Growing, Struggling and Winning in the Christian Life Basic Truths God wants His People to Know, Part 13 By Pastor Dan Kennedy © May 13/20, 2018 www.pastorkennedy.com What are the Two Paths in Life? The lure of the glittering world, the carnality of the depraved heart, and the deceptive temptation of Satan has been around a long time. Adam and Eve were expelled from the beautiful Garden of Eden because of their disobedience to God, and their first son killed his younger brother. It began with deception and disobedience in the Garden and the continued pain, deterioration and destruction of the human soul has continued over and over again to this very day. There are two paths in life: the natural world’s broad path, and God’s Supernatural narrow Path (Matt. 7:13-14; Ps. 119:30). Where does the world’s path lead a person? Where does God’s Supernatural Path lead one? The first seventeen verses of Hebrews 12 have clear and healthy instructions and encouragement for believers in Jesus Christ in how to Spiritually grow and flourish in any century, culture or generation, even when we struggle with hazards which test and refine us; and, embrace the blessings of God that reward us when we follow Him and give us His peace and joy. Hebrews 12:1–17 12 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 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. Growing, Struggling and Winning Hebrews 12:1–17 A Believer in Christ Is Not Alone: We are Surrounded by a “Great Cloud of Witnesses” Hebrews 12:1a “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” The world wants us to believe we are alone in what we believe and in Whom we trust. Satan wants to tempt our spirit to believe no one cares (not even God), and our carnal nature wants to believe it! We feel like we are alone because of life’s battles that we sometimes face! Sometimes it feels like we are alone when we are waiting to see God’s Hand of deliverance. Realize you are Not Alone in your desire to be like Christ and your struggle against sin as you battle the world, the flesh and the devil (Eph. 6:11-13; 1 John 2:15-17)  Our eternal spirit lives on earth in frail, defective and temporary “housing” (2 Cor. 5:1-10). In these “jars of clay” we sometimes feel alone when we experience the refinement of trials; but, those trials are allowed to reveal God’s Strength and Power…not our own. God gives strength through His grace, so our spirit is not crushed, in despair, forsaken, or destroyed. His grace is sufficient for us – we are not alone. God’s power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 4:7–10 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. God fully understands us, and He will never forsake us (Ps. 139:1-18) Hebrews 13:5 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Remember those in the past evidencing Faith in God, who have gained great victories in their life, named in the previous chapter in Hebrews (the reason for “therefore” in the first verse in Hebrews 11!) (Heb. 11:1-35, 39-40)  o Abel o Enoch o Noah o Abraham, Isaac and Jacob o Sarah o Moses By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. o The people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land o Rahab o Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel and the prophets, etc., etc. Recognize that there have been those with Faith in God who, although they most likely had experienced an overwhelming human desire for life and victory, they instead chose to submit willingly to perish for their faith, knowing that they would gain a better inheritance. (Heb. 11:36-40) Hebrews 11:36–38 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:16 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. You are not alone in your desire to know God and serve Him…together with trials, tragedies, failures, victories and joys! There have been people from the beginning of time to the end of time who have had a desire and heart for God. In the Old Testament, people of faith were not as complete in their understanding of salvation as those who, after Christ, were given the complete understanding of the Messiah and the Gospel of Christ and who had experienced the transformation of New Birth by the Holy Spirit. (Heb. 11:13-16, 39-40) There are people in your life, even with you now, who are choosing to embrace uncomfortable and sometimes tragic circumstances, which God has allowed into their lives, pressing them through a pathway of adversity and suffering. They are choosing Christ. They are not alone, and you are not alone. Though we may sometimes feel alone, and the world, flesh and enemy of our