Faith to Finish!
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As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.
We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!
So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures.
1. Consider the Witnesses!
1. Consider the Witnesses!
And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,
God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
But now God has invited us to live in something better than what they had—faith’s fullness! This is so that they could be brought to finished perfection alongside of us.
If you require earthly validation of your faith, you won’t make it!
The witnesses run along side of us and compel us to keep going!
2. Look (fix) to Jesus!
2. Look (fix) to Jesus!
Look is “look away” in Greek.
Look away to His promise!
Look away to His promise!
He is the Founder, Perfecter, and completer of our faith.
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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
“What doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.” Nietzsche
“What doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.” Nietzsche
“What doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.” “If we let it!” Jolliff
“What doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger.” “If we let it!” Jolliff
The Power of the Resurrection always comes through the Pain of the Cross you are Facing.
The Power of the Resurrection always comes through the Pain of the Cross you are Facing.
3. Trust the One Who Trains You
3. Trust the One Who Trains You
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.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.
Two Images: Coach and Father
Trained- gymnazo
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
discipline- paidia: pediatry- how a good father guides his children
Big Difference between:
Punishment/Judgement- Pay backs
Punishment/Judgement- Pay backs
Discipline- Molding character motivated by love.
Discipline- Molding character motivated by love.
Consequences- Results of bad decisions
Consequences- Results of bad decisions
4. Focus on Joy!
4. Focus on Joy!
The pain can be unbearable, but the reward makes it all worth it!
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.