God's Word for Me Today
Friday, October 12, 2001
Focus: Our Mission: Equipping Christians in Western Pennsylvania
A note about online study
Introduction to God's Word for Me Today
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I thank you this day for the gift of Jesus! Thank you that He never lost sight of the goal for which He came to the earth—to save us from our sins. Empower me this day by the Your Spirit that I may also remember my purpose and goal—to glorify You and to enjoy Your presence in my life today and forever! God, impress You Word on my life today, that I may live by faith and thus glorify You. Remind me of that great crowd of witnesses who have gone before me, living the life of faith in Jesus and now enjoying the eternal reward of that life of faith. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God's Word for Me Today: Hebrews 12:1-4
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 hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. 3 Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Questions for Reflection
Think of a time when you had many folks cheering you on to the completion of a goal. How did it feel? What was the outcome?
Have you ever been ridiculed or suffered for your faith in Jesus? How did you handle the situation?
What is the most significant event in which you have been a member of the crowd? How did it feel to be cheering on those who were “running the race” or whatever it was that you were experiencing?
Questions for Exploration
Read Hebrews chapter 11 for additional background. Who is the “crowd of witnesses” referred to in 12:1? What is the crowd encouraging us to do? (12:1)
For what portion of our walk of faith are we dependent on Jesus? (12:2)
What was the motivating factor in Jesus’ ability to endure the suffering on the cross? (12:2-4)
Questions for Understanding
What is the overall point or “punch line” of this text?
What do we gain from reading this text in our effort to live a life of commitment and to be equipped to serve Jesus in our daily lives?
What part do other Christians play in the “success” of our living for Jesus on a daily basis?
Questions for Application
We are introduced to an analogy of the Christian life as the running of a race in Hebrews 12:1-4. What “equipment” will you need today to run the race effectively? (See Ephesians 6:10-18 for some specifics!)
Think of a person or two that you know is trying to run the race of faith. Pray for them and offer them a word of encouragement either through a phone call, e-mail, note, or in person contact. Do it TODAY!
Running the Race!
What a wonderful analogy the author of the Hebrews offers us for living the life in Jesus Christ every day! We’re in a race. Jesus is our “coach” our “trainer” from start to finish! He is as other translators have rendered it, “the author and perfector of our faith!” We never have to run the “race” known as the Christian life alone—ever. Jesus is always with us. That was His personal promise when He gave the Great Commission: …I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” As we go out on the “track” today, Jesus goes with us. He stands beside us. He goes before us. He is our “rear guard” He lives within us. Once again we see from the analogy that the outcome of the race is decided. It’s not dependent on us. All we have to do is rely on Jesus, who already ran the race and won!
We’re given a vital reminder in today’s Scripture—remember what Jesus went through for us. He suffered and died in our place. He bore shame and humiliation in our place. Why? Because He knew the joy that was ahead of Him. He knew that He would be rejoined with His heavenly Father. He knew that millions and millions of people would be saved from hell and offered the eternal security of heaven, because of His faithful completion of the race. We’re asked a simple question, “Have you ever suffered to the point of death as you have run the race?” Of course not! We have enjoyed running in Jesus’ footsteps. He has born the suffering, the embarrassment, the ridicule—and He still does! When people reject us as we’re faithful to Jesus, they aren’t rejecting us but Him. What a great day to go out and live out our commitment, to run the race with joy—after all, our coach is waiting at the finish line to reward us!
To view the studies for other days, visit the God's Word for Me Today calendar.