Near to the Heart of GodNear to the Heart of GodA Study of the Book of HebrewsA Study of the Book of Hebrews

Lesson 30Lesson 30Hebrews 12:1 – 3Hebrews 12:1 – 3

Losing WeightLosing Weight

I.I. IntroductionIntroductionA.A. Knowing you have an audience. . .Knowing you have an audience. . .B.B. The contextThe contextC.C. The structure of our textThe structure of our text

Main commandMain command: “Let us run . . . with endurance”: “Let us run . . . with endurance”(vs. 1)(vs. 1)

Putting off weight and sin (vs. 1)Putting off weight and sin (vs. 1)Looking to Jesus (vs. 2)Looking to Jesus (vs. 2)

Pioneer and Perfecter of the faithPioneer and Perfecter of the faithEndured the shame of the crossEndured the shame of the crossSeated at the Father’s right handSeated at the Father’s right hand

Second commandSecond command: “Think of Him who endured” : “Think of Him who endured” (vs. 3)(vs. 3)

He endured such hostility so that we would He endured such hostility so that we would not not grow weary and quit.grow weary and quit.

II.II. Hebrews 12:1Hebrews 12:1A. “Therefore” (see 1 Thessalonians 4:8)B. We also (Note the corporate emphasis: “Let us,” “set

before us,” “a great cloud of witnesses”)1.1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (individual)2.Elijah: “I alone am left” (1 Kings 19:10)3.We are not alone, but with a great company of witnesses

(who are participants).

C. We are to run the race with endurance1.Set before us2.A marathon3.A relay – all must enter together (11:39-40)

D. Set aside every hindrance (weight)E. Set aside “the besetting sin”

III.III. Hebrews 12:1Hebrews 12:1A. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (not Christ)

1.The Pioneer of the faith2.The Perfecter of the faith3.A point we dare not miss: Jesus lived by faith.

B. The price Jesus paid for our perseverance, and His reward.

1.He endured the cross a. Despising its shameb. For the joy set before Him

2.He now sits enthroned in glory with the Father.

IV.IV. Hebrews 12:3 Hebrews 12:3 A. Second command: “Think of Him . . .”

1. He endured such opposition by sinners.2. So that we might not grow weary and give up

B. Note what our Lord endured:1. No mention of pain (sorry Mel)2. The shame of the cross (verse 2)3. The rebellion of sinners against Him (verse 3)

V.V. ConclusionConclusionA. We are being watched.B. We are not alone.C. The sufficiency and sovereignty of our Lord is the

basis and motivation for our sustained, strenuous perseverance in the faith.

D. Our race and our rewards are set before us.E. Our economy – Is this a case of spiritual

liposuction? (One way to lose weight)F. There may be corporate aspects of our “weight

loss” and dealing with besetting sin.G. The urgency of being Christ-centered

Copyright © 2009 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPointCopyright © 2009 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPointpresentation of Lesson 30 in the series, presentation of Lesson 30 in the series, Near to the Heart of God, A Study ofNear to the Heart of God, A Study ofthe Book of Hebrews the Book of Hebrews prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for March 22, 2009.prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for March 22, 2009.Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with orAnyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with orwithout credit.without credit.