souls, may confuse us, seeking to deceive us, to make us feel alone; but, with God, and with His Children, we are not alone, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. ✦ Critical Decisions: Throw Off Hindrances and Entanglements empowered by Christ’s Authority and the Holy Spirit’s Power within you Hebrews 12:1b “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,” What reveals Spiritual Hindrances in our lives? God’s Law – The 10 Commandments Reveals Hindrances  Exodus 20:1–17 (Nine of the Commandments can be seen as Relational and/or Ethical; but, the Sabbath Day, could potentially be seen by those in the Old Testament, as “concrete” in building merit with God – but as a New Testament believer, we know merit with God cannot be earned by our “good works.”) 1. Do not have other gods before Me 2. Do not make graven images to worship 3. Do not take the Name of God in Vain 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy ~ God meant for those He created to one day recognize the dynamic of His Rest in the Sabbath which He instituted at Creation: A Special Rest. A Mystery of Salvation! ~ God programed our physical body to function best when we physically rest one day a week. Throughout the Old Testament the Sabbath physical rest was equated with earning merit with God by obeying the Law. ~ Jesus’ Resurrection was on the first day of the week – Sunday, as was the “Wave offering” on the Feast of Firstfruits – the Day Christ arose. (Lev. 23:10-11) Jesus is the “Firstfruits of those fallen asleep”. (1 Cor. 15:20-23) ~ In Christ’s resurrection was the dramatic revelation of His breaking the power of sin and death. The Mystery of the Gospel of Christ was revealed. (Rom. 16:25-27; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; Col. 1:26-27; 2:2-3; 1 Tim. 3:16, etc.) ~ The early church recognized their meeting day on the first day of the week, honoring Christ’s Resurrection and Salvation Rest. (Matt. 28:1; Acts 20:7) ~ The Scripture teaches justification before God comes only through faith in Jesus Christ (Spiritual Rest) not in keeping any works of the law. Sabbath keeping cannot bring merit before God (Col. 2:16-17; Gal. 2:15-16), its “Rest” is much more than physical compliance. ~ God’s Sabbath Rest is Mysterious emphasis for humankind’s need for Spiritual rest: the Sabbath Rest of Salvation. (1 Cor. 16:2; Rom. 14:5-12; Heb. 3:7-4:16) 5. Honor your father and your mother (the commandment with promise) 6. Do not murder 7. Do not commit adultery 8. Do not steal 9. Do not lie (bearing false witness against your neighbor) 10. Do not covet Other things that reveal Spiritual Hindrances in our lives… o Biblical understanding of New Testament Truth vs. Deception Unforgiveness (bitterness) (Matt. 18:21-35  Gossip and Slander (Murder) (Rom. 1:29; 2 Cor. 12:20; 1 Tim. 5:13)  Hatred and Anger (Murder) (Matt. 5:21-26)  Immorality of the heart and mind (Matt. 5:27-30)  Anxiousness (Matt. 6:25-34)  Judging others (Matt. 7:1-6)  Etc.  o A Guilty Conscience (knowing to do good and not doing it – James 4:17) o Conviction by the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11) o Destructive Habits ✤ We are to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul (and might) and our neighbor as ourselves.” (Deut. 6:5; 10:12; Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk. 10:27) Roadblocks to Faith: Have you experienced “roadblocks” to your faith in God?  What have they been? How have they been cleared? If they are not yet cleared, what can be done to clear these roadblocks? Captured by sin which so easily besets us  What is your besetting sin? What can or has given you victory over besetting sin? Involvement in activities cautioned, in our spirit, by the Holy Spirit  What should we do when cautioned about questionable involvement or activities, by the Holy Spirit who lives in us? Throw off hinderances and entanglements dragging down your spiritual life. This can only be accomplished through Christ’s Power and the work of the Holy Spirit within the Believer in Christ. (Col. 3:1-17; Eph. 4:17-31; Titus 2:11-14; Rom. 6-8) ✦ Run with Perseverance: The Race Marked Out for Us Hebrews 12:1c “and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Each of us obviously has a customized course to “run” in life (Ps. 139:1-18)  Each of us has Specific gifts from God (Rom. 12:6; 1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Cor. 7:7; 12:4, 11)  Each of us has unique benefits to develop and maintain, with specific challenges to overcome (Matt. 10:40-42; 2 John 8; Heb. 10:35; 1 Cor. 3:8)  ✦ Fixing Eyes on Jesus: Our Example and Divine Mentor Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” He Endured: Jesus endured the Cross. He Scorned: Jesus scorned the Shame those in the world heaped on Him throughout His life, even to the very end, at His crucifixion. Jesus did not let the emotion of shame in the misrepresentation, gossip, lies, carnality, pride and abuse overcome who He knew He rightfully was before His Father.  