Overview: In Hebrews Chapter 11 we see that the author gives us several examples as to how faith is the substance of things hope for and the evidence of things that are not seen. Some of the examples were Abel, Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Sarah and there were many more. Going on to Chapter 12 it says:
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ( 1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:12-14)
1. What could be considered a weight in our lives?
a. Sin always blocks our vision from what God wants us to see. Sin blinds us and causes our vision to be blurred. This leads to darkness and confusion.
b. Any type of sin can weight us down.
2. We are running a race!
a. We are challenged!
b. We are in a contest!
c. We are in a war!
3. Next the author mentions that we shall be running with patience. This shows the believer that the walk that we have with Christ is not a sprint but a marathon and the goal that we are looking to reach is Jesus. When we feel weak we should look unto Jesus. As mentioned in verse 3 Jesus endured. We are to endure temptation. Coming out it victorious.
a. Everyday we are desiring to be more like Christ.
b. He is the author and the finisher of our Faith.
4. God is calling us to Endurance! Hebrews 12:7-11
a. Endure the Chastisement of the Lord- Hebrews 12:7-11
i. Has God chastised you before?
ii. Correct you? Rebuke you?
b. Endure the Cross- Matthew 16:24
c. Endure the Truth despite Persecution- Mark 4:16-17
d. Endure Sound Doctrine- 2 Timothy 4:2-4
e. Endure the Suffering- Romans 8:18; Romans 5:3-5
f. Endure the Temptation- James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18
5. We are to follow peace with all men and holiness Hebrews 12:14
a. What does it mean to be holy? What is holiness?
b. God is Holy! What does this mean that God is Holy?
c. This is his character. This is WHO HE IS! He is Holy!
6. Repentance is a gift from God -Hebrews 12:16-17
a. God does not have to grant you repentance! It’s a gift
b. Esau was not granted repentance even though he cried out for it
7. The Mountain of God is approachable for us- Hebrews 12:18-25; Exodus 19
a. Some Facts about Mount Sinai
i. Full of the voice of God
ii. Thick cloud which represents the presence of God
iii. It was not to be touched not even by an animal
iv. Burned with Fire
v. Anything that touched the Mount was killed (Exodus 19:12; 21)
vi. The sight of it was so fearful that even Moses trembled in fear
vii. Full of darkness (Dt. 4:11)
viii. Full of a sounding trumpet
8. Warning of Not Listening to God (Hebrews 12:25-29)
a. The children of Israel did not listen to Moses and they did not escape judgement how much more shall we not escape if we reject Jesus Christ?
b. We must not turn away from Him who speaks to us from heaven.
9. God is going to shake the heavens and the earth.
a. Anything that is not firm in our lives shall be shaken and moved by God
b. Anything that is moved by God shall be casted into hell fire.
10. We are to serve God acceptably because our God is a consuming fire.
a. God is strong
b. He is powerful
c. And he has the ability to cast us into hell
d. God is a consuming fire so we shall be careful as to how we walk before God.
e. God is Holy! This is his character.