Day: November 28, 2024

  • Life group guide: “The Runners”

    Life group guide: “The Runners”

    Life group guide: The Runners—Hebrews 12:1-3:

    Opening Question:

    – Share a time when you felt like giving up on something important. What motivated you to keep going?

    Key Takeaways:

    1. We are all runners in the spiritual race of faith.

    2. To run well, we must lay aside weights that slow us down, fix our eyes on Jesus, consider His example, and recognize the cloud of witnesses cheering us on.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. Laying Aside Weights:

       – What are some “weights” that might hinder our spiritual race?

       – How can we identify and remove these obstacles in our lives?

       – Discuss the danger of being stuck in the past or holding onto habitual sin.

    2. Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus:

       – What does it mean practically to “fix our eyes on Jesus”?

       – How can we maintain focus on Jesus amidst life’s distractions?

       – Why is having the right direction more important than just running hard?

    3. Considering Jesus:

       – How does reflecting on Jesus’ endurance help us in our own struggles?

       – Share a time when considering Jesus’ sacrifice gave you strength to persevere.

    4. Recognizing the Cloud of Witnesses:

       – How does knowing that biblical heroes are cheering us on impact your faith?

       – Which biblical figure’s story particularly encourages you in your spiritual journey?

    5. Running the Race:

       – What does running the race of faith look like in your daily life?

       – How can we support and encourage each other in this race?

    Practical Applications:

    1. Identify one “weight” in your life that’s hindering your spiritual growth. Make a plan to address it this week.

    2. Set aside time each day to read about Jesus in the Gospels, focusing on His character and actions.

    3. When facing a challenge this week, pause and consider how Jesus endured hardship. Use this reflection as motivation to persevere.

    4. Choose a biblical figure from Hebrews 11 to study. Reflect on how their faith journey can inspire yours.

    5. Share with the group one specific way you plan to “run your race” more effectively this week.

    Closing Prayer:

    Thank God for the example of Jesus and the cloud of witnesses. Ask for strength and perseverance to run the race of faith well, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

    5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide:

    Day 1: Laying Aside Every Weight

    Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 3:12-14

    Devotional: As we begin our spiritual journey, we’re called to “lay aside every weight” that hinders our progress. These weights can be past regrets, current struggles, or even successes that keep us from fully embracing God’s future for us. Today, reflect on what might be holding you back in your faith journey. Are there sins you need to confront? Memories you need to release? Ask God for the strength to let go of these burdens. Remember, in Christ, your past no longer defines you. Focus on pressing forward, as Paul encourages in Philippians, toward the goal of knowing Christ more deeply.

    Day 2: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

    Reading: Hebrews 12:2, Colossians 3:1-4

    Devotional: In a world full of distractions, we’re called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Like a painter focused intently on their subject, we’re to keep our gaze steady on Christ. Today, consider where your focus tends to drift. What competes for your attention? Practice intentionally turning your thoughts to Jesus throughout the day. Meditate on His character, His promises, and His love for you. As you do, you’ll find your perspective shifting, aligning more closely with God’s purposes for your life.

    Day 3: Enduring in Faith

    Reading: Hebrews 12:3, James 1:2-4

    Devotional: Jesus endured incredible hostility and suffering, yet remained faithful to His mission. When we face challenges, we’re encouraged to “consider him” so that we don’t grow weary. Today, reflect on a current struggle in your life. How does it compare to what Jesus faced? This isn’t to minimize your pain, but to gain perspective and draw strength from Christ’s example. Remember, trials can produce endurance and maturity in our faith. Ask God to help you see your challenges through His eyes and to persevere with hope.

    Day 4: Surrounded by Witnesses

    Reading: Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 11:1-40

    Devotional: We’re not alone in our faith journey. We’re surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” – those who have gone before us in faith. Today, read through Hebrews 11 and consider the stories of faith it recounts. Which one resonates most with you? Imagine these heroes of faith cheering you on in your own spiritual race. Their examples remind us that God is faithful through all circumstances. Let their stories inspire you to press on, knowing that you’re part of a grand legacy of faith that spans generations.

    Day 5: Running for the Crown

    Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

    Devotional: Our spiritual race isn’t aimless – we’re running towards a specific goal. Paul speaks of receiving a crown, not for our own glory, but to honor Christ. Today, consider the purpose behind your spiritual disciplines and service. Are you running with clear direction? Reflect on how your daily choices align with the ultimate goal of glorifying God. Remember, the crown we seek isn’t a personal achievement, but a way to exalt Jesus. Ask God to renew your passion for the race, to run with purpose, and to keep the finish line – being in God’s presence – always in view.

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  • Running the Race of Faith: Lessons from Hebrews 12:1-3

    Running the Race of Faith: Lessons from Hebrews 12:1-3

    Life is often compared to a race, but have you ever considered your spiritual journey as one? Whether you’re a devoted believer or someone still exploring faith, we’re all participants in this profound spiritual marathon. The Bible, particularly in the book of Hebrews, offers us a compelling metaphor of faith as a race that we must run with perseverance and purpose.

