RUNNING. Hebrews'12:1+17'

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2 RUNNING THE RACE Hebrews12: RuntheRace Hebrews12:1 2 2.LookingUntoJesus Hebrews12:2 6 3.OurReal&PresentDanger Hebrews12: ChristianChastening Hebrews12: TrueChildrenofGod Hebrews12: TheFruitofChastening Hebrews12: Revival Hebrews12: TheRootofBitterness Hebrews12: DevelopedbyStevePettit, 2006,adaptedforuseby SingleFocusatColonialHillsBaptistChurchinIndianapolis,IN. Thismaterialcannotbecopied,reproduced,manufactured,ordisseminated inanyformwithoutexpresswrittenpermissionfromthepublisher. Scripturequotationsarefrom: TheHolyBible,English(Standard(Version,copyright2001byCrosswayBibles,adivisionof GoodNewsPublishers.Usedbypermission.Allrightsreserved. TheHolyBible,King(James(Version

3 WeekOne RuntheRace Hebrews12:1 Therefore,(since(we(are(surrounded(by(so(great(a(cloud(of(witnesses,(let( us(also(lay(aside(every(weight,(and(sin(which(clings(so(closely,(and(let(us( run(with(endurance(the(race(that(is(set(before(us. ( ( The Christian life of faith is described as a race. This picture vividly reveals the entire experience of salvation and the high level of commitmenttowhichchristiansarecalled.thisracestartsatthepoint ofone spersonalconfessionoffaithinjesuschrist. Letusholdfastthe profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). (10:23)Thisisalsocalledjustifyingfaith:thejudicialactof GodwherebyHedeclaresaguiltysinnerperfectlyrighteousthroughhis faithinjesuschrist.thiscontestcontinueswiththelifexlongprocessof sanctification: God making holy those who have believed. The race is completedwhenweenterintoheaveninaneternal,glorifiedstate. Animageispresentedthatprovidesencouragementandinspirationto motivateeveryrunner.it sanancientarenasurroundedbytiersofseats risingupabovethesurfaceofthetrack.thestandsarejammedpacked withspectatorswhoaremetaphoricallydescribedasagreatcloud.this isnotasingle,cumulouscloudperchedintheskybehindaseaofdeep blue.it stheideaoftheentirevisibleskyblanketedwithadense,thick covering of clouds. Who are these people that are called witnesses? TheseareformerOldTestamentsaintswhoarenowinheaven.Their testimoniesaredistinguishedexamplesofloyaltytogodandenduring faith. This image is not suggesting that they are looking at us from heaven,butratherthatwearelookingtothem forencouragement.as present day believers, we are closely linked to these faithful runners and are exhorted to run the race with the same active, earnest confidenceingod spromisesastheydidinthepast. Howdoyoudetermineifyouhavewonthisrace?Victoryisnotbased onwhocrossesthefinishlinefirst,butsimply,whofinishesthecourse. Theissueisnotspeedbutperseverance.Runnersarecommandedto patiently stay in the race. Genuine faith must be proven, and its 2

4 authenticityisconfirmedbyfaithfulness.faultyfaithdoesn tfinishthe raceifyouwanttobeincontentionyoumustbedisciplined.runningis agonizingyouhavetogetyourbodyintoshape.conditioningrequires sheddingexcessivepoundsthatcanpotentiallyslowyoudown.whydo wegainweight?isitbecauseweeatfoodorbecauseweconsumetoo much of it? Weights are not necessarily unlawful things we do, but ratherthingsthataren tnecessaryfortherace(icorinthians6:12).they aredemandingonourtimeandenergies,andtheytakeawayfromour commitment level to spiritual growth. These things need to be decisively laid aside. We are also urged to put away the one entangling sin found throughout the book of Hebrews X unbelief We are constantly surrounded by a variety of distractions that can potentiallyleadusawayfromchristintoastateofunbelief livingfor thetemporalbenefitsandpleasuresofthispresentworld. TheracehasbeensetbeforeyoubyJesusChrist theonewhofinished thefaithbyhiscompletedsacrificeonthecross.so,runtowin QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 1.DoyouevergetdiscouragedinlivingtheChristianlife?Whyarethe peopleinchapter11presentedtoencourageus? 2. Talk about some weights that slow you down. Here are some suggestions:undevelopedspiritualhabitsbecauseoflaziness,activities thattakeuptoomuchofyourtimeandenergy,prioritiesthatareoutof order,hinderingpersonalrelationships. 3.Doyouknowabesettingsininyourlife?Whatcanyoudotoprotect yourselffromthispeculiarweakness?howdoesourpersonalunbelief affectusindailylives? 3

