WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:19.519 Good morning. It is my pleasure to be here with you this morning. I want to make sure to take a moment and thank Pastor Daniel for the invitation to come and to deliver this message to you this morning. 00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:34.920 I met Pastor Daniel about a year ago when I was serving as the interim dean of the College of Christian Studies. He brought, I believe, his daughter for one of our preview days, an opportunity for her to see the campus and think about maybe if North Greenville was a place for her. 00:00:34.920 --> 00:00:45.300 And we met and we've gotten to know each other a little bit, but very thrilled when he contacted me a few weeks ago and asked me if I'd be available to fill the pulpit for him today. 00:00:45.640 --> 00:00:54.620 I want to make sure and thank him because having been a pastor myself, I know how important it is in choosing the right people to fill the pulpit. 00:00:54.619 --> 00:00:58.979 And it's quite a privilege for me that he would entrust me with this opportunity. 00:00:59.699 --> 00:01:05.519 And so I'm praising the Lord for it and asking the Lord to help me to be faithful in delivering this message to you today. 00:01:06.439 --> 00:01:12.000 I invite you to take your Bibles this morning and turn with me in the New Testament to the book of Hebrews. 00:01:14.400 --> 00:01:19.000 We'll be actually reading in a moment from chapter 12. That's where the text for the sermon will be. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:33.519 But I want you to turn to chapter 10 because I'm going to work my way up to, in the argument of this letter, really, maybe even a sermon, into chapter 10 to set the stage for our message there in chapter 12. 00:01:33.640 --> 00:01:36.799 And so if you'll turn there in just a moment, we'll be looking at that. 00:01:36.799 --> 00:01:51.899 Imagine a place and a time in the ancient world where it was costly to follow Jesus. 00:01:55.239 --> 00:02:04.840 Imagine the religious and cultural pressures against those who would seek to follow him. 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:15.860 Those who would seek to keep them from making that choice or to turn them back from following Christ. 00:02:18.140 --> 00:02:31.960 Now imagine a respected Christian leader, maybe even a pastor, sitting down to pen a sermon in the form of a letter 00:02:31.960 --> 00:02:42.980 that he would send to a group of these Christians, encouraging them to endure the pressures they faced. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:53.719 If you can imagine those ideas, then you have a little bit of a grasp of the background of what we call the letter to the Hebrews. 00:02:53.719 --> 00:03:02.479 And so this morning I want to talk to you about what I'm calling an enduring faith. 00:03:03.139 --> 00:03:08.340 It's the title of my sermon and it's the content of the letter of Hebrews. 00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:17.099 This group of Christians facing the difficulties of their day and being encouraged and challenged to endure. 00:03:17.099 --> 00:03:23.620 I would say that in many ways this letter was not written directly to us. 00:03:24.599 --> 00:03:28.819 The author had this particular group of Christians in mind there in the ancient world. 00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:35.359 But the Holy Spirit was working behind the scenes to inspire him to write this letter. 00:03:36.419 --> 00:03:39.579 And as I look at the letter and the challenges of enduring faith, 00:03:39.699 --> 00:03:43.959 I find they're not that radically different than the challenges we're facing today. 00:03:43.960 --> 00:03:54.040 I see in our own day religious and cultural pressures that would seek us to turn away from following Jesus. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:04:00.040 That would keep us from sharing the gospel with the people around us. 00:04:00.180 --> 00:04:03.219 We're living in a time in America that I never thought I would see. 00:04:04.379 --> 00:04:11.640 A time when although we still have the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, 00:04:11.639 --> 00:04:19.959 many believers refused to share the gospel openly with those around them for fear of retribution. 00:04:21.180 --> 00:04:27.500 We're living in a time that's not unlike the Greco-Roman world the author of Hebrews was addressing. 00:04:28.860 --> 00:04:34.399 Situations that we face that cause us to question whether we ought to speak or not. 00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:38.899 And those pressures are very real and very difficult. 