He Conquered: Jesus sat down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God.  ✦ Endurance: Do Not Grow Weary or Lose Heart – by Considering Jesus’ Endurance Hebrews 12:3 “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Consider Christ’s Endurance to such Opposition (1 Peter 2:24; Is. 53:1-12)  Acknowledge that our Struggle in this world is painful and can only be conquered through Christ’s power (Heb. 10:32-39; Phil 1:29; 1 Peter 2:19-25; 4:1-5)  Resist/Die to our Old self, and Live unto God (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:1-14; Col. 3:1-17)  ✦ Perceive and Respond Positively to God’s Discipline: The Lord’s Discipline and Rebuke (Heb. 12:4-11) Hebrews 12:4 “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Endure Hardship – allow God’s discipline to fulfill its good work  Share in His Holiness – the eternal inheritance for those who share in His Sufferings will be exponential   How should our Spiritual Health be Maintained? ✦ Spiritual Food and Exercise: Solid Food and the Consistent Practice of Discernment Hebrews 12:12 “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” Consistent healthy spiritual food strengthens those who are training their discernment to distinguish good from evil.   Hebrews 5:14 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. ✦ Choose the Right Paths: Create “Level Paths” as you walk and guide others through uncertain times. Hebrews 12:13 “‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Walk in Righteousness: Seek “Paths of Righteousness” (Is. 26:3-8; Ps. 23:3; Prov. 2:9, 20; 4:18; 8:20; 12:28) Isaiah 26:3–8 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock… 7 The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. 8 In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. When you are faced with choosing a path, which could either be humbly seeking peace, or alternatively, a negative harsh, prideful confrontation (a “rough, rocky, or steep inaccessible road”), which could easily cause spiritual or emotional injury to yourself or others who may be following your footsteps; if you have the opportunity, choose a righteous path and a path of peace. Live in Peace – Seek peace (Prov. 34:14; 1 Pet. 3:11) Be Holy – Seek to Honor God in your body and life (Lev. 11:45; 19:2; 20:7; Eph. 1:3-4; 5:25-27; 1 Peter 1:13-16; Rev. 22:10-11) ✦ Don’t miss God’s Grace: Raise up the protection of the Armor of God and “the Shield of Faith” that God has given you (Eph. 6:10-18) Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.” Resist the Growth of a Root of Bitterness Renounce Sexual immorality and Godlessness Repent honestly – a tearful façade will not work – God is quite aware.  Conclusion Review Hebrews 12:1–17 ✦ You are Not Alone (v. 1a) Throw Off Hindrances and Entanglements (v. 1b) What reveals Spiritual Hindrances in our lives? God’s Law – The 10 Commandments Reveals Hindrances Biblical understanding of New Testament Truth vs. Deception o A Guilty Conscience (knowing to do good and not doing it – James 4:17) o Conviction by the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11) o Destructive Habits ✦ Run with Perseverance (v. 1c) ✦ Fix your eyes on Jesus (v. 2) o Who endured the Cross o Who scorned the Shame o Who is seated at the Right Hand of the Throne of God ✦ Endure Hardship as being Disciplined: Do Not Grow Weary or Lose Heart (v. 3) ✦ Perceive and Respond Positively to God’s Discipline (v. 4-11) ✦ Enjoy Healthy Spiritual Food and Exercise Spiritual Discernment (v. 12) “Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” Hebrews 5:14 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. ✦ Choose the Right Paths – Make “Level Paths” as you guide others through uncertain times, instead of “rough, rocky, or steep trails” that can easily cause spiritual or emotional injury to those following your footsteps. (v. 13-14) o Seek “Paths of Righteousness” o Seek peace o Seek to Honor God ✦ Don’t miss God’s Grace (v. 15-17) o Resist the Growth of a Root of Bitterness o Renounce Sexual immorality and Godlessness o Repent – a tearful façade will not work! Growing, Struggling and Winning in the Christian Life “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.” Hebrews 12:1

