Pastor Steve Norby

Hebrews 12:1-11
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us,  2  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy
set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God.  3  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not
grow weary and lose heart.
4  In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  5  And
have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father
addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6  because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
7  Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not
disciplined by their father?  8  If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then
you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.  9  Moreover, we have all had human
fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to
the Father of spirits and live!  10  They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God
disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  11  No discipline seems
pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and
peace for those who have been trained by it.

Descriptors of Heaven:

1.Mansion dwelling with Jesus - John 14:23

2.City of worship - Hebrews 12:22-24, 11:16, Revelation 4

3.A place of diverse people all worshipping Jesus - Revelation 7:9-10

4.Filled with peace, joy and praise - Revelation 7:15-17

5.It’s a powerful experience (lightning and thunder) - Revelation 4:5

6.New Earth with God dwelling among His people - Revelation 21:1

7.Its building materials are precious (Gemstones, pearl gates and gold roads) - Revelation 21:9-
11, 21

8.Tree of life is at the center of it and the saints will get to eat of it - Revelation 22:2

9.The light of God will illuminate it so there is no need of a lamp - Revelation 22:4-5

Run the race with perseverance that God has marked out for you. Hebrews 12:1

“I believe God made me for a purpose - but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His
pleasure.” Eric Little

How do you run the race marked out for you?

1. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

“No man who really is a man ever cared for the easy task. There is no enjoyment in the game
that is easily won. It is that in which you have to strain every muscle and sinew to achieve
victory that provides real joy.” Eric Little

What God calls you to do, He equips you to handle.

2. Consider Jesus and what He went through so that you continue to run the race. Hebrews
12:2-3

“Never give in, never give up.” – Winston Churchill

Jesus’ race took Him to the cross but He saw past the pain to the joy of those who would be
saved.

3. Keep the proper perspective on the problems you face (you haven’t shed blood). Hebrews
12:4

Take a step back and look at the big picture.

Don’t let yourself or others make the problem bigger than it is.

4. Receive trials as devices of godly discipline. Hebrews 12:5-11

Realize that problems are never just problems. Problems provide a learning opportunity when
approached correctly.

Practice “Active” Gratitude.

Run the race traveling light. Hebrews 12:1