00:04:40.259 --> 00:04:42.899 So this morning as we're looking at Hebrews, I want us to think, 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:45.539 although we're not the original ancient audience, 00:04:46.099 --> 00:04:51.939 God is speaking directly to us through this text by the inspiration of his spirit. 00:04:52.599 --> 00:04:55.939 And helping us to face the challenges of our own day 00:04:55.939 --> 00:04:59.539 in a way that will allow the gospel to go forward unhindered. 00:04:59.540 --> 00:05:06.960 I want to share very quickly two differences about this letter we call the Hebrews. 00:05:07.939 --> 00:05:11.200 First of all, all of the other letters of the New Testament, 00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:13.680 we have what's called an addressee. 00:05:14.120 --> 00:05:18.960 In other words, the author indicates specifically to whom he was writing. 00:05:20.100 --> 00:05:23.800 We could go back and look at several of the letters that precede this letter 00:05:23.800 --> 00:05:26.900 that starts the final collection known as the general epistles. 00:05:26.899 --> 00:05:32.779 And we could find churches specifically named that were to receive the letter written. 00:05:33.639 --> 00:05:38.239 We could find specific individuals who were addressed in letters. 00:05:38.399 --> 00:05:42.719 Even after this letter's position, we can find specific addressees. 00:05:43.739 --> 00:05:45.799 But in Hebrews, we don't know who wrote the letter. 00:05:46.739 --> 00:05:49.399 And scholars have debated for many years who that could be. 00:05:49.479 --> 00:05:50.699 And there are several alternatives. 00:05:50.939 --> 00:05:54.459 Let's just say, however, no one knows for sure who wrote it. 00:05:54.459 --> 00:06:01.439 A second difference with this letter is we don't know exactly who the letter is addressing. 00:06:02.620 --> 00:06:05.519 We don't have the name of a church or a person. 00:06:06.139 --> 00:06:09.560 We don't have an author and we don't have an addressee. 00:06:09.699 --> 00:06:14.659 And so we're left at a loss to understand fully the context behind the letter. 00:06:14.660 --> 00:06:20.620 One thing we can do, however, is to look at the context of the letter 00:06:20.620 --> 00:06:25.400 and begin to put together an idea, at least, about who the author had in mind. 00:06:26.100 --> 00:06:31.240 And so as we begin to do that, we notice immediately he's writing to Jewish Christians. 00:06:32.440 --> 00:06:38.600 And not just any Jewish Christians, but those who would be a part of the synagogue in the Greco-Roman world 00:06:38.600 --> 00:06:42.080 and from what we call a Hellenistic Jewish background. 00:06:42.220 --> 00:06:46.120 In other words, they were Greek-born and Greek-speaking 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:51.180 and had studied the Greek translation of the Old Testament extensively, 00:06:51.820 --> 00:06:53.900 a testament known as the Septuagint. 00:06:54.520 --> 00:06:57.140 So they were very familiar with the text of Scripture 00:06:57.140 --> 00:07:01.200 and the author quotes quite frequently from the Septuagint in his letter. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:05.219 He expects them to know what he's talking about. 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:11.979 He expects them to be well-versed in the understanding of this Greek Old Testament. 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:15.399 A second thing we can discern by looking back is 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:23.500 this group of Christians has experienced some radical, radical persecution at times. 00:07:24.259 --> 00:07:26.180 And they've become discouraged by it. 00:07:26.180 --> 00:07:31.620 And it appears they're about to again experience further persecution. 00:07:32.300 --> 00:07:35.420 And the author wants to encourage them to remain faithful 00:07:35.420 --> 00:07:38.860 as they continue to experience these struggles. 00:07:39.879 --> 00:07:43.480 We can see two strategies in the letter, at least. 00:07:44.460 --> 00:07:47.680 The first of these is that the author traces out 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:54.920 what we might call the greater or better nature of Jesus 00:07:54.920 --> 00:08:01.240 in regard to the Jewish leaders and figures that we find in the Old Testament. 00:08:02.140 --> 00:08:07.160 Very familiar chapter, chapter 11, sometimes called the faith chapter or the hall of faith. 00:08:07.780 --> 00:08:12.280 He's going to trace out all of these different people who serve the Lord well. 00:08:13.020 --> 00:08:16.180 But he's going to do it even more so throughout the letter. 