Consider...

As I've mentioned in a recent post I'm teaching through the book of Hebrews. After many chapters of theology we have finally arrived at application. This week we are looking at a wonderful chapter. Chapter 12 gives the applications of all that has been discussed so far. This chapter actually bases the applications on a focus on 4 things. Here they are:

Hebrews 12:1-3 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Here's the focus of these verses,

1. Consider the witnesses. Chapter 11 discussed a host of people who finished this life well. Men and women who finished in faith. Consider their lives. Realize that it can be done, many others have finished well...you can do it!

2. Consider yourself. Look at yourself. You and I are part of the problem! Get rid of what hinders you, what weighs you down. Get rid of the sin that entangles you. Know yourself- what do you need to get rid of to run this race, live this life well? Know yourself- know what sin "trips you up?" Consider yourself.

3. Consider the course ahead. "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Each of us have a race to run. Consider the fact that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Realize that you will be running for a while. Pace yourself. Know that, for quite a while, the finish line is not in sight. Then, after many hours of running you begin to see the finish. Know that the course is like that. You need endurance....perserverance...this will be a long race. Get ready for it, don't get discouraged, keep running. There is a finish line waiting with prizes for the victor.

4. Consider Christ. What an amazing example of walking through difficult days for a prize on the other side! Jesus went through a most horrible death, knowing full well every detail of it in advance, knowing the prize would be worth it on the other side. Consider what he went through and realize your race will never be as difficult as his. You can do this!

Consider.....what an interesting word. I remember the story told by a man who was sharing his faith with a man he knew. He asked, "Is there any reason you wouldn't want to trust Christ right now as your savior?" The man replied, "Why, no, I think I would like to do that." The man telling the story replied, "Well, then let me give you some reasons you shouldn't do this." He was clearly aware of the road that lay ahead for this possible new convert and he wanted him to consider the road ahead before he chose to walk it.

Consider....can this thing called "the Christian life" be lived well? The answer is a resounding yes. How do I know? I've watched others do it. I know those in my own life who have lived well, followed God and finished their race. I have witnesses in the stands who have won their race. I also need to consider myself. What are the things I need to deal with? What sins do I have to conquer? What do I have to lay aside? My best example of this is Jesus himself. He literally laid aside his rights to become man and run this race to provide salvation for us all. Consider too the course. If you know it's a marathon and not a sprint you won't get discouraged at mile marker 10. You know there's more to go before the finish....keep going! The finish line is ahead. It's worth the effort.

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Consider....consider that each man and woman, Christian, Jew or Muslim....atheist or Buddhist will all live our lives with choices we have made. Each of those courses have consequences. The choices and the route ahead will morph us into the person we have chosen to follow. Consider who you follow...you will soon be like them. The choices you make will shape your life, your identity and your eternity.

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Consider....

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