Being God’s People 2:

Seeking after God

Hebrews 12, p. 1115

Just Imagine A community that’s close to God –

Everyone comes to worship with an open heart

People care for each other

Everyone shares stories of God at work

No-one serves alone, ministry priorities are shared by all

A “GREAT-TO-BE-IN” CHURCH !

The alternative “average” church.

Why can’t we be a “great-to-be-in” church ???

T– Throw off all that hinders

R

A

I

N

E

D

T – Throw off all that Hinders

Examples:

Wall climbing

Studying

Careers and career-paths

Family ...

Balance the demands on our time, energy, money ...

Throw off everything that hinders !

T – Throw off all that hinders

R– Run with Perseverance

A

I

N

E

D

R – Run with Perseverance Going on when we don’t want to.

SHUT UP AND ROW !!!

Persevering in the things that matter to us:

Computers, exercising, caring for family.

Moses and the people of Israel:

We will find the Lord if we seek him with all our hearts (Dt 4:29)

T – Throw off all that hinders

R – Run with Perseverance

A– Arm Strengthened

I

N

E

D

A – Arm Strengthened

“Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” v. 12

A battle cry!

Dig deep and summon our reserves.

T – Throw off all that hinders

R – Run with Perseverance

A – Arm Strengthened

I – Inheritance not squandered

N

E

D

I – Inheritance not Squandered

Don’t be like Godless Esau (Gen 25:27-34)

He gave up his birthright for bread and lentil stew

Don’t let trivial things make us forget about it.

Worldly treasures (Matt 6:19)

Worldly worries (Matt 13:22)

T – Throw off all that hinders

R – Run with Perseverance

A – Arm Strengthened

I – Inheritance not squandered

N– Not Falling Short

E

D

N – Not Falling Short

No one falls short of the grace of God v 15

Make every effort to live in peace and be holy v 14

Not the holiness through faith in Christ

CHARACTERIZED BY A FOCUSSED WALK WITH GOD

Titus 2:11-12

1 Peter 1:18-19

T – Throw off all that hinders

R – Run with Perseverance

A – Arm Strengthened

I – Inheritance not squandered

N – Not Falling Short

E– Eyes on Jesus

D

E – Eyes on Jesus

Fixing our eyes on Jesus v 2

The pioneer

The perfector

The Jesus revealed in the Gospels

He does only what he sees the father doing

He calls us to take up our cross and follow him

T – Throw off all that hinders

R – Run with Perseverance

A – Arm Strengthened

I – Inheritance not squandered

N – Not Falling Short

E – Eyes on Jesus

D– Disciplined for Holiness

D – Disciplined for Holiness

The Lord disciplines those he loves v 6

Endure hardship as discipline v 7

God disciplines for our good ... to share his holiness v 10

Suggestions

“Experiencing God” - make it work

Do the daily devotions well

Be here each Sunday.

Come early – be in the sanctuary before the start.

Fellowship informally with intent

Let’s make this a “great-to-be-in” church

T – Throw off all that hinders

R – Run with Perseverance

A – Arm Strengthened

I – Inheritance not squandered

N – Not Falling Short

E – Eyes on Jesus

D – Disciplined for Holiness