00:08:16.280 --> 00:08:23.400 Starting in chapter 1, the idea is that Jesus is greater than or better than all of these. 00:08:23.399 --> 00:08:27.019 And so if we were looking in chapter 1, we'd find the beginning of the letter. 00:08:27.599 --> 00:08:34.600 God, in many ways and at various times, has spoken to us and to the fathers by the prophets. 00:08:35.539 --> 00:08:39.319 But in these last days, he's spoken to us by a son. 00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:45.980 And so Jesus is greater than the previous messengers of God, 00:08:46.079 --> 00:08:49.919 those prophets who had spoken on behalf of God, because he's the son. 00:08:49.919 --> 00:08:56.000 And not only is he the son, but God created all things through him. 00:08:56.059 --> 00:08:58.719 And so we might say he's the creator of all things, 00:08:59.339 --> 00:09:02.240 echoing perhaps John's gospel in chapter 1. 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:06.979 And Jesus has actually completed his work 00:09:06.979 --> 00:09:10.379 and taken a position of preeminence 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:13.599 by sitting down at the right hand of God. 00:09:13.600 --> 00:09:21.139 From which position he upholds the world by the word of his power. 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:27.120 Jesus is better than those early religious leaders, 00:09:27.320 --> 00:09:30.159 those prophets who spoke for God. 00:09:30.580 --> 00:09:32.500 But he's also better than the angels. 00:09:33.779 --> 00:09:35.080 In fact, the author says, 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:37.560 to whom did God ever say? 00:09:37.779 --> 00:09:39.899 To which of the angels did he say, 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:41.659 you are my son. 00:09:42.919 --> 00:09:45.259 Today I have begotten you. 00:09:46.620 --> 00:09:48.439 Jesus is better than the prophets. 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:50.319 He's better than the angels. 00:09:51.019 --> 00:09:52.860 Quite surprisingly, perhaps, 00:09:53.419 --> 00:09:55.379 to a Jewish person in that day, 00:09:55.919 --> 00:09:57.019 he's better than Moses. 00:09:58.539 --> 00:10:00.879 Moses was like a faithful servant in the house, 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:04.340 but Jesus is the heir of the house itself. 00:10:04.340 --> 00:10:08.019 He's the one to whom all belongs 00:10:08.019 --> 00:10:10.600 and to whom all honor is due. 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:15.019 Jesus is actually better or greater than Israel. 00:10:15.780 --> 00:10:18.399 Called in Exodus the firstborn son of God, 00:10:18.540 --> 00:10:22.500 but Jesus is better or greater than Israel. 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:26.780 He's been tempted in all points like a man 00:10:26.780 --> 00:10:28.259 and yet without sin. 00:10:28.259 --> 00:10:34.620 He's better or greater than the Aaronic priesthood. 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:39.159 The priesthood that descended from Moses' brother Aaron. 00:10:40.439 --> 00:10:42.860 He's better or greater than that priesthood 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:45.419 because he doesn't have to offer sacrifices 00:10:45.419 --> 00:10:47.879 for his own sins as they did. 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:52.639 And he can come and intercede on behalf of God, 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:55.960 opening up a way for those who trust in him 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:59.460 to come in to the very throne room of God 00:10:59.460 --> 00:11:06.280 to find help and mercy and grace in time of need. 00:11:07.680 --> 00:11:11.000 Jesus is better or greater 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:15.560 than the priesthood and the sacrificial system 00:11:15.560 --> 00:11:16.560 which they administered. 00:11:17.920 --> 00:11:21.340 Jesus is better than the covenant God made with Israel, 00:11:21.420 --> 00:11:22.200 that first covenant. 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:24.519 He's actually the mediator of a new covenant. 00:11:24.519 --> 00:11:27.019 When he offers sacrifices, 00:11:27.319 --> 00:11:30.259 he does so in the heavenly tabernacle, 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:32.559 not in the earthly one. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:36.019 In fact, Jesus' sacrifice 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:39.000 is so much greater than the sacrifices 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:40.019 of the Old Testament 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:43.120 that when he offered himself, 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:43.960 and by the way, 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:47.000 the sinless, spotless lamb of God, 00:11:47.199 --> 00:11:48.740 when he offered himself, 00:11:48.740 --> 00:11:51.019 he did so in contrast 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:55.320 to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. 00:11:55.419 --> 00:11:56.500 You may be familiar with this. 00:11:57.480 --> 00:11:58.240 In the wilderness, 00:11:58.440 --> 00:11:59.159 in the tabernacle, 00:11:59.240 --> 00:12:00.759 and later in the temple in Jerusalem, 00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:02.060 every morning 00:12:02.060 --> 00:12:04.060 and every evening, 00:12:05.019 --> 00:12:06.919 they offered burnt offerings, 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:09.019 sacrifices to God 00:12:09.019 --> 00:12:11.480 to atone for or to cover 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:12.820 the sins of the people, 00:12:12.940 --> 00:12:14.980 to make them temporarily holy 00:12:14.980 --> 00:12:16.440 that they might be able to dwell 00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:18.680 in the presence of a holy God 00:12:18.680 --> 00:12:19.379 every morning 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:21.519 and every evening. 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:24.240 In fact, the author of Hebrews says 00:12:24.240 --> 00:12:26.039 when speaking of these sacrifices 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:27.720 that were offered every morning and evening, 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:28.820 he says, 00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:30.920 the blood of bulls and goats 00:12:30.920 --> 00:12:34.019 never really could take away sin. 00:12:34.019 --> 00:12:36.919 But, 00:12:37.199 --> 00:12:40.139 when Jesus offered himself 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:42.419 for sin, 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:43.960 he did it one time 00:12:43.960 --> 00:12:46.960 for all sin. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:49.620 Think about that just for a second. 00:12:50.539 --> 00:12:52.539 How much greater a sacrifice 00:12:52.539 --> 00:12:53.579 could Jesus give 00:12:53.579 --> 00:12:56.019 than to be the one sacrifice 00:12:56.019 --> 00:12:57.100 for all time 00:12:57.100 --> 00:12:59.019 that would pay for sin? 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:02.419 And so we find again and again 00:13:02.419 --> 00:13:03.659 the author pointing us 00:13:03.659 --> 00:13:04.479 to this idea 00:13:04.479 --> 00:13:05.679 that Jesus is greater, 00:13:05.860 --> 00:13:06.699 Jesus is better. 00:13:07.379 --> 00:13:07.819 Ultimately, 00:13:07.979 --> 00:13:09.419 it brings us to the faith chapter 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.620 and to our text today 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:12.319 where Jesus ultimately 00:13:12.319 --> 00:13:14.120 is even better or greater 00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:16.279 than all the figures of faith 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:17.099 in chapter 11. 00:13:18.219 --> 00:13:20.120 He's the pioneer 00:13:20.120 --> 00:13:22.599 and perfecter of faith. 00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:25.379 And so one of his strategies then 00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:26.259 is to trace out 00:13:26.259 --> 00:13:27.279 how Jesus is greater 00:13:27.279 --> 00:13:28.319 than everything else 00:13:28.319 --> 00:13:29.759 in the Jewish religion. 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:31.000 But a second strategy 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:33.460 is to offer warnings 00:13:33.460 --> 00:13:35.919 to those who consider 00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:36.759 turning back 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:37.860 from following Jesus. 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:38.899 And we have through 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:39.620 the book of Hebrews 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:40.659 several warnings. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:41.940 I want to touch on one 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:43.200 in chapter 10. 