Growing, Struggling and Winning in the Christian Life

Basic Truths God wants His People to Know, Part 13

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

What are the Two Paths in Life?

The lure of the glittering world, the carnality of the depraved heart, and the deceptive temptation of Satan has been around a long time. Adam and Eve were expelled from the beautiful Garden of Eden because of their disobedience to God, and their first son killed his younger brother. It began with deception and disobedience in the Garden and the continued pain, deterioration and destruction of the human soul has continued over and over again to this very day. There are two paths in life: the natural world’s broad path, and God’s Supernatural narrow Path (Matt. 7:13-14; Ps. 119:30). Where does the world’s path lead a person? Where does God’s Supernatural Path lead one?

The first seventeen verses of Hebrews 12 have clear and healthy instructions and encouragement for believers in Jesus Christ in how to Spiritually grow and flourish in any century, culture or generation, even when we struggle with hazards which test and refine us; and, embrace the blessings of God that reward us when we follow Him and give us His peace and joy.

Hebrews 12:1–17

12 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 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.

Growing, Struggling and Winning

Hebrews 12:1–17

A Believer in Christ Is Not Alone: We are Surrounded by a “Great Cloud of Witnesses”

Hebrews 12:1a

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses”

The world wants us to believe we are alone in what we believe and in Whom we trust. Satan wants to tempt our spirit to believe no one cares (not even God), and our carnal nature wants to believe it!

We feel like we are alone because of life’s battles that we sometimes face! Sometimes it feels like we are alone when we are waiting to see God’s Hand of deliverance.

•Realize you are Not Alone in your desire to be like Christ and your struggle against sin as you battle the world, the flesh and the devil (Eph. 6:11-13; 1 John 2:15-17)

Our eternal spirit lives on earth in frail, defective and temporary “housing” (2 Cor. 5:1-10). In these “jars of clay” we sometimes feel alone when we experience the refinement of trials; but, those trials are allowed to reveal God’s Strength and Power…not our own. God gives strength through His grace, so our spirit is not crushed, in despair, forsaken, or destroyed. His grace is sufficient for us – we are not alone. God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 4:7–10

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

God fully understands us, and He will never forsake us (Ps. 139:1-18)

Hebrews 13:5

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

•Remember those in the past evidencing Faith in God, who have gained great victories in their life, named in the previous chapter in Hebrews (the reason for “therefore” in the first verse in Hebrews 11!) (Heb. 11:1-35, 39-40)

o Abel

o Enoch

o Noah

o Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

o Sarah

o Moses

By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood,

so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

o The people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land

o Rahab

o Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel

and the prophets, etc., etc.

•Recognize that there have been those with Faith in God who, although they most likely had experienced an overwhelming human desire for life and victory, they instead chose to submit willingly to perish for their faith, knowing that they would gain a better inheritance. (Heb. 11:36-40)

Hebrews 11:36–38

36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Hebrews 11:16

16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

You are not alone in your desire to know God and serve Him…together with trials, tragedies, failures, victories and joys!

There have been people from the beginning of time to the end of time who have had a desire and heart for God. In the Old Testament, people of faith were not as complete in their understanding of salvation as those who, after Christ, were given the complete understanding of the Messiah and the Gospel of Christ and who had experienced the transformation of New Birth by the Holy Spirit. (Heb. 11:13-16, 39-40)

There are people in your life, even with you now, who are choosing to embrace uncomfortable and sometimes tragic circumstances, which God has allowed into their lives, pressing them through a pathway of adversity and suffering. They are choosing Christ. They are not alone, and you are not alone.

Though we may sometimes feel alone, and the world, flesh and enemy of our souls, may confuse us, seeking to deceive us, to make us feel alone; but, with God, and with His Children, we are not alone, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.

✦ Critical Decisions: Throw Off Hindrances and Entanglements empowered by Christ’s Authority and the Holy Spirit’s Power within you

Hebrews 12:1b “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,”

What reveals Spiritual Hindrances in our lives?

•God’s Law – The 10 Commandments Reveals Hindrances

Exodus 20:1–17

(Nine of the Commandments can be seen as Relational and/or Ethical; but, the Sabbath Day, could potentially be seen by those in the Old Testament, as “concrete” in building merit with God – but as a New Testament believer, we know merit with God cannot be earned by our “good works.”)

1. Do not have other gods before Me

2. Do not make graven images to worship

3. Do not take the Name of God in Vain

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy

~ God meant for those He created to one day recognize the dynamic of His Rest in the Sabbath which He instituted at Creation: A Special Rest. A Mystery of Salvation!

