When you are a child, Christmas always seems to take FOREVER to get here, doesn’t it? It sure would be nice if Christmas could happen more frequently.
As an adult, we sometimes wonder when God is going to show up in our lives and do what only He can do. Sometimes it seems like he is far away when we need Him the most. Where is God when we need him?
If you are the group discussion leader, be sure to have everyone in your group open to this page on their mobile devices. Share the responsibility of asking questions, and reading verses together.
Remind everyone that they can subscribe to the podcast using their favorite podcast app on IOS or Android, or whatever platform they use. That way, they’ll always be caught up with what we’re talking about.
Have you ever run in a race? How well did you do?
What were the keys of finishing your race?
If you had a choice, would you rather have the sprinter’s speed, or the marathoner’s endurance? Why?
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 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. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
What comes to your mind when you picture a “huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith?”
This “huge crowd of witnesses” that the author is referring to is described in Hebrews 11… We call it the “roll call of faith.” In that chapter, he describes the way many of the Old Testament saints held onto their faith despite their adversity.
Hebrews 11:8-10
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
How does a sports metaphor help you understand the point that the author of Hebrews is trying to make here?
While foot races were more popular in New Testament culture, the Old Testament still describes our relationship with God as “walking,” or “running” with him, doesn’t it? (Genesis 5:23-24, Psalm 119:32, Isaiah 40:31) Why is this important? What can we learn from that type of descriptive language?
Look back at Hebrews 12:1-3 (above.) Why do you think it mentions both the “weight that slows us down,” and “sin that so easily trips us up?” What is the difference?
Is there anything in your life right now that may not be sin, but that could be slowing your relationship with God down? What kinds of things are these?
Hebrews 12:5-7
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
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?
What kinds of thoughts come to your mind when you hear the word “discipline?” Is that positive, or negative?
Why does a loving parent discipline his children?
Proverbs 3:11-12
My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights
How have you been encouraged by the examples of faith set by Christians of years past? Who needs you to encourage them in the faith? How will you seek to do so?
How does your view of God’s discipline need to change based on this study?
Is there anything encumbering you right now? How can our group pray for you in that situation?
After your group discussion tonight, be sure to make final plans for delivering your Christmas dinner and gifts to Tower Road next week. Glenda’s delivery schedule will be online for you to sign up for a time slot next week.