5 4.Whatistheprizewegainwhenweruntheraceandfinish? WORDSTOSTUDY Wherefore Thispassageisaresultofwhatwasjustwritten;lookbacktowhatcame before. Compassed(currentlytakingplace) Surrounded;toliearound;haveroundone Sogreat ofquantity:somany Cloud alargedensemultitude,athrong Witnesses awitnessinalegalsense;inanhistoricalsense,itisonewhoisa spectatorofanything.origin onewhoofhisownfreechoicechooses todieforthesakeofreligion. Weight whateverisprominent,bulk,mass;henceaburden,encumbrance Thesinwhichdothsoeasilybesetus tomissthemark;toerr,bemistaken;tomissorwanderfromthepath ofuprightnessandhonor,todoorgowrong;thosesinswhich continuallycauseustostumbleorfall;usedinamilitarysenseof strategicallysurroundingtheenemytodefeatthatenemy. Letusrun(currentcommand) toexertonesself,strivehard;tospendonesstrengthinperformingor attainingsomething;toincurextremeperil,whichrequirestheexertion ofallonesefforttoovercome 4

6 Patience steadfastness,endurance,perseverance;inthentthecharacteristicof amanwhoisnotswervedfromhisdeliberatepurposeandhisloyaltyto faithandpietybyeventhegreatesttrialsandsufferings. Race generally,anystruggleorcontest;also,abattleoranactionatlaw,a trial. 5

7 WeekTwo LookingUntoJesus Hebrews12:2 Looking(to(Jesus,(the(Founder(and(Perfecter(of(our(faith,(who(for(the(joy( that(was(set(before(him(endured(the(cross,(despising(the(shame,(and(is( seated(at(the(right(hand(of(the(throne(of(god. ( TheonesupremeexampleofperseveringfaithisJesusChrist.Allothers paleininsignificancewhencomparedtohim.oldtestamentsaintsare brightexamplesoffaithfulness,butwhoisequaltojesus?canthelight of the moon rival the blaze of the sun? If we would firmly fix our spiritualeyesonhim,aperpetualstreamofencouragement,strength, anddirectionwouldflowtous.bewareofeverydistractionthatwould draw your focus away from Christ, and make Him your continual contemplation. Jesus is described as the author and finisher of our faith. The word authorisalsotranslatedprinceandcaptain(acts3:15;hebrews2:10). Thisissomeonewhoblazesatrail,originatesanidea,orleadstheway. Hisearthlylifeistheperfectexampleofonewholivedcompletelyby faithandfinishedhiscourse.heledoldtestamentsaintsthroughtheir journeyoffaith(icorinthians10:1x4).healsofulfilledandestablished thenewcovenant,whichgivesusaperfectandwholerelationshipwith God. Under the incomplete Old Covenant system, no man could ever have access into God s presence, be assured of the complete forgiveness of his sins, or receive a new heart towards God s laws. Therefore,JesusChristisabletoleadandcompleteusthroughourlife offaithandbringustoitsultimateconsummation:heaven. ThegreatestsingleexampleofChrist sperseveringfaithishispassion. WeshouldgivecarefulattentiontotheLord ssufferingsinthefournew Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). One third of these accountsgivegreatdetailintothefinalweekofjesus lifeanddeath.all theelementsofendurancecanbeseenintheseevents:acleargoal,a proper perspective on pain, determined obedience, and completion. ChristenduredthesufferingofcrucifixionbecauseHismindwasfixed onthejoyofbringingussalvation.hekeptbeforehismindthefactthat 6

