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Hebrews Part 17 – Chapter 12, Verse 1-13

The Hardships and Joys of the Christian Life

Introduction

The sermon from Hebrews 12:1-13 focuses on the sufficiency, supremacy, and superiority of Jesus, emphasizing the challenges of the Christian life. It highlights the importance of enduring hardships as discipline from God, which ultimately leads to righteousness and peace. The sermon encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, throw off sin, and run the race marked out for them with perseverance, understanding that the alternative of living without Jesus is far worse. We delved into Hebrews 12:1-13, a passage that vividly illustrates the challenges and rewards of the Christian life. Let’s explore the key points and lessons from this powerful message.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your word. We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for the guidance and protection You provide in our lives. Help us to be receptive to the lessons from today’s sermon and to understand the importance of enduring hardships with joy. May Your Holy Spirit lead our discussion and reveal to us the truths You want us to grasp today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one thing that brings you joy, even on a tough day?

Key Verses

1. Hebrews 12:1-13
2. Romans 8:2
3. Mark 8:34-35
4. Galatians 6:1-2
5. Psalm 119:64

The Christian Life: A Journey of Hardships

Why is the Christian Life Hard?

The Christian life is often marked by hardships. Hebrews 12:1-13 doesn’t shy away from this reality. The passage repeatedly emphasizes the difficulties we face, from enduring opposition to resisting sin. These challenges are not random; they are part of the journey of following Christ.

The Role of Discipline

Discipline is a recurring theme in this passage. It is described as a necessary part of our spiritual growth. Just as earthly fathers discipline their children for their good, God disciplines us to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace. This discipline, though painful, is a sign of God’s love and our status as His children.

The Joy Amidst Hardships  – Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Despite the hardships, there is immense joy in the Christian life. This joy comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and we are called to follow His example. By focusing on Him, we find strength and joy even in the midst of trials.

The Alternative Without Jesus

Living without Jesus is far harder than any challenge we face as Christians. Without Him, we lack the guidance, protection, and comfort that only He can provide. The alternative is a life of uncertainty and despair, both in this world and the next.

Enduring Hardship as Discipline – Understanding Hardship

Not all hardships are direct discipline from God, but we are encouraged to endure all hardships as if they are. This perspective helps us grow and mature in our faith. Whether a hardship is a result of our actions, the actions of others, or simply the brokenness of the world, enduring it as discipline shapes us into the people God wants us to be.

The Example of Job

The story of Job provides a profound example of enduring hardship. Despite losing everything, Job remained faithful to God. His story teaches us that even the most righteous among us can face severe trials, but these trials can ultimately lead to greater faith and understanding.

 

Throwing Off Hindrances and Sin – The Power of Sin is Broken

Through Christ, the power of sin and death is broken. We are no longer slaves to sin, but we must actively choose to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles. This requires vigilance and a commitment to living a life that honors God.

Running the Race with Perseverance

The Christian life is described as a race marked out for us. To run this race well, we must persevere and avoid being weighed down by sin and distractions. This race is not about following our own path but following the path God has set for us.

Life Application – Embracing Discipline and Joy

Reflect on the hardships you are facing. Are you enduring them as discipline from God? Are you fixing your eyes on Jesus and finding joy in Him? Embrace the discipline, knowing it is for your good, and seek the joy that comes from a close relationship with Christ.

Questions for Reflection

1. What hardships are you currently facing, and how can you endure them as discipline from God?
2. Are there sins or distractions in your life that are hindering your walk with Christ? How can you throw them off?
3. How can you fix your eyes on Jesus more consistently and find joy in Him despite your circumstances?
4. What does it mean to you that Jesus is sufficient, supreme, and superior?
5. How do you personally experience the ‘hard’ aspects of the Christian life?
6. Can you share a time when you felt God’s discipline in your life? How did you respond?
7. Why do you think the author of Hebrews emphasizes the need to ‘throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles’?
8. How can we better fix our eyes on Jesus in our daily lives?
9. What are some practical ways to endure hardships with joy?
10. How can we support each other in our small group when someone is going through a difficult time?
11. What steps can you take this week to run the race marked out for you with perseverance?

Key Takeaways

1. The Christian life can be challenging, but enduring hardships as discipline leads to growth.
2. Fixing our eyes on Jesus helps us navigate the difficulties of life with joy.
3. Throwing off sin and hindrances is essential for running the race marked out for us.
4. God’s discipline is a sign of His love and leads to righteousness and peace.
5. Supporting each other in our faith journey is crucial for overcoming challenges.

Challenge

Challenge yourself to identify one area of your life where you can better endure hardship as discipline. Commit to throwing off one hindrance or sin that is entangling you. Spend time in prayer and worship, focusing on Jesus and the joy He brings.

Identify one area of your life where you are entangled by sin, hindered in your walk with Christ. Take a practical step to throw off that hindrance, whether it’s through prayer, accountability, or a change in behavior. Share your progress with a trusted friend or group member for support.

Conclusion

The Christian life is undeniably hard, but it is also filled with profound joy and purpose. By enduring hardships as discipline, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and throwing off sin, we can run the race marked out for us with perseverance. Let us embrace the challenges and joys of this journey, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Closing Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the wisdom and encouragement from the message. Grant us grace to apply what we’ve learned in our lives and to bear one another’s burdens as we seek to be discipled by and follow you. Guide us to always fix our eyes on Jesus and endure hardships with the understanding that they are for our growth and Your glory. Teach us to discern where you are correcting us so that we may repent, and grant us faith to endure any trials. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, with joy and peace, as we go forth in faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.