Do you ever feel tired as you try to live out your Christian faith? What does living faithfully for Jesus over a long period of time entail? As we continue our series, Family Matters, JP teaches through Hebrews 12:1-4, showing us the Christian life is a race and helping us understand what to expect as we run the race.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
-Just because you are tired doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing the Christian life wrong. You might be, but not necessarily.
-Those who have gone before us in the faith from Hebrews 11 are witnessing—speaking—to us that it's worth it.
-There are obstacles to the long run of faithfulness.
-There are things in your life that aren't sin that hinder your faith. What are those things for you? Sports, fitness, your team, your job, shopping, social media, fishing…what is it for you?
-Sin will literally weigh you down and affect you the longer you give yourself to it and hide it.
-There is opposition in the long run of faithfulness.
-There is no cruise control in Christianity.
-The more you resist sin the more you are able to resist sin.
-If you live your life by seeking out things that require little faith, you will continue to have little faith. On the contrary, when you pursue things that require more faith, your faith will grow.
-When you persevere in the moment that you want to give up, you will get stronger.
-People will ultimately always let you down. Jesus will never let you down.
-Jesus is the object of our long run of faithfulness.
-Grace both saves and sanctifies you. Only by the strength of the Holy Spirit and by daily surrendering your life can you live out good works in the Christian life.
-The only way to make it through the Christian life is to preach the gospel to yourself every single day.
-What are your eyes fixed on? What target are you aiming at? What race are you running?
MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
-Suggested Scripture Study: Hebrews 12:1-4; Galatians 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 119:32; Romans 5:3; James 1:2-4; Galatians 3:3; Hebrews 11
-Sermon: Community