The examples of faith in Hebrews 11 encourage us to run our own race of faith, looking to Jesus as the reward for our perseverance. As we grow in faith, God disciplines us like a father to make us more and more like Him. Our reaction to His correction reveals the condition of our hearts and determines the life change we need.

Scripture References

Hebrews 12:1-11
1 Corinthians 11:28
Psalm 32
1 Peter 3:7
John 5:14
James 4:6
Proverbs 22:15

Our Great God | NewSpring Worship | iTunes
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 • Deuteronomy 31:8 • Psalm 118:5-16

The Rock Won’t Move | Vertical Church Band | iTunes
Psalm 62:5-8 • 1 Peter 2:4-8 • 2 Samuel 22:47 • Matthew 7:24-27 • Psalm 18:2

Christ Our Savior | Grace Church Worship

God of the Redeemed | Bethel Music | iTunes
Psalm 10:17-18 • Ephesians 1:4-6 • Romans 8:23 • Romans 9:4

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Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Philippians 1:20, Deuteronomy 6:5

1. The writer of Hebrews opens chapter 12 with athletic imagery about throwing off any sin that weighs us down so that we can run the race of faith well. What sin do you find weighing you down? What prevents you from thinking about the sin that slows you down? What are you doing intentionally to train yourself to keep your eyes on Jesus?

2. Often God uses circumstances or community to discipline us as His children. Think back to a difficult time in your life. How has your perspective on that time changed since it has ended? What was God trying to teach you during that time?

3. When we are disciplined by the Lord, our sinful instinct is to respond with pride. Do you find yourself choosing to ignore His discipline (self-sufficiency) or giving up under the weight of it (entitlement)? How does your thinking need to change in order for you to submit to discipline with confession and repentance?

4. What is the difficult or recurring situation in your life right now that God may be using to get your attention? How and when are you setting aside time in your life to think about and embrace what Jesus did for you and allow it to shape your soul?

Thoughts to Consider

-The believers that have gone before us, like those listed in Hebrews 11, encourage us by their example to finish well.

-Recognizing Jesus as the reward at the end of the race puts our suffering on earth in the right perspective.

-God disciplines us like an earthly father, but His character guarantees that He will always have the perfect combination of love and correction.

-God’s purpose in disciplining us is to enable us to share in His holiness.

-We cannot afford to rush through life without stopping to ask what God might be trying to teach us.