Christ Is The Better Gardener

Opening

Story

Recap/Intro

Traditions, no we want the foundation the prize

The Focus (vv. 1, 2)

Comparison (v. 1)

The Christian life is compared to a foot race (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24–27).

We have the witness of those that went before us( Ie. Hall of Faith)

Lay aside (Sin = weight) Weight impedes us from running efficiently

Remove all that keeps you from living the Christian life.

“Run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Concentration (v. 2).

Practice—“Looking unto Jesus.”

Jesus is our Focus,

the author and finisher of our faith.

He’s our Prize, our goal

Pain

“For the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.” Read carefully Isa. 53:3–7.

The Joy at the end does not compare with current pain, similar to christ’s earthly mission

Position

“And is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God to welcome him home to heaven.

Just like running a race and receiving a position, we receive our position as heirs of God, when we finish

The Fight (vv. 3–5)

Shame (v. 3).

Christ was mistreated, betrayed (Matt. 26:48), denied (Matt. 26:69–74), spat on (Matt. 27:30), and rejected (John 1:11).

Christ went through all the shame, so that we would have a something to hold on to

He’s our example

Suffering (v. 4).

We may be Martyred, but our main fight is with our old nature

Shedding of our blood - christ shed his blood, we must be willing to resist up to death

Sons (v. 5).

Believers are his children (John 1:12).

The Forming (vv. 6–11)

Practice of chastening (v. 6).

Because we are His, He disciplines us (cf. Prov. 3:11-12).

He may use sickness, sorrow, trouble, loss, or persecution.

His discipline helps us grow

Pruning

Patience in chastening (v. 7).

Be patient with His discipline.

It is for our growth

We are blessed when God disciplines us (see Ps. 94:12).

Punishment and chastening (v. 8).

God doesn’t discipline the devils children

I don’t discipline others children, thats the parents Job

I only discipline mine

Are you legitimate

Parents and chastening (v. 9).

If He loves us He will reprove us (cf. Rev. 3:19).

Peace (vv. 10, 11).

Discipline allows us to run the race and receive the price/ position

His holiness and Sonship