Week 5 Hope, Security and Calling Hebrews 12:1-3 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, 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. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. The Hebrews Plan in Suffering (Part 1) Remember the faith of our ancestry. Put off hindrances and sin. Fix your eyes on Jesus (his love, his pain, his throne) Do not grow weary or fainthearted. 12:4-17 - The Hebrews Plan in Suffering (Part 2) There s more to discipline than meets the eye keep these things in mind! 1. Length of our suffering. The preacher reminds us that we in Christ s suffering, but we did not suffer to the same as Christ. 2. Relationship of those who suffer. The preacher urges us to remember that suffering is that God recognizes us as and.
3. Response to suffering. The preacher encourages those who have lost heart, by reminding them that discipleship heart. Our response should be to engage in the race of faith. 4. Result of suffering. The preacher acknowledges that disciplinary suffering is unpleasant, but its intent is a harvest of, not listless agony from. An understanding and vision for renewed effort: Every effort to live at. Every effort to be. Every effort to cultivate the. Every effort to be. God s Goals for Discipline: Christian maturity
Participation in the holiness of God Participation in the triumph of the cross Opportunity to trust in the divine purposes and promises of God A call to resolve in the Christian mission of selflessness
Hebrews 12:18-29 - Tomorrow s Destination of Today s Believers The final chapters of Hebrews describe the Christian journey in unique terms as they depict the City of God as a home for which believers should long. The metaphor of the journey to the City of God characterizes men and women of committed faith as pilgrims, and the Christian life as a commitment to pilgrimage. What does it mean that we are pilgrims? What does it mean that we are on a pilgrimage? Verses 18-24 - Description by way of comparison Israel after the Exodus vs. The Church Today Verses 25-29 A warning of the power of God and to stay committed to God The shaking of God s justice (10:26-31)
13:1-19 - The Practice of Pilgrims May your love be displayed in these ways: Demonstrate brotherly love Practice Hospitality Cultivate fidelity in marriage Remember those who have suffered and are in imprisoned Let your life not be marked by greed, but contentment Respect those in leadership May your encouragement in your pilgrimage (and the teaching you receive) be based on these things: The unchanging and unconditional promises of God of his presence. The unchanging character of Jesus Christ as the new covenant fulfillment of God s promises.
13:20-25 - Final Words and Application Review and take-aways: - What concepts or principles have you learned about Hebrews from this class? - How has this class changed your perception and understanding of the book of Hebrews as a whole? - How would you communicate the value of this book to someone who has never studied it before? - In what ways has this study of Hebrews taught you more about God s grace? - In what ways has this study of Hebrews taught you more about Jesus love and sacrifice? - How has Hebrews helped you to see your sin and shortcomings? - How would you summarize some of the warnings of the writer of Hebrews? - How does Hebrews challenge you to live your life differently? - What do we mean when we say that Jesus is the hero of Hebrews and why it is important to understand this?