement to persevere in endurance (12:12-13) The author uses quotes from Isaiah 35:3-8 and Proverbs 4:26 as motivators to persevere in faith, with a dependency rooted squarely in God

7. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. 4 Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you." 5 And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. 6 The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. 7 The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived. 8 And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there. (Isaiah 35:3-8 NLT) Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. (Proverbs 4:26 NLT)

8. Warnings Against Refusing and Denying God (12:14-29) I.The keys to a life of endurance (12:14-17) A.What believers should pursue (12:14-15) 1."Pursue a life of peace with everyone" (12:14a) 2."Pursue to live a holy life" (12:14b) 3."Watch out for the poison of bitterness (12:15) B.An example of failed endurance (12:16-17) Esau is presented as a tragic example of what not to do. 1.He was immoral (12:16a). 2.He was godless (12:16b). 3.He despised his birthright (12:16c-17).

9. The Fifth Warning: Don’t Deny (12:18-29) II.The Contrasts of two mountains (12:18-24) A.Mount Sinai – the person of Moses and the Old Covenant (12:18-21) B.Mount Zion – the person of Christ and the New Covenant (12:22-24)

11. III. A Final Warning (12:25-29) The writer reminds his readers of… A.The terrible consequences of unbelief (12:25-27) B.God’s kingdom is unshakable (12:28) C.God is a consuming fire (12:29)