A Consistent Life - Hebrews 12:1-15 - August 31, 2008

Sunday School Lesson - A Consistent Life – August 31, 2008

This is our final lesson in this series of study. We have been discussing Christian basics, priesthood of the believer, confidence, growth and maturity. It is easy to cover the various aspects of spiritual growth and maturity in a month but it takes time and commitment to grow and mature spiritually. Growing and maturing in the LORD does not happen overnight. We can read and study GOD’S Word and pray to learn about GOD. It is vital that we get to know GOD and that requires a relationship with
HIM. Reading, studying HIS Word and prayer can lead to knowing GOD.

We live in a world of instant this and that. I see little children trying to dress and be like teenagers before they have enjoyed their age level. We, as believers, often want to grow spiritually overnight. It is good to have the desire to grow and mature spiritually but we must be careful not to get out of step with our LORD and get ahead of HIM. I know I have been there. He will let you run ahead of HIM and HE will allow you to run into a wall. That usually gets your attention. It got my attention and then I learned, most of the time, to wait upon HIM to lead me.

Our scripture is Hebrews 12:1-15, living a consistent Christian life.

The author of Hebrews compares living the Christian life to running a race. We have just completed the Olympic Games. We know the training that goes into preparing each participant for a game. Preparation begins at a very early physical age. It requires discipline, dedication, commitment and hard work. The Greek word for race is “agon” and means “conflict” or “fight”. I think of the word agony because often it is agony preparing and participating. Running a race depicts a believers struggle to run in the race of life.

Each participant in the Olympic Games had to make a decision. As believers, we had to make the decision to first become believers and second, whether or not we will allow our heavenly coach to train us or if we will follow our own training program.
JESUS asks us to allow HIM to be our coach. It will not be easy, but it will be rewarding. HE is in the business of turning out champions!!! The wonderful part is that we can choose to sign up right now regardless of our physical age or physical condition. It is our willingness that is important. No matter what our physical age or physical condition, we can obediently serve HIM by entering HIS training program at this moment. HE has a plan for each believer. The choice is up to us. So what is your choice? Do it your way or GOD’S way?

If you have read the previous lessons in this series, you know that living a consistent Christian life has been a major struggle in my life and still is. I finally learned that living the consistent Christian life depends upon CHRIST ruling my life instead of my flesh. Even though I know that, the flesh still tries to rule. It is a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit. The more we try to allow the spirit to rule, the more the flesh seems to rise up. That is okay because when that happens we know we are making the right decision to walk in the spirit and not in the flesh.

Physical growth and maturity depend upon eating the right food, exercise, study, work, fellowship and rest. The same is true with spiritual growth and maturity – Study GOD’S Word, pray, fellowship, be honest with GOD, seek the relationship with HIM and serve HIM in obedience.

Our parents have our best interest in mind. Parents want to see their children grow and mature and they play an active role guiding and encouraging them. Children can choose to be obedient to their parents or fight against them. I know not all parents are created equal. But let’s consider the ideal parent.

Our heavenly FATHER is the ideal parent and HIS desire is for HIS children to grow and mature into the fullness of HIS SON JESUS. Did you know that is GOD’S goal for each believer? Each believer is to be made into the image of HIS SON. WOW!!! That is awesome!!! That is why we need to have an intimate, loving relationship with HIM. It is through this relationship that we can have the best opportunity to live a consistent Christian life and to be all that HE wants us to be.

Let’s read Hebrews 12:1-4:

The Call to Endurance

1 Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus,[1] Or looking to Jesus the source and perfecter[2] Or the founder and completer of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him[3] Or who instead of the joy lying before Him; that is, the joy of heaven endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.[4] Ps 110:1

Fatherly Discipline

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. 4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

The writer of Hebrews again uses the word “therefore”. It refers back to Chapter 11. Hebrews Chapter 11 is known as the Faith Hall of Fame. Chapter 11 highlights some of the heroes of the faith. They have already run the race of life and are waiting for the rest of the believers to complete the race. They have passed the baton to each of us. Now it is our turn.

I think there is another aspect of this scripture that we can consider. As Christians, we are surrounded by numerous people upon earth, who are also watching us. Believers are surrounded by fellow Christians watching as they encounter certain circumstances. Believers are also surrounded by non-believers who watch their lives to see how they live and what choices they make as Christians. The non-believer wants to see if the Christian is genuine and consistent. Observing to see if they practice what they preach? If so, such consistent living will entice those watching to thirst for what they have. Others see that the believer is genuine in their faith and it can lead them to become a believer in CHRIST. Is Christianity real or a passing fad? Believers are GOD’S representatives and often are the only Bible non-believers have access to.

Folks, it is an awesome and sobering thought when we consider that others are watching us. I can tell you, without CHRIST being in control of your life, you cannot even think about being consistent. Even then we fall short. Our flesh wants to rule and our ego gets in the way.

Living a consistent Christian life is not for wimps and impossible in our own strength. The next time someone cuts you off in traffic or shows you a certain finger digit or a store clerk speaks short to you or cannot understand you or you cannot understand him or her and the list goes on, how do we react? I know, I have been there and I have to control my emotions. The LORD has to remind me who I am. When that thought floods my soul, I calm down.

The author tells us not to allow anything to weight us down or “the” sin cause us to drop out of the race. A weight is not necessarily sin but anything that we allow to encumber us, our witness or obedience is. A weight is something that distracts us and slows us down as we live to obediently serve our LORD. Sin is like a vine, rope or chain that wraps around our legs and prevents us from running the race and obediently serving our LORD.

