Endurance of Hope
Hebrews 12
November 10, 2024
Jay Haugh
Jesus is greater in His person and His work.
The presence of a witness elevates our performance.
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. —Hebrews 12:1 ESV
They aren’t literally “watching” us. Instead, they are a “testimony” to us.
You will always finish the race if the prize is that great.
Our greatest inspiration to endure is Jesus.
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. —Hebrews 12:2 ESV
Jesus joyfully did what He had to do to give the prize.
Jesus “looked down” on the shame.
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. —Hebrews 12:3-4 ESV
Difficulties = Discipline.
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. —Hebrews 12:5 ESV
Two common reactions to discipline and hard times.
(1) You can disregard it.
(2) You can become faint of heart.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 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? —Hebrews 12:6-7 ESV
Discipline is in God’s perfect plan.
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? 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. —Hebrews 12:8-11 ESV
Holiness will lead to lasting happiness.
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. —Hebrews 12:12-14 ESV
You have to chase after holiness to see God.
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. —Hebrews 12:15 ESV
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. —Hebrews 12:16-17 ESV
This individual is immoral and disregards God.
Esau blew off his spiritual blessing to satisfy his fleshly desires.
We pursue those who are weak and struggling; we pursue holiness, but we remove those who disregard God and lead others astray.
The last warning.
For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, —Hebrews 12:18-22 ESV
Picture of heaven.
and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect. —Hebrews 12:23 ESV
(1) There are myriads of angels in heaven.
(2) The Church – the people of God.
(3) God.
(4) The Old Testament saints.
(5) Jesus.
and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. —Hebrews 12:24 ESV
See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. —Hebrews 12:25 ESV
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken – that is, things that have been made – in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. —Hebrews 12:26-27 ESV
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. —Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV
Big Idea:
We endure hardships and suffering because Jesus is our better prize.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: Hebrews 1:1-2a NIV
Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us.
The goal of these questions is to foster meaningful discussion and to encourage participants to reflect on God’s Word to lead to heart transformation. Feel free to modify or expand upon these questions based on the dynamics and needs of your Small Group.
Read Hebrews 12:1-3
Who are the “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us? In what ways have you seen the “great cloud of witnesses” in your own life? How have others’ faith journeys inspired or challenged you?
What are some “weights” or distractions in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth or ability to run the race marked out for you? Is this something you have had a habitual issue with? How can you start to lay these aside?
How do you personally “fix your eyes on Jesus” in the midst of life’s challenges and distractions? Are there practices or habits that help you stay focused on Him? How does focusing on Him help us overcome temptation and doubt?
What does it look like for you to “run with perseverance?” Can you share a time when you felt like giving up but chose to keep going in your faith journey? How can you encourage someone else who may be struggling in their race of faith?
Read Hebrews 12:4-13
How is the metaphor of God being like a parent who disciplines His children helpful to your understanding of who God is? Have you ever blamed God or been upset with Him about circumstances in your life? How can we find joy and peace in the midst of God’s discipline?
Discipline is expressed as a form of training that, when yielded to, produces a harvest. In what ways have seasons of difficulty grown you? How can these training opportunities help us to be more empathetic with others?
Read Hebrews 12:14-17
What does striving for “peace with everyone” look like in challenging relationships? What are some “bitter roots” that might be growing in your heart? How can you identify and address them before they cause harm to yourself or others?
Read Hebrews 12:18-29
How does understanding God’s unshakable kingdom affect the way you view earthly challenges and temporary struggles? In what ways have you experienced God’s unshakable presence in your life, especially during times of uncertainty or challenge?