8 Hisdeathwouldexpiatesin,propitiatethelaw,satisfytheFather,and establishthenewcovenant.therefore,hecourageouslyandpatiently enduredthecross.heminimizedtheshameofhissufferingandtreated thecontemptofmenasifitwerenothing.heenteredheavenhaving paid the total price of our redemption and is now seated at the right handofthethroneofmajestyreceivingheaven shighestpraise.heis entitled as Lord, and all things in heaven and in earth are under his controlling authority. Even His enemies will one day glorify Him by confessingthatheislord.therefore,looktohiminfaith,gotohimin prayer,andgetfromhimallthesustainingstrengthyouneedforthe raceyoumustrun. QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 1.Whodoweoftenlooktoforencouragementandthenfindourselves beingdiscouragedintheend? 2.WhataresomepracticalmentalexercisesIcandotobeabletolook tojesusforencouragement? 3.BegintowritedownandfilethedifferentaspectsofChrist spassion asfocalpointsforyourownencouragement. WORDSTOSTUDY Looking(Currentnecessaryaction) tolookawayfromallothers,lookupto Author achiefleader captain,prince;onethattakestheleadinanythingand isthereforeanexample 7

9 Finisher acompleter;onethatperfectssomething TheFaith thearticlebeforethenounreferstothefaithasawholefromsalvation untilglorification Joy delight Endured tostaybehind,toawait,endurewithpatience Despising tothinklittleof:lookdownupon Righthand Apositionofauthorityandhonor 8

10 WeekThree OurReal&PresentDanger Hebrews12:3+4 Consider(Him(who(endured(from(sinners(such(hostility(against(Himself,( so(that(you(may(not(grow(weary(or(fainthearted.(in(your(struggle( against(sin(you(have(not(yet(resisted(to(the(point(of(shedding(your( blood. ( TheauthorofHebrewscommandsbelieverstogivecarefulattentionto thelifeofchristandtoexaminehissufferingsingreatdetail.overand over Jesus faced the hostility of wicked men from every angle. His reputationwasconstantlymaligned,defamed,ridiculed,andslandered. Hisarrestandtrialwasanoutrageviolatingalltheproperproceduresof the ancient Jewish judicial system. His death sentence was a Roman political ploy to alleviate the bloodthirsty cries of the crowd. His scourgingswereapublicmockeryandhiscrucifixionwasthecrimeof eternity.yet,throughouthisentirelifeoftrials,heneveronceyielded tosinweareurgedtoconsiderhim.why?because,healoneisthe onlywaywecanfacetherealandpresentdangerofdiscouragement. Discouragementistheemotionalstateinwhichyouloseyourheartfor theraceandwanttoquit.thisisdescribedbythewordswearied(and faint(in(your(minds.becausewearewagingwarwithsin,christiansmust livewithabattlefieldmindset.dailyhandxtoxhandspiritualcombatwith sin is hard, strenuous, exhausting, and wearying. We can soon face battlefatigue.youcanliveinthisconditiononlyforsolongbeforeyou wanttobailoutor faint inthefight.atthispoint,thebattleisover andsinhaswon Therefore,thecontrolofyourmindissoimperative.ThinkaboutChrist. CompareyourstrugglestoHis.Seehowhesufferedyetneversinning. Watch Him as He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane agonizingly sweating great drops of blood as He anticipated the sufferings of the cross. Consider His meekness as He stands before His accusers like a gentle Lamb not even giving a defense for Himself. Hear the blows coming down upon His flesh as He is wounded for our transgressions andbruisedforouriniquities.observethathenevercursedtheenvious 9

