Discipline

State:

We are being given some instruction about what our attitude should be when walking our Christian path.

The previous chapter spoke of the cloud of witnesses that had suffered and died for Christ.

The writer is giving the reader a talk about their suffering and how to view it.

Hebrews 12:1–3 NIV

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.

State:

Throw off what hinders

A large and weighty mass

The New Bible Commentary 12:1–13 A Call to Endurance

any association or activity that handicaps us

And the sin that so easily entangles.

The world of sin around us as shown in 1 John

1 John 2:16 NLT

16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

State: Its saying make a review of your life and see if anything needs attention

State: If sin and un-delt with stuff was the problem, you would know it.

Any further struggle, opposition, trouble or suffering should be seen in the way the writer presents it.

Ist instruction / attitude

And let us run with perseverance

Perseverance:

The ability to withstand hardship or stress; especially the inward fortitude necessary

Fortitude means: having strong will in the face of danger or pain.

An athlete who continues a race in spite of an injury is an example of fortitude.

Perseverance also means: Remain behind ; wait expectantly; Holding out; patient endurance

the race marked out for us,

State: There is a plan and path for your life designed by God

Psalm 37:23–24 NLT

23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

But we play a part in that

Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

State: Trust in the Lord with all your heart

When do you most need to trust in the Lord?

When you don’t know what’s happening, why its happening or which way to go

Trust in the Lord....why?

Because God has the power and authority to change things

Jude 25 NLT

25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

God has power over anything trying to have power over you

Do not depend on your own understanding

This is equally as hard

Isaiah 55:8 NLT

8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

Seek his will in all you do

If we seek God scripture says...

Luke 11:10 NLT

10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

2nd Instruction from Hebrews

Hebrews 12:2–3 NLT

2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

State: We run our race of perseverance by looking to Jesus’ example.

Hebrews 12:4–6 NLT

4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

Hebrews 12:7–10 NLT

7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

Hebrews 12:11–12 NLT

11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.