Notes
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:14
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
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. 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. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
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. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 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? 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. 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?
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Hebrews 12:1-13
Life is a race, and there is a finish line. The definition of endurance is “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.” Having a faith with endurance means not giving up in the face of obstacles. It means moving forward despite the circumstances, and to continually look forward to Christ’s return.
Hebrews 12 shows us three ways to have endurance:
1) Inspiration
The first verse of Hebrews 12 says “ …since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…” This is referring back to chapter 11, which lists people from Scripture who endured despite intense challenges. These stories give us role models who can give us the motivation to press forward in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.
2) Elimination
We all have things in our lives that threaten to take our focus off of God. A person with enduring faith doesn’t ask how close they can get to the line without displeasing God, but focuses on doing the work God has set out for them to do. Back away from the things you know will make you fall, and take time to soak in the things of God.
3) Determination
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6
Have a goal in front of you and have the disciplines in place to reach it. Don’t give up just because life got difficult. Jesus never promised that a life with Him would be easy - but it will be fulfilling when we stay the course.
God is for you. He disciplines because He loves. He desires for all of His children to grow and live rightly. Set your eyes on Jesus, let God direct your ways, and have endurance despite what life throws at you.
Group Questions
- When have you seen endurance in action?
- Look over Hebrews 11. Whose story stands out to you right now?
- What in your life do you need to eliminate?
- When and why does God discipline us?
Prayer
Thank you for providing role models so we can be inspired to live faithfully. Help us to eliminate what needs to be removed from our lives. Thank you for loving us enough to help us mature and grow.