~ God programed our physical body to function best when we physically rest one day a week. Throughout the Old Testament the Sabbath physical rest was equated with earning merit with God by obeying the Law.

~ Jesus’ Resurrection was on the first day of the week – Sunday, as was the “Wave offering” on the Feast of Firstfruits – the Day Christ arose. (Lev. 23:10-11) Jesus is the “Firstfruits of those fallen asleep”. (1 Cor. 15:20-23)

~ In Christ’s resurrection was the dramatic revelation of His breaking the power of sin and death. The Mystery of the Gospel of Christ was revealed. (Rom. 16:25-27; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; Col. 1:26-27; 2:2-3; 1 Tim. 3:16, etc.)

~ The early church recognized their meeting day on the first day of the week, honoring Christ’s Resurrection and Salvation Rest. (Matt. 28:1; Acts 20:7)

~ The Scripture teaches justification before God comes only through faith in Jesus Christ (Spiritual Rest) not in keeping any works of the law. Sabbath keeping cannot bring merit before God (Col. 2:16-17; Gal. 2:15-16), its “Rest” is much more than physical compliance.

~ God’s Sabbath Rest is Mysterious emphasis for humankind’s need for Spiritual rest: the Sabbath Rest of Salvation. (1 Cor. 16:2; Rom. 14:5-12; Heb. 3:7-4:16)

5. Honor your father and your mother (the commandment with promise)

6. Do not murder

7. Do not commit adultery

8. Do not steal

9. Do not lie (bearing false witness against your neighbor)

10. Do not covet

Other things that reveal Spiritual Hindrances in our lives…

o Biblical understanding of New Testament Truth vs. Deception

1. ◦Unforgiveness (bitterness) (Matt. 18:21-35
2. ◦Gossip and Slander (Murder) (Rom. 1:29; 2 Cor. 12:20; 1 Tim. 5:13)
3. ◦Hatred and Anger (Murder) (Matt. 5:21-26)
4. ◦Immorality of the heart and mind (Matt. 5:27-30)
5. ◦Anxiousness (Matt. 6:25-34)
6. ◦Judging others (Matt. 7:1-6)
7. ◦Etc.
o A Guilty Conscience (knowing to do good and not doing it – James 4:17)

o Conviction by the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11)

o Destructive Habits

✤ We are to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul (and might) and our neighbor as ourselves.” (Deut. 6:5; 10:12; Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk. 10:27)

•Roadblocks to Faith: Have you experienced “roadblocks” to your faith in God?
◦ What have they been?
◦ How have they been cleared?
◦ If they are not yet cleared, what can be done to clear these roadblocks?

•Captured by sin which so easily besets us
◦ What is your besetting sin?
◦ What can or has given you victory over besetting sin?

•Involvement in activities cautioned, in our spirit, by the Holy Spirit
◦ What should we do when cautioned about questionable involvement or activities, by the Holy Spirit who lives in us?

Throw off hinderances and entanglements dragging down your spiritual life. This can only be accomplished through Christ’s Power and the work of the Holy Spirit within the Believer in Christ. (Col. 3:1-17; Eph. 4:17-31; Titus 2:11-14; Rom. 6-8)

✦ Run with Perseverance: The Race Marked Out for Us

Hebrews 12:1c “and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

1. ◦Each of us obviously has a customized course to “run” in life (Ps. 139:1-18)
2. ◦Each of us has Specific gifts from God (Rom. 12:6; 1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Cor. 7:7; 12:4, 11)
3. ◦Each of us has unique benefits to develop and maintain, with specific challenges to overcome (Matt. 10:40-42; 2 John 8; Heb. 10:35; 1 Cor. 3:8)
✦ Fixing Eyes on Jesus: Our Example and Divine Mentor

Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

1. ◦He Endured: Jesus endured the Cross.

◦He Scorned: Jesus scorned the Shame those in the world heaped on Him throughout His life, even to the very end, at His crucifixion. Jesus did not let the emotion of shame in the misrepresentation, gossip, lies, carnality, pride and abuse overcome who He knew He rightfully was before His Father.
◦He Conquered: Jesus sat down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God.

