Jan. 24, 2021

“GOD’S GREAT RELAY RACE”

HEBREWS 12:1-13

Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection (maturity)…”

“Let us run with endurance (patience)” Hebrews 12:1, is the exhortation Paul gives.

Hebrews 11:39-12:1

1.   Consider The Witnesses- Hebrews 12:1

Christians are supposed to encourage one another.

Hebrew 10:24-25

The accounts of the Bible greats found in the Word of God ought to encourage us as we seek to win the race of faith.

Have you ever faced opposition?

Moving to a new home can be difficult- Abraham did it by faith

If others have hurt you- Joseph

The next time you make a costly decision- remember Moses and the decision he made, by faith.

2.   Consider Yourself- Hebrews 12:1

“Let us” vs.1

“Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.” vs.1

“And the sin which so easily ensnares us” vs.1- What is the sin?

Unbelief is the sin and there is nothing which will hold you back as unbelief will. Faith moves us forward but unbelief trips us up and then turns us backwards.

1 Corinthians 9:25 “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

1 Timothy 4:7 “….exercise yourself rather unto godliness.”

3.   Consider The Race Itself- Hebrews 12:1

What race should we run? “The race that is set before us.” vs.1

Philippians 3:12-16

We cannot run somebody else’s race. God has equipped us for our race, He has assigned a lane to each of us.

John 21:19-22

“What is that to you? Follow Me!”

4.   Consider The Lord Jesus- Hebrews 12:2-3

The Christian life begins when the sinner “looks to Jesus” by faith.

Isaiah 45:22 ““Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”

1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

What was the joy that was set before Him?

Jude 24 “Now to Him that is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless, before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”

It was the joy of presenting us, His bride, to the Father in glory.

John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”

1 Peter 1:8 “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”

5.   Consider God’s Discipline- Hebrews 12:4-13

God wants us to keep going and growing. “Let us press on to maturity (perfection).” Hebrews 6:1  He disciplines us because He loves us!

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Four Reactions To Discipline:

1.   You can despise it- vs.5

2.   Nor faint when you are rebuked of Him- vs.5 

3.   If you endure chastening- vs.7

4.   Be trained by it- vs.11- allow it to help you grow.