11 and hateful men who cursed Him. Listen to Him as He makes supplication for His murderers and forgives his offenders. Attentive reflectiononhisagonyinthemidstofouragonizingagainstsinisthe bestwaytodrawstrengthandencouragementforourrace.noneofus havegonethroughhisbloodyexperience.therefore,wecanbefaithful andpersevereinourchristianlife. QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 1.Discussanddiscoversomeofthewaysinwhichyougetdiscouraged. 2.DiscusssomeofthespecificwaysinwhichChristsuffered,andwrite downthepassagesthatarepointofmeditation. WORDSTOSTUDY For ThisintroducesthereasonfortheexhortationtolookuntoJesus.A comparisonwithhimwillshowyouhowmuchmorehehadtoendure thanyouhave. Consider(Thisaisapresentcommand) Givecarefulattention;examineminutelyandfromallangles.Weareto makeamentalcomparisonofchrist ssufferingstoours.reflectonhis exampleinrelationtothehostilityshowntohimbysinners,thatyou maybeabletobearyourtrialsinapropermanner. Endured tostaybehind,toawait;topersevere Contradiction intensehostile,spitefulattacksintendedtowoundandordestroy; gainsaying,dispute,hostility,rebellion;theobstinateandargumentative oppositionofsinnersagainstchrist 10

12 Sinners unsavedmenwhoopposedchrististhislife thisincludesjewsand Gentiles. Wearied tobeexhausted Faint togiveup,quit,orbailoutofsomethingyoustarted Mind theinnermanorsoulcontrolledbyourthinking Resisted tosetdownagainst,tooppose.thepictureisofancientwarfarein handxtoxhandcombat.nooneinthefightagainstsinhasshedany bloodlikechristdidonthecross. Striving tofighthardagainstanopponent;toexertallofone sefforttoobtaina goal 11

13 WeekFour ChristianChastening Hebrews12:5+6 And(have(you(forgotten(the(exhortation(that(addresses(you(as(sons?( My(son,(do(not(regard(lightly(the(discipline(of(the(Lord,(nor(be(weary( when(reproved(by(him.(for(the(lord(disciplines(the(one(he(loves,(and( chastises(every(son(whom(he(receives. ( ( Thewritercontinueshispreviousthoughtsconcerningtheraceweare to run. He has exhorted believers to look to Jesus as the primary example of those who have run the race successfully. Now, he is remindingthemofsomethingtheyhavetotallyforgotten:all(trials(have( a(divine(design.(they(discipline(runners(and(get(them(into(good,(spiritual( condition.theword,chastening,hastheideaofeducating,instructing, learning, teaching, and punishing. It was often used to refer to the processoftrainingchildren.howeasyisittoforgettheimportanceof disciplinewhenpainandagonyassaultyouinthemiddleofarace.this exhortationwasformerlywrittenforourwisdominproverbs3:11x12.it isintendedtocomfortandassureusthatthesedifficultexperiencesare a reflection of God s care for us. He disciplines only those He loves However, when you are being afflicted, it is very easy to be totally oblivioustothistruth. This writer unlocks one of the great keys to overcoming discouragement In D. MartynXLloyd Jones religious classic, Spiritual( Depression,headdressesthewayinwhichwehandlethementaland emotionalstrugglesoflife.hisadviceistocounselyourownselffrom the Word of God. Solomon s message from Proverbs is intended to speaktoustoday:godlovesmeandchastensmeformyownbenefit. MytrialsareformygoodTheyaredesignedtocorrectthefaultsinmy life.thisisgoodcounsel,whichweneedtogivetoourselves. However,wecanreacttoourtrialswithtwonegativeresponses.First, wecandespisethem.thismeanstoregardthemasasmallmatterora lightthing.ourreactionscanvary:irritation;complaining;questioning; failure to receive trials as Divine admonitions and without any intelligent design and objective purpose; and resenting trials with 12

14 expressionsofcontemptandscorn.howquicklyareweblindedtothe value that struggles bring to our lives He addresses us with tender words: Myson, thelordloveth, whomhereceiveth. Thefactthat theyaresentfromourlovinggodmeansthattheyareworthyofour profoundattention.secondly,wecanloseourheart.wecanpassout, shutdown.onceagain,theproblemisfocusingonthepaininsteadof thepurpose.theoldadageisagreatsupporter:wherethereisnopain, there is no gain I am not getting weaker in these trials. I am getting stronger.changeishappeningyoumustalwayskeepinmindthebig pictureofwhatgodisdoingwhenyouarestruggling. 1.Whatischastening? 2.Whoischasteningus? QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 3.Whatshouldbeourattitudetowardschastening? WORDSTOSTUDY Forgotten tobeutterlyobliviousandtotallyunawareofwhatishappening Exhortation encouragementandcomfort Speaketh Thisissomeonewhopreaches,addresses,ordiscussesasubject. Despise esteemorregardlightly;tothinkofassmall;inwardresentment 13

