let us remember the great cloud of witnesses (hebrews 12:1)
Introduction:
1. This verse contains a concluding statement based on the information presented in ch.11 about a "great cloud of witnesses." 2. These witnesses were men and women of faith that we read about in the Old Testament. 3. The faith that they demonstrated encourages us to do 3 things: a. to lay aside every weight that would hinder us b. to lay aside sins that beset us c. to run the Christian race with patience. 4. Tomorrow we will observe Memorial Day, a special time for remembering our nation's heroes for the sacrifices they made. 5. As we worship the Lord on His Day, "let us remember the great cloud of witnesses." Discussion: I. THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES REMINDS US THAT WE CAN KNOW THINGS WE CANNOT SEE
A. Faith is the key -- it is defined in vs.1 as "the 'substance' [assurance] of things hoped for, the 'evidence' [conviction] of things not seen." B. With our faith based on God's Word (Romans 10:17), we can know: 1. things from the past we have not seen (vs.3) 2. things in the future we have not seen (vs.13-16). II. THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES REMINDS US THAT WE CAN BE IN GOOD STANDING WITH GOD
A. According to vs.2, faith enabled the elders to obtain "a good report," including: 1. Abel (vs.4) 2. Enoch (vs.5). B. (vs.6) Through faith we can please God. 1. We must believe that He exists, but believing in God alone is not sufficient (James 2:19). 2. We must also believe that He rewards those who "diligently seek Him." III. THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES REMINDS US THAT WE CAN FOLLOW GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS, EVEN UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
A. (vs.7) Noah followed God's instructions to build the ark. B. Abraham followed God's instructions to: 1. leave his homeland and go to a place God would show him (vs.8-10) 2. offer Isaac as a sacrifice (vs.17-19). IV. THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES REMINDS US THAT WE CAN LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH OPTIMISM
A. (vs.20) Isaac looked to the future as he blessed his sons. B. (vs.21) Jacob looked to the future as he blessed Joseph's sons. C. (vs.22) Joseph looked to the future as he made burial plans. V. THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES REMINDS US THAT WE CAN OVERCOME OBSTACLES THROUGH FAITH
A. (vs.23-28) Moses overcame obstacles throughout his life. B. (vs.29-30) The Israelites overcame obstacles on several occasions. C. (vs.31) Rahab, a Gentile harlot, was spared when Jericho was destroyed. D. (vs.32-38) Many other Old Testament characters overcame difficult trials as they served God. Conclusion:
1. This information was recorded for the benefit of Christians. 2. Ch.11 concludes with a message of encouragement for Christians who have access to far greater blessings (vs.39-40). 3. "Let us remember the great cloud of witnesses" -- they encourage us to run the Christian race "with patience."
