1. Lesson 7: The Prize of Patience (Hebrews 12:1-16) Based on two books by Tom Holland

2. The Definition of “Patience” (for the Christian) –From compound Greek word, hupomeno “Hupo” (under) + “meno” (to abide, remain) = “to abide under” –Translated “patience” Luke 8:15; Rom. 2:6-7; 12:12; Col. 1:11; 1 Th. 1:3; 1 Tim. 6:11; Jas. 1:3-4 –Translated “perseverance” Rom. 5:3-4; 2 Pet. 1:6 –Translated “endure” Matt. 10:22; 1 Cor. 13:7; 2 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 12:2,3,7; Jas. 1:12; 5:11 –“Patience” endures, holds on, goes on & doesn’t give up –English: “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity”

3. The Definition of “Patience” (for the Christian) The Opposite of “Patience” (for the Christian) –“Wearied” in mind (Heb. 12:3) –“Fainthearted” in soul (Heb. 12:3) –“Hands which hang down, feeble knees, lame” (Heb. 12:12-13) Patience is not: –Doing right only when the weather is right Patience is: –Holding on to the Lord when the storm is raging –Continuing to faithfully live for God when “life” is hurled at you

4. God urges His people to: –“Lay aside every weight” (12:1) –“Lay aside the sin which so easily ensnares” (12:1) –“Run with endurance the race that is set” (12:1)

5. “Looking unto Jesus” (12:2) –Jesus endured the cross (12:2) –Jesus endured hostility from sinners (12:2) Rejection, lies, scourging, nails, ridicule –Jesus held on, kept going and didn’t quit! We may “look to Jesus” by: –Recognizing He faced our same temptations & overcame (Heb. 4:15) –Relying on Him to extend mercy and grace in time of need (Heb. 4:16) –Recalling He is our High Priest who lives to make intercession (7:25) –Letting His word “dwell in us” richly (Col. 3:16) –Faithfully partaking of His memorial every week (Heb. 10:25) –Following His example of being steadfast in God’s will (Heb. 12:2)

6. Anticipate and prepare for: –“The hostility of sinners” (12:3) –“Striving against sin” (Heb. 12:4) –“The chastening of the Lord” (Heb. 12:5-11) –The failure of some of God’s people (Heb. 12:15) –Sexual immorality among God’s people (12:16) –Godlessness among God’s people (12:16) When you anticipate and prepare for what may/will come, you can weather the storm and hold on!

7. If you are unfaithful, the cause is not lost. You can start over. There is a difference between being “knocked down” and “knocked out.” Failing does not have to be failure. You can resolve anew right now to be steadfast (1 Cor. 15:58). No matter where you are, you can change your mind and come back to the Lord.