Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
Hebrews 12:1-17 ESV
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
Key Points
- It’s easy to wander from the path that God has given us. How can we stay on the path?
- Adopt a simpler lifestyle that is less focused on things and busyness.
- Recognize that suffering and struggle are hallmarks of God’s training for us to grow in Christ.
- Be aware of the distraction that might pull us away from the path.
- When you leave the path, turn to Christ to restore you to following him.
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:3)
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
- How has my life become complicated? How have these complications pulled me away from seeking first the kingdom of Jesus?
a. How can you take steps to simplify your life this week? - What is a struggle that I am going through right now? How have I seen my faith grow in the midst of it? How would I know it was growing?
a. How can I submit to God’s training this week? - Of the following, what is the biggest danger to my walk with Christ this week: Exhaustion, Conflict, or Selfishness? How have I tried to make a path away from these things on my own efforts?
a. How can I trust Christ this week and turn aside from my exhaustion, conflict, or selfishness?
Pray
Lord Jesus I recognize that the path you have marked out for each of your saints is not uniform. At different points my path can look rockier and more difficult than the paths followed by others. Please help me to trust you and your loving hand, even when it feels your hand is rough or distant. Please let me hear your voice clearly, and please bring me always into your presence along the journey of life.
