For this week’s discussion, read closely Hebrews 12:1-4:
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. 4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Let’s begin with “therefore.” To understand what the writer means, we must be familiar with Hebrews 11. Chapter 11 offers a brief definition of faith, and then offers several examples of historical witnesses who lived by faith, thus providing some insights and guidelines for those of us who are committed to walking by faith today. The following is a brief summary:
(1) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This passage is echoed in 2 Cor. 5:7, “We walk by faith and not by sight.” Faith, then, is trusting God’s promise and/or instructions even when we do not yet see the way forward.
(2) The writer provides the following examples of people who have walked by faith:
Abel offered a sacrifice in faith.
Noah prepared for a future he could not yet see.
Abraham left his homeland without knowing his destination.
Sarah trusted in the possibility of what seemed impossible.
Moses rejected the privileges of Pharaoh's household and identified with an oppressed people.
Rahab, an outsider, welcomed and protected Israelite spies.
(3) The examples above were of people who acted on what they believed.
(4) Faith does not equal success. Walking by faith often means handing the baton to those who will run the next leg of the race.
(5) Faith is personal, but it is not individual. We receive faith from those who have gone before us, as well as from those God places in our lives. Future generations will be affected by our faithfulness (or lack thereof!)
Questions for discussion:
Who are the witnesses you look to for inspiration? A parent? Spouse? Coach? Historical person?
What are the qualities of faith you seek to emulate?
Who is looking to you to see how you are living out your faith? How will the faithfulness of their lives be influenced by yours?
Sound like an immense responsibility? It is. Like it or not, we have been entrusted.
Lastly, look again at Hebrews 12:4, “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” What does the writer mean by struggling against and resisting sin?
Hold that question in your mind as you watch the following clip from the movie Amistad:
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