Scripture Focus (Hebrews 12:1-5, 11-15) – “[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, [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. [4] In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. [5] 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… [11] 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. [12] Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, [13] and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. [14] Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. [15] 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.”
I. Enduring Life’s Difficulties (Hebrews 12:1-2a)
A. A helpful motivation (Remember) – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…”
B. An essential liberation (Release) – “…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely…”
C. An important clarification (Refocus) – “…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”
II. Adopting Christ’s Mindset (Hebrews 12:2b-4)
A. Jesus looked towards the finish (Hebrews 12:2b) – “…who for the joy that was set before Him …”
B. Jesus endured an excruciating process (Hebrews 12:2c) – “…endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God…”
C. Jesus left us His example to sustain us (Hebrews 12:3-4) – “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.”
III. Embracing God’s Discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11)
3 FORMS OF DISCIPLINE: For Correction, For Prevention, and For Education
A. The fact of God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:5-6) – “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.”
B. The faithfulness of God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:7-8) – “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.”
C. The fruit of God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:9-11)
1. We learn submission to God (Hebrews 12:9) – “… Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?”
2. We gain practical holiness (Hebrews 12:10) – “…He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.”
3. We gain contentment in Christ alone (Hebrews 12:11) – “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…”
IV. Overcoming Personal Discouragement (Hebrews 12:12-15)
A. We are exhorted to get up & move on (Hebrews 12:12-13) – “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”
B. We are exhorted to get low (Hebrews 12:14) – “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
C. We are exhorted to wise up (Hebrews 12:15) – “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.”
God’s grace is sufficient to empower your endurance so that no bitterness makes you unfit for His use.