✦ Endurance: Do Not Grow Weary or Lose Heart – by Considering Jesus’ Endurance

Hebrews 12:3 “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

1. ◦Consider Christ’s Endurance to such Opposition (1 Peter 2:24; Is. 53:1-12)
2. ◦ Acknowledge that our Struggle in this world is painful and can only be conquered through Christ’s power (Heb. 10:32-39; Phil 1:29; 1 Peter 2:19-25; 4:1-5)
3. ◦Resist/Die to our Old self, and Live unto God (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:1-14; Col. 3:1-17)
✦ Perceive and Respond Positively to God’s Discipline: The Lord’s Discipline and Rebuke (Heb. 12:4-11)

Hebrews 12:4 “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

1. ◦Endure Hardship – allow God’s discipline to fulfill its good work
2. ◦Share in His Holiness – the eternal inheritance for those who share in His Sufferings will be exponential
How should our Spiritual Health be Maintained?

✦ Spiritual Food and Exercise: Solid Food and the Consistent Practice of Discernment

Hebrews 12:12 “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.”

1. ◦Consistent healthy spiritual food strengthens those who are training their discernment to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

✦ Choose the Right Paths: Create “Level Paths” as you walk and guide others through uncertain times.

Hebrews 12:13 “‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

1. ◦Walk in Righteousness: Seek “Paths of Righteousness” (Is. 26:3-8; Ps. 23:3; Prov. 2:9, 20; 4:18; 8:20; 12:28)

Isaiah 26:3–8

3 You keep him in perfect peace

whose mind is stayed on you,

because he trusts in you.

4 Trust in the Lord forever,

for the Lord God is an everlasting rock…

7 The path of the righteous is level;

you make level the way of the righteous.

8 In the path of your judgments,

O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance

are the desire of our soul.

When you are faced with choosing a path, which could either be humbly seeking peace, or alternatively, a negative harsh, prideful confrontation (a “rough, rocky, or steep inaccessible road”), which could easily cause spiritual or emotional injury to yourself or others who may be following your footsteps; if you have the opportunity, choose a righteous path and a path of peace.

1. ◦Live in Peace – Seek peace (Prov. 34:14; 1 Pet. 3:11)
2. ◦Be Holy – Seek to Honor God in your body and life (Lev. 11:45; 19:2; 20:7; Eph. 1:3-4; 5:25-27; 1 Peter 1:13-16; Rev. 22:10-11)

✦ Don’t miss God’s Grace: Raise up the protection of the Armor of God and “the Shield of Faith” that God has given you (Eph. 6:10-18)

Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.”

1. ◦Resist the Growth of a Root of Bitterness
2. ◦Renounce Sexual immorality and Godlessness
3. ◦Repent honestly – a tearful façade will not work – God is quite aware.

Conclusion Review

Hebrews 12:1–17

✦ You are Not Alone (v. 1a)

✦ Throw Off Hindrances and Entanglements (v. 1b)

What reveals Spiritual Hindrances in our lives?

•God’s Law – The 10 Commandments Reveals Hindrances
•Biblical understanding of New Testament Truth vs. Deception

o A Guilty Conscience (knowing to do good and not doing it – James 4:17)

o Conviction by the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11)

o Destructive Habits

✦ Run with Perseverance (v. 1c)

✦ Fix your eyes on Jesus (v. 2)

o Who endured the Cross

o Who scorned the Shame

o Who is seated at the Right Hand of the Throne of God

✦ Endure Hardship as being Disciplined: Do Not Grow Weary or Lose Heart (v. 3)

✦ Perceive and Respond Positively to God’s Discipline (v. 4-11)

✦ Enjoy Healthy Spiritual Food and Exercise Spiritual Discernment (v. 12)

“Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees”

Hebrews 5:14

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

✦ Choose the Right Paths – Make “Level Paths” as you guide others through uncertain times, instead of “rough, rocky, or steep trails” that can easily cause spiritual or emotional injury to those following your footsteps. (v. 13-14)

o Seek “Paths of Righteousness”

o Seek peace

o Seek to Honor God

✦ Don’t miss God’s Grace (v. 15-17)

o Resist the Growth of a Root of Bitterness

o Renounce Sexual immorality and Godlessness

o Repent – a tearful façade will not work!

Growing, Struggling and Winning in the Christian Life

“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.”

Hebrews 12:1