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We can't read chapter 12 of Hebrews without first looking back at chapter 11. It is in this preceding chapter where we're offered example after example of faithful Old Testament believers who make up that "huge cloud of witnesses" mentioned in 12:1. With this backdrop, Hebrews 12:1 moves quickly on to the real key that unlocks the door to endurance: Jesus. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author of Hebrews tells us, we can "run with endurance the race God has set before us."

Hebrews 12:1-11

1. What two things are we commanded to do in verse 1?
   
2. What must we do to accomplish these commands? (See v. 2.)
   
3. What two things does the "champion" (v. 2) do for us? How should knowing this give us hope for our spiritual growth?
   
4. According to verses 3 and 4, what should keep us from becoming weary and giving up?
   
5. How does the author of Hebrews tell us to view trials and difficulties? (See vv. 5-11.)
   
6. Why is it important to understand that God can use the most difficult circumstances for our good? (See Rom. 8:28 and James 1:2-4.)
   

Thank God for Jesus—the one who initiates and perfects your faith; ask the Lord to help you to not only endure but to experience real and lasting joy throughout your journey of faith.

Hebrews 12:1-11

God's Discipline Proves His Love

1 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. 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. 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."

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?

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Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, I turn to you for the strength to endure; pick me up when I fall; may I give you the honor and the glory when I succeed.

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