15 Chastening therearingofachild,training,discipline Faint toloosen,toweaken,torelease,togrowweary,tofail Rebuked toexpose,convict,reprove Loves agapao;toloveunconditionally Chasteneth toinstruct,discipline,totrainchildren,correct Scourgeth towhip,beatwithawhip Receiveth Acceptoradmit;toacknowledgeasone sown 14

16 WeekFive TrueChildrenofGod Hebrews12:7+9 It(is(for(discipline(that(you(have(to(endure.(God(is(treating(you(as(sons.( For(what(son(is(there(whom(his(father(does(not(discipline?(If(you(are(left( without(discipline,(in(which(all(have(participated,(then(you(are( illegitimate(children(and(not(sons.(besides(this,(we(have(had(earthly( fathers(who(disciplined(us(and(we(respected(them.(shall(we(not(much( more(be(subject(to(the(father(of(spirits(and(live? ( Verse 7 is a statement of purpose You are going through the experience of chastening for endurance training. It is followed with a phraseexplainingthereasonforthisdiscipline;godisbehavingtowards you as a Father would towards his own son. Discipline is the clearest evidencethatyouareachildofgod.doyouknowofanyfatherwho doesn t chasten his son? Having to patiently bear hardships is the heavenly Father s education program. This concept Old Testament: Thoushaltalsoconsiderinthineheart,that,asamanchastenethhis son,sothelordthygodchasteneththee Deuteronomy8:5. How naive is it to be envious of those who escape suffering? If you neverundergodiscipline,thenwhatistheproperconclusion?youmust be an illegitimate child A bastard is child born out of wedlock and usually abandoned by a father who avoids all responsibility for the provision, instruction, and discipline of a child. He often conceals his identityandremainsanonymous.however,godwouldnevertreathis ownchildreninthismanner.heisworthyofhisname:father.because Hepaternallycaresforus,Hewillgiveattentiondesignedtocorrectour faults, change our behavior, and benefit us in this life and the life to come.philowrote: Soprofitableathingissomesortofhardshipthat evenitsmosthumiliatingform,servitude,isreckonedagreatblessing. EvenChristexperiencedchastening: ThoughhewereaSon,yetlearned heobediencebythethingswhichhesuffered Hebrews5:8. Inverse9anadditionalconsiderationisgivenforGod struechildrento respondproperlytodiscipline.anargumentispresentedfromafortiori position (the lesser to the greater). If we are willing to respect our 15

17 earthlyfathersandbeinsubjectiontothem,howmuchmoreshouldwe properly respond to our heavenly Father. Are not God s motives and methods for discipline better than our own fathers? The contrast is obvious:thefatheroffleshtothefatherofspirit.ourearthlyfathers disciplineforourbenefitinthispresentworld.god sdisciplineisforthe worldtocome.itishigher,greater,andmorebeneficial.aswerespond obediently,weexperiencearealqualityofspirituallife.shouldwenot enduredisciplinewithaspiritofsubmissiontoourfatherinheavenas Histruechildren? QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 1. How would people know they are going through a chastening experience? 2.Describesomepersonalchasteningexperiences. 3. Discuss the spirit of reverence and subjection we should have towardschastening. WORDSTOSTUDY Chastening therearingofachild,training,discipline:instruction Endure remain,waitupon.thisisstatementoffact.youareenduring chastening. Dealeth tobringto,i.e.tooffer;makeanofferingto;ifyouarebeingchastened, thengodisbehavingtowardsyouasafatherwouldtowardshisownson. 16

