Week 6
READ Hebrews 12:3-11 “Persevering Faith”
QUESTIONS:
If you were to decide to run a marathon, which way of training would be better? Get all pumped up about running a marathon, get excited, tell everyone, then show up for the race and not be able to finish because you had no idea what it would cost? OR, be told upfront the difficulties you will face and the hardships you will have to endure, then prepare and train for them so that when you get into your marathon you will be strong and ready to finish? Which would be better? Why?
The author of Hebrews has just gotten you ready to race yesterday by telling you to look to Jesus and throw off the weights and sin. You are ready to leap out of the starting block but just before you do, today he will tell you what to be prepared for. This is not a 100m sprint or a 1-mile race. This is a lifelong marathon that you will have to receive very special training from God for you to finish. Let’s look today at the cost and the training you will receive from God that will enable you to finish this race of faith strong! Read v. 3-4. Jesus ran his race perfectly. But, that didn’t mean that everyone was pulling for him. He faced real-life opposition. Think of someone trying to run a 26.2-mile marathon, and around mile 22 someone comes out of the crowd and kicks them and beats them up. It seems awful that someone would discourage someone from trying to complete a noble task like a marathon, but that’s exactly what happened to Christ. So here’s the question. Why do you think the author of Hebrews included Jesus’ account of facing opposition in his race to the cross for you to read?
What are some examples of opposition you face in your race of faith? This may be from nonbelievers or from circumstances.
How does it make you feel that there really are people and circumstances that do not want you to do well in your race?
If you responded negatively to the above question, that’s normal…but let me challenge that view. Read v. 5-6. Who does this verse say is responsible for disciplining you?
Now connect the thoughts. Verses 3-4 talk about sinners that brought hostility towards Christ in his race to the cross. We concluded that this was present so it could encourage you when sinners bring hostilities against you in your race of faith. But verses 5-6 randomly & suddenly introduce the topic of discipline being from the Lord. Why do you think this is?
Do you think what sinners do, intending to hurt you, God is sovereignly using to discipline you and shape you into a great race of faith runner? Explain. Use biblical examples.
How would you react differently knowing bad things that are happening to you are coming from a loving Father rather than bad things happening to you that is out of control and random. How can knowing this practically change your life?
If it doesn’t seem comforting now…how do verses 7-11 help? Why does God do it?
Put v. 10 in your own words. How could this verse even make you desire discipline?