The Race Marked Out For Us

Hebrews 12:1-13

Key Verse: 12:1

1. Verse 1 describes the heroes of faith in chapter 11 as “witnesses.”  As witnesses, what testimony do they share with us?  How do their testimonies help us to run the race marked out for us?

2. Verse 1 depicts the life of Christians as a “race marked out for us.”  Why is it called a “race” rather than a “walk”? (Ecc 12:14; Matthew 16:27; 1Cor 9:24)  What helps us run the race better? (2Tim 4:7)

3. Verse 1 names two categories to throw off, both “everything that hinders” and “the sin that so easily entangles.”  How are the two different?  Why is it that people are so reluctant (or find it so difficult) to throw them off?  Yet why is it necessary to throw them off?

4. Jesus is described as “the author and perfecter” of our faith in verse 2a.  What does this description suggest about the reason for (or help we can get from) fixing our eyes on Jesus?

5. Verse 2 testifies that it is “for the joy set before him” that Jesus endured the cross.  What kind of joy is it? (Psalms 16:11)  What does this teach about the purpose of our race in the Lord?  How does this help us run the race better? (verse 3)

6. Verse 3 talks about joy whereas verse 4 talks about the sin that needs to be fought against.  How are the two related to one another? (Psalms 51:12; 1Pet 2:11)  What does it mean to struggle against sin “to the point of shedding your blood”? (Luke 22:44)

7. In verses 5-13 discipline is referred to ten times.  What does this passage tell us about: 1) the Lord’s motive and 2) purpose in disciplining His children?