18 Discipline toinstruct Chastisement instruction,discipline Partakers sharingin;apartnerin Bastard illegitimatechildren Flesh Generally,itreferstohumanbeingsorthehumanbody;italsorefersto corrupthumannature.inthiscase,itisreferringtohumanbodies createdbyprocreationasopposedtogodwhoisthefatherofourspirit. Corrected instruction,discipline Reverence tomakeashamed,respect Rather more allthemore,better Subjection toplaceorrankunder,tosubject Fatherofspirits ReferringtoGod,thecreatorofallmen Live experiencespirituallife 17

19 WeekSix TheFruitofChastening Hebrews12:10+11 ( For(they(disciplined(us(for(a(short(time(as(it(seemed(best(to(them,(but( He(disciplines(us(for(our(good,(that(we(may(share(His(holiness.(For(the( moment(all(discipline(seems(painful(rather(than(pleasant,(but(later(it( yields(the(peaceful(fruit(of(righteousness(to(those(who(have(been(trained( by(it. ( ( Thecontrastinmotivesfordisciplinebetweenhumanfathersandthe Heavenly Father is now addressed. Imperfect and fallible parents chastentheirchildrenduringtheyearsofgrowthandmaturityonthe basis of what seems best to them at the moment. Sometimes their discipline is done wisely and at other times their responses reflect a spirit of impatience, perturbation, and capriciousness. They can be inconsistent in the manner of their discipline and the amount of punishment exacted on each child. Yet, for all their faults, it is still required that we should show them their due respect and give our submission. However, God s discipline has no faults or errors in its purposeorapplication.whateversufferingcomesourway,wecanrest assured that this is the best, wisest, and most loving choice for our good.aswebecamepartakersofgod sholynatureatregeneration,so alltribulationisintendedtotakeustothenextlevelofspiritualgrowth inthelikenessofthelord. Chastening is never considered a delightful experience. It is painful in nearly every possible way and throws us into seasons of sorrow and grief.however,throughitall,godisdoinghisdeepeningworkinour lives.c.s.lewiswroteinhisbooktheproblemofpain Godwhispersto usinourpleasure,speaksinourconscience,butshoutsinourpain:itis hismegaphonetorouseadeafworld. Welistenbetterwithabroken heart We must often lose the lesser joys to obtain the great good. Holiness of life is of far greater value than the earthly blessings of health, prosperity, or friends. As we exercise humility, faith, and obedienceinthegymnasiumofgod sdiscipline,itprovidesfertilesoil forthecultivationofarighteouslife. Andthefruitofrighteousnessis 18

20 sowninpeaceofthemthatmakepeace (James3:18).Thepeaceable fruit that is produced is a confidence in God and a quiet trust in His sovereigncontrol. Inreturningandrestshallyebesaved;inquietness and in confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15). When we acceptdisciplineassomethingdesignedforourgood,thenwewillstop feelingresentfulandrebellious. Theendresultofdisciplineistheblessingofenjoyingaqualityoflife thathasaclosewalkwithgodandconformstohisrighteousstandards. QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 1.Whatistheholinesswecanpartakeofthroughdiscipline? 2.Howdowechangethroughtrials?Howdowegetthemostbenefit fromtrials? 3.Isitwrongformetostruggleemotionallyintrials?Whenoratwhat point should your emotions change from grief to joy? Briefly discuss howwecanbecomebitterthroughtrials. WORDSTOSTUDY Fewdays brieftime Disciplined toinstruct,totrainchildren,tochasten,correct: OwnPleasure Theydisciplineaccordingtotheirlimitedperspectiveasopposedto god seternalperspective 19

21 Profit Tohelpforyourgreatergood Partakers tosharein,receivetogether Holiness Completeseparationfromsin Seemeth tothink,suppose,seemtobeofopinion Joyous gladness;delight Grievous painofbodyormind,grief,sorrow Afterward later Yieldeth togiveback,pay,giveup,giveback,return,restore Fruit benefit,profit Righteousness righteousness,justice:acceptabletogod Exercise totrainvigorouslyeitherthebodyorthemind 20