    Let’s dive into four essential aspects of this spiritual race that can transform our perspective and invigorate our faith journey.

    1. Laying Aside the Weights

    Imagine trying to run a marathon while carrying dumbbells or wearing heavy boots. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? Yet, in our spiritual lives, we often do just that. We cling to burdens that slow us down and hinder our progress.

    These weights can take various forms. Sometimes, it’s our past—failures, pain, or even past glories—that we refuse to let go. The Israelites, fresh from their miraculous exodus from Egypt, often longed for their life in slavery, unable to embrace the freedom and future God had for them. How often do we find ourselves in a similar position, romanticizing our past and getting stuck in nostalgia?

    Other times, the weight might be a habitual sin that divides our hearts and traps us. As Blaise Pascal astutely observed, we’re quick to be enraged by others’ sins while remaining indifferent to our own. This complacency towards our personal sins can be a significant hindrance in our race of faith.

    The call is clear: we must lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely. It’s time to identify what’s holding us back and commit to throwing it off. Remember, sin is good for nothing—it only harms and never helps. What’s weighing you down today? Is it your past? Your former glory? Or a persistent sin? Let’s make the decision to cast these aside before it’s too late.

    2. Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

    Having shed our burdens, where do we fix our gaze? The answer is unequivocal—on Jesus. The Greek word used here, ἀφορῶντες [aphorōntes], paints a vivid picture of a painter fixating on a model until the masterpiece is complete. Jesus is our eternal model, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

    It’s not enough to run faithfully or consistently; we need a clear direction and purpose. Imagine breaking a world record in a 100-meter sprint, only to realize you ran in the wrong direction! As the apostle Paul said, “I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air” (1 Corinthians 9:26).

    In every phase of life, in every endeavor, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He initiates our faith and brings it to completion. When we lose sight of Him, our lives can easily spiral into chaos. This is why engaging with the Bible is crucial—it helps us know who Jesus is, what He’s doing, and where He’s working. He is our ultimate goal and direction.

    3. Considering Jesus in Our Struggles

    When the race gets tough, and we’re tempted to give up, we’re encouraged to consider Jesus. The Greek word used here, ἀναλογίσασθε [analogisasthe] implies a careful calculation or appraisal. We’re invited to thoughtfully compare our struggles and faith to Jesus’ example.

    Think about it—are we experiencing anything worse than what Jesus endured? He, who was righteous, became sin for our sake. He, who was the glory of the Father, took on our disgrace and shame. He left His throne to bear a cross meant for sinners.

    No matter how intense our suffering might be, it pales in comparison to what Jesus endured for us. When we’re tempted to throw in the towel, let’s consider Jesus and the work of the cross. It was displayed for us so that we would not grow weary or fainthearted. Let His perseverance inspire and strengthen us to keep running.

    4. Recognizing the Cloud of Witnesses

    Imagine running a race in a packed stadium, with the crowd cheering you on. Their energy and support can be a game-changer, pushing you beyond your limits. In our spiritual race, we have an incredible crowd of supporters—the heroes of faith who have gone before us.

    Hebrews 11 lists these spiritual giants—Abraham, Moses, David, Rahab, and many others. They’re not just historical figures; they’re actively cheering us on. Can you hear Abraham saying, “I know what it’s like to face an uncertain future, but trust God—He’ll guide you every step of the way”? Or Rahab encouraging, “Don’t worry about your past or your current status. God can use anyone for His glory!”

    This great cloud of witnesses reminds us that our faith is not isolated. We’re part of a grand lineage of believers, continuing the legacy of those who’ve gone before us. When we recognize this, we understand the magnitude of our faith in Christ.

    In moments of doubt, when Satan whispers that we’re finished, remember that Jesus and this cloud of witnesses are cheering us on. “Keep going! You can do it! Trust Jesus, and He will ensure your victory so that you can partake in His eternal glory.”

    As we run this race of faith, let’s remember these four crucial aspects:

    1. Lay aside every weight that hinders us.

    2. Fix our eyes firmly on Jesus.

    3. Consider Jesus in our struggles.

    4. Recognize the cloud of witnesses cheering us on.

    We’re all runners in this spiritual marathon. How are you running? Are you shedding unnecessary burdens? Is your gaze fixed on Jesus? Do you draw strength from His example? Can you hear the cheers of those who’ve run before you?

    Let’s commit to running this race well, persevering through challenges, and keeping our eyes on the ultimate prize—the glory of Christ. Remember, in this race, it’s not about outrunning others; it’s about finishing well and hearing those coveted words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

    So, lace up your spiritual running shoes, shed those weights, fix your eyes on Jesus, and run with endurance the race set before you. The finish line awaits, and a great cloud of witnesses is cheering you on every step of the way.

    Rev. Joshua Ryu