Notice the use of the language “the sin” in verse 1. It is likely the author had a specific sin in mind. The sin that came to my mind was the sin of “unbelief.” Believers cannot run the race if they have doubts about their relationship with the LORD or unbelief. That is why the relationship with our LORD is so critical. Reveal every doubt or unbelief to the LORD and ask HIM to help you conquer them along with anything else that hinders you from running in the race of life. Believers must keep in mind that a moment of any sin offers nothing compared to what awaits them when they get to heaven.

As we read this scripture, it is clear that our strength is in our relationship with CHRIST and we are GOD’S children through the miracle of the rebirth. We must keep our eyes focused on JESUS. HE is our SAVIOR, coach, teacher and example. HE is the “source”, which means the leader or trail blazer. HE suffered the agony of the cross because HE knew the joy that awaited HIM by being obedient to HIS FATHER. HE suffered for us so we could be freed from sin and death. HE is the “perfecter of our faith” through the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT day by day. GOD does not ask any more from us than HE asked from HIS ONLY SON. HE knows life is hard and difficult. HE wants us to keep on keeping on and finish the race of life. Yes, even those in heaven are cheering us on because they know what is waiting for us at the finish line. Never give up, no never because a victor’s crown awaits those who finish the race of life.

Let’s read Hebrews 12:5-11:

5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly, or faint when you are reproved by Him; 6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son whom He receives.[5] Pr 3:11–12 7 Endure it as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all[6] In context all refers to Christians. receive[7] Lit discipline, of which all have become participants —then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness[8] Isaiah 32:17 to those who have been trained by it.

The author refers to Proverbs 3:11-12 in verses 5and 6. Discipline is important in a family, military, business and various walks of life. Many people discipline themselves to eat healthy and exercise. Good parents discipline their children. GOD is no different. HE disciplines HIS children and uses circumstances in life to educate and train HIS children, as they need it. Sometimes the education and training is severe.

Most of us do not like discipline. We want to do our own thing. The military knows that discipline is vital to win the battles and ultimately win the war, while protecting the troops.

Christians are in GOD’S army and He wants us to be trained, educated and disciplined so when HE says don’t do that, do that, move, not to move, take action or stay put, we will respond to HIS command.

GOD disciplines HIS children with love and in just the right way. It may hurt but HE knows that some pain now will result in a greater reward for HIS children later. The Greek word for “discipline”, as related to children, carries the idea of both formative and corrective discipline - Formative as we grow and mature in the LORD and corrective as we live and serve HIM on a daily basis.

Believers are born-again in his or her spirit by the Spirit of GOD. Therefore, GOD is the FATHER of spirits (Born-again Spirits). Earthly parents discipline their children based upon what they think is best for them. Our heavenly FATHER knows the beginning and end of our lives. HE knows our potential and HE disciplines us for our benefit. GOD does not have to guess what we may become with the right education and training, HE knows.

When we place our will into HIS hands, HE leads and guides us as HE knows best for us and our potential. Discipline may seem grievous to us for the moment but afterwards, we will see the benefit.

There is one thing for sure, as we go through a time of discipline GOD goes through it with us. HE never leaves us or forsakes us. HE had to turn HIS face from HIS only SON for a moment, when JESUS became sin on the cross. But HE will never have to do that again to one of HIS children. WOW!!! What a FATHER we have!!!

Let’s read Hebrews 12:12-15:

12 Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet,[9] Pr 4:26 so that what is lame may not be dislocated,[10] Or so that the lame will not be turned aside but healed instead.

Warning against Rejecting God’s Grace

14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble[11] Dt 29:18 and by it, defiling many.

The author realizes that Christians grow weary and get tired but that is when we must realize that our witness influences others. So do not let the burden of life and circumstances get you down. The author has shifted from running the race to sustained endurance for the long journey.

Keeping on is easy to say when it is not you in the circumstance. Life can get a believer down and discourage him or her. This is when believers need to seek help from other believers and to find solace in their relationship with GOD. Keep on keeping on. GOD’S grace is sufficient for all circumstances believers face.

We must keep in mind that GOD’S grace is available to all believers and we must not allow any bitterness to spring up and take root or compromise our relationship with CHRIST. The author uses the words “see to it” in verse 15. The words refer to “bishop” or “overseer.” Believers have a responsibility to look out for other believer’s spiritual well being, as well as their own. GOD grants believers grace and in turn we need to grant others grace. When believers consider GOD’S grace to them, it in turn helps us manage our attitude toward others. It does not mean sticking our head in the sand but handling matters, as GOD directs, to bring about the right result. Our flesh nature rises up at times and we want to act like a bull in a china shop. When it is all over we have a lot of pieces to clean up and rebuilding to do.

Serving our LORD consistently is impossible in our own strength. Seek the fullness of HIM in your life by seeking to have an intimate relationship with HIM. Let HIM teach you and build in you what is needed to walk with HIM consistently each day. Yield your will to HIM. Pray something like this, “FATHER, I am tired of living life on my own terms, take me as I am. I ask YOU be the strength of my life each moment to live as YOU want me to live. Open up your Word and help me to see truth as I have never seen it before. I want to form a partnership with YOU to get to really know YOU and have an intimate, loving relationship with YOU. When we meet in prayer I ask that YOU open my heart to know YOUR voice and grant me the confidence and strength to respond when YOU ask me to be obedient. AMEN.”

Then thank HIM for what HE is going to do in your life. Awesome!!!

We have covered a lot of fundamental spiritual territory. My prayer is that each believer will be challenged to continue in the race of life and finish to receive the victor’s crown. And to hear those awesome words from our SAVIOR and LORD, WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!!!