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Faith - Concluding Instructions
(Hebrews 12:1-3)

Introduction:
 

         1. According to Hebrews 10:38, Christians are to "live by faith."
         2. To help us understand what this involves, in ch.11 we read about a number of men and
             women from the Old Testament who lived by faith.
         3. Following the information presented in ch.11, some concluding instructions are given to
             Christians in Hebrews 12:1-3.
         4. Practicing these instructions will enable us to live by faith so we can be in good standing with God.

Discussion:

I.            (vs.1a) WE  MUST  REMEMBER  THAT  WE  ARE  COMPASSED  ABOUT  WITH  A 
              GREAT  CLOUD  OF  WITNESSES


         A. This refers to the people from the Old Testament listed in ch.11.
              1. (vs.1-31) Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the Israelites,
                  and Rahab are listed with the things they accomplished through their faith.
              2. (vs.32-38) Several additional Old Testament characters are briefly mentioned in connection
                  with their deeds.
              3. An application for Christians is made in vs.39-40.
                  a. The people listed in ch.11 lived by faith without receiving the promise.
                  b. Since God has provided something better for His children today, we should be encouraged
                      to run the Christian race with patience.
         B. From this great cloud of witnesses:
              1. we are encouraged to live by faith
              2. we learn what living by faith involves.

II.           (vs.1b) WE  MUST  LAY  ASIDE  CERTAIN  THINGS

         A. We must lay aside every weight (Matthew 7:13-14).
         B. We must lay aside the sin that easily besets us (Matthew 5:29-30).

III.          (vs.1c) WE  MUST  RUN  THE  RACE  SET  BEFORE  US  WITH  PATIENCE

         A. Races include:
              1. sprints (short races require speed and quickness)
              2. marathons (long races require endurance).
         B. Christianity is like a marathon race -- "patience" [endurance] is essential (10:23, 36).

IV.          (vs.2-3) WE  MUST  LOOK  UNTO  JESUS  [Keep our eyes focused on Him]

         A. (vs.2a) We must look unto Jesus because He is "the author and finisher of our faith."
              1. By enduring the cross, Jesus has shown us what "patience" is.
              2. (vs.3) By remembering the treatment that Jesus endured, His followers will avoid becoming
                  weary and faint.
         B. (vs.2b) We must look unto Jesus because of where He is.
             1. He is at the right hand of God.
             2. By keeping our eyes focused on Him we will be headed in the right direction as we endeavor
                 to finish the race (Colossians 3:1-4).
Webmaster Gary L. Wade