Blind Spots

A Durable Faith

Hebrews 12:1-2

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. (Psalm 19:12)

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

1. Focus on the example of those who’ve gone before

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… (Hebrews 12:1a)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated -the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. (Hebrews 11:36-38)

Recognize and be inspired by their powerful, courageous and God-honoring lives because, no matter what they faced, they remained faithful to God to the very end.

2. Let the struggle make you strong

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles… (Hebrews 12:1a)

Everything that hinders

Hinders – Greek: ankos – “weight” “burden” “encumbrance”

The sin that so easily entangles

What’s the one sin in your life that negates or contradicts your faith more than anything else?

3. Run with perseverance because it’s always too soon to quit

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

with perseverance

with perseverance let us run the race marked out for us

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

4. Keep your eyes on Jesus

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

God is still God, and we can trust Him.

A Durable Faith Pastor Chris Philbeck

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