22 WeekSeven Revival Hebrews12:12+14 ( Therefore(lift(your(drooping(hands(and(strengthen(your(weak(knees,( and(make(straight(paths(for(your(feet,(so(that(what(is(lame(may(not(be( put(out(of(joint(but(rather(be(healed.(strive(for(peace(with(everyone,( and(for(the(holiness(without(which(no(one(will(see(the(lord. ( ThewriterofHebrewshasjustconcludedhisexplanationofthenature, purpose, and response of believer s to God s chastening. Now, he returns to the image of the runner in a race and urges believers who have weakened through discouragement to get back in the contest. These exhortations reveal the way of personal revival for Christians. Whatisrevival?Itisthequickeningofthespirituallifeofthebeliever.It brings him back to running the race as he did when he first started. Revivalisanew,freshbeginningofobediencetoGod. Strengthen is the first of three commands in this section. Drooping hands and feeble knees represent the condition of worn out runners who are about to drop out of the race. Their need is restoration and reinvigorationwithfresh,newstrength.thisimageistakenfromisaiah 35:3whereexiledJewsareencouragedbyGod spromisetorestorethe nation of Israel from Gentile bondage. The strength is found in a resolve to intensely pursue God with the hope that He will revive us withhisdivinepower(isaiah40:28x32). Thesecondstepinrevivalistoremoveeveryobstacleonyourcourseor makeyourwaysmooth.ifyouhaveeverbeeninjured brokenbone, tornligaments,dislocation youmusttakespecialprecautionsoryou couldaggravateorrexinjureyourself.youwouldbeparticularlycareful to clear your course of anything lying in your way. The imperative, Make straight paths, is an allusion is to Proverbs 4:26 referring to one scourseofconduct.removeeverythingfromyourlifethatcould causeyoutostumbleintosin.asyourunandexercise,youaredoing spiritualtherapyandgainingstrength. 21

23 Finally, revived saints must pursue relational harmony ( peace ) and spiritualintegrity( holiness ).Thisisadaily,ongoingactivity.Peaceis the fruit of an obedient SpiritXcontrolled life. Let us therefore follow after(pursue)thethingswhichmakeforpeace (Rom.14:19).Theword pursue has an interesting twist. It is also translated persecute (Philippians3:6).WearetopersecuteourpersecutorswithpeacePeter commands us to Seek peace, and ensue (pursue) it (I Peter 3:11). Peacemustbesoughtandmaintained. Ifpossible,sofarasitdepends on you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). This includes the absenceofconflict,thepresenceofcontentmentingod swill,andthe possessionofagoodconscience.insteadofgoingintoourpassionsof anger, bitterness, and revenge, we should make it our aim to allow everyissuetodriveustopursuelikenesstochrist:holiness.sincegod s nature was implanted within us at regeneration, then it must be manifestinourlivesorwewillneverseethelord.theactivepursuitof thischaracterisaproofthatwearegod schild. 1.Whyisrevivalnotseentoday? 2.Whatcommandsmustyouobey? QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 3.Whataretheareasofpersonalweaknesswhereyoufall? 4.Nameobstaclesthatyoumustremove? 5.Whodoyouneedtoseekpeacewithinyourownlife? 22

24 WORDSTOSTUDY Wherefore becausechasteningisthusnecessaryandservesforwholesome disciplineandissuesinholiness Therearethreewordpicturesusedbytheauthortodescribewhatwe aretodo: 1. Liftupthehandswhichhangdown tosetstraightagain,toraise,liftup,restorethatwhichis weakenedorexhausted 2. Thefeebleknees toweaken,disable,beparalyzed;toloosefromthesidethat whichiswavering 3. Makestraightpathsforyourfeet prepareuprighttrackstowalkin;negativelytonotdothat whichwouldcauseyoutostumbleintherace Lame aweakenedpartofthebody;anareawherewearevulnerableto stumbling Healed tomakewholeorcured Follow topursue,followzealously;runswiftly Peace tranquility,anabsenceoffightingorwar 23

