Thursday, January 8, 2009
"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 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-3).
IDEA: As others have been examples of faith to us, we should be examples of faith to others.
PURPOSE: To help listeners realize that we don't live to ourselves.
Do you think that the Christian faith is more "caught" than "taught"?
When the writer of the letter to the Hebrews presented a catalog of men and women who had lived at different times, in different situations, and in different ways, what was he doing for his readers?
I. Did all the people of faith live in the ancient world?
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews gave the readers some examples that were contemporary to them: Hebrews 13:7-8 – "Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
It is probable that those "leaders" had died, but their testimony continued.
What do you think is the connection between verses 7 and 8?
The substance of their leaders' faith was Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:8). What is the point of saying, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever"?
Do you think it means that Jesus always acts in the same way for His people in every period of history?
What exactly are we to imitate about godly leaders? Is there a danger in imitating their behaviors?
II. Times change, but Jesus does not.
Can you think of a man or woman who was an example of faith in Jesus to you in your Christian life?
How did their times differ from your own?
What does that mean for you in living your life today?
There is a great commitment found in a song that asks, "O, may all who come behind us find us faithful."