25 WeekEight TheRootofBitterness Hebrews12:15+17 See(to(it(that(no(one(fails(to(obtain(the(grace(of(God;(that(no( root(of( bitterness (springs(up(and(causes(trouble,(and(by(it(many(become( defiled;(that(no(one(is(sexually(immoral(or(unholy(like(esau,(who(sold(his( birthright(for(a(single(meal.(for(you(know(that(afterward,(when(he( desired(to(inherit(the(blessing,(he(was(rejected,(for(he(found(no(chance( to(repent,(though(he(sought(it(with(tears. ( Hereisawarningthatrequirestheproperanddiligentoversightofthe church.theconcernisthepotentialofabadinfluencedescribedasa root of bitterness. This phrase is an allusion to Deuteronomy 29:18: Lest thereshouldbeamongyouman,orwoman,orfamily, or tribe, whoseheartturnethawaythisdayfromthelordourgod,togo(and servethegodsofthesenations;lestthereshouldbeamongyouaroot thatbearethgallandwormwood. Thesearepeoplewhobecauseof temptation,persecution,orfalsedoctrinecomeshortofgettinggod s grace,notbecauseitwasinaccessible,buttheydidnotavailthemselves ofit.historically,thesehavebeencalledapostateswhohavedefected from the faith. The question concerning these individuals has always beenwhetherornottheyaresaved.thoughthisanswerisnotgiven,it is generally presumed these people were never believers. Their influence is troubling to the body of Christ leaving a contagious, permeatingevilimpactuponthebodyofchrist. AnexampleofthistypeofpersonisEsau.Heisdescribedasanimmoral man who had virtually no concern about his spiritual privileges and opportunities.asthefirstbornsonofisaac,hewasheirbybirthrightto thesacredblessingsoftheabrahamiccovenant.thisincludedmaterial prosperity,butprimarily,aspiritualheritage.hewouldbeinthefamily line of the coming Messiah and God s blessings on the world through thegospel.however,thesewereprivilegesthatcouldberealizedonly inthefutureandrequiredapresent,consistentfaithinthesepromises. Esau,whenputtothetest,soldhisbirthrightforasinglemealtosatisfy his temporary hunger. He treated his spiritual privileges as negligible 24

26 andinsignificant.afterwards,heregrettedhisdecision,butitwastoo late to change it. The decision was irrevocable No amount of tears couldbringaboutachange. 1.Whatisbitterness? 2.Whatisthecauseofbitterness? QUESTIONSTOCONSIDER 3.Whataretheresultsofbitterness? 4.Whoisanexampleofabitterperson? WORDSTOSTUDY Lookingdiligentlypresentactiveparticiple toseetoit,oversee,takecare;lookupon,carefor Failpresentactiveparticiple tolack;belate;postponetocomelate,bebehind,comeshort Grace charis;grace,kindness Springingpresentactiveparticiple tobringforth,produce;grow,comeup 25

27 Bitterness pikria;originallymeans pointed, sharp (e.g.,arrows),then penetrating (e.g.,asmell),then painful (tothefeelings),and bitter (tothetaste).thesenseofbitternessyieldssuchtransferred sensesas unpleasant, unexpected, painful, severe, cruel, stern, embittered; tobecomeangry,bitter. Root aprimaryword;aroot Troublepresentactivesubjunctive tocrowdin,i.e.annoy;causetrouble Defiledaoristpassivesubjunctive tostain,defile,pollute Fornicator NOUNasexuallyimmoralman;prostitutechaser(toexportforsale); Profane (athreshold);permittedtobetrodden,byimplicationunhallowed;vile, profanegodlessperson Like as,likeas,evenas,when,since,aslongas Soldaoristmiddleindicative togiveback,pay Birthright therightsofthefirstxborn Knowperfectactiveindicative tohaveseenorperceived,hencetoknow For (verilythen);for,indeed(aconjunc.usedtoexpresscause,explanation, inferenceorcontinuation) 26

28 Desiredpresentactiveparticiple towill,wish,want Inheritaoristactiveinfinitive toinherit Blessing eulogia;praise,blessing: Rejectaoristpassiveindicative toreject Repentance metanoia;changeofmind,repentance Place opportunity,room Foundaoristactiveindicative tofind Tears(aoristactiveparticiple ateardrop:soughtout toseekout,demand,inquire:tosearchearnestly 27