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:43.720 So now, 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:45.299 let's now pick up 00:13:45.299 --> 00:13:46.500 in chapter 10 00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:47.120 just for a moment 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:47.980 and read a little bit 00:13:47.980 --> 00:13:48.580 of the chapter 00:13:48.580 --> 00:13:49.559 in preparation 00:13:49.559 --> 00:13:50.500 for our message 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:51.279 in chapter 12. 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:52.179 We're going to begin reading 00:13:52.179 --> 00:13:53.000 in verse 32 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:54.440 of Hebrews 10. 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:57.919 This also gives us 00:13:57.919 --> 00:13:59.360 probably the clearest picture 00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:00.320 of the audience 00:14:00.320 --> 00:14:01.259 of the letter. 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:04.259 But remember 00:14:04.259 --> 00:14:05.879 the former days 00:14:05.879 --> 00:14:09.039 when after being enlightened 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:10.620 you endured 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:12.220 a great conflict 00:14:12.220 --> 00:14:13.060 of suffering. 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:16.060 Partly by being made 00:14:16.060 --> 00:14:17.320 a public spectacle 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:18.240 through reproaches 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:19.039 and tribulations 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:21.060 and partly by becoming 00:14:21.060 --> 00:14:21.919 sharers 00:14:21.919 --> 00:14:23.259 with those 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:24.379 who were so treated. 00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:26.820 for you showed 00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:27.539 sympathy 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:29.399 to the prisoners 00:14:29.399 --> 00:14:31.080 and accepted 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:31.899 joyfully 00:14:31.899 --> 00:14:32.600 the seizure 00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.500 of your property 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:35.259 knowing that 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:36.860 you have for yourselves 00:14:36.860 --> 00:14:38.700 a better possession 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:40.879 and a lasting one. 00:14:42.299 --> 00:14:42.840 Therefore, 00:14:43.340 --> 00:14:44.399 do not throw away 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.019 your confidence 00:14:45.019 --> 00:14:47.279 which has a great reward 00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:50.240 for you have need 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.559 of endurance 00:14:51.559 --> 00:14:53.479 so that when you 00:14:53.479 --> 00:14:53.839 have done 00:14:53.839 --> 00:14:54.579 the will of God 00:14:54.579 --> 00:14:55.339 you may receive 00:14:55.339 --> 00:14:56.259 what was promised. 00:14:57.579 --> 00:14:58.319 And now quoting 00:14:58.319 --> 00:14:59.639 from the Greek 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:00.339 Old Testament 00:15:00.339 --> 00:15:02.519 verse 37 00:15:02.519 --> 00:15:03.179 for yet 00:15:03.179 --> 00:15:03.899 in a very 00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:04.759 little while 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:06.699 he who is coming 00:15:06.699 --> 00:15:07.299 will come 00:15:07.299 --> 00:15:08.099 and will not delay 00:15:08.099 --> 00:15:10.639 but my righteous 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:11.199 one 00:15:11.199 --> 00:15:12.699 shall live 00:15:12.699 --> 00:15:13.299 by faith 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:15.879 and if he shrinks 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:16.219 back 00:15:16.219 --> 00:15:16.799 my soul 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:17.839 has no pleasure 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:18.399 in him. 00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:19.399 But notice here 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:20.159 verse 39 00:15:20.159 --> 00:15:20.659 key 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:21.699 part of his 00:15:21.699 --> 00:15:22.059 argument 00:15:22.059 --> 00:15:24.319 but we 00:15:24.319 --> 00:15:26.319 are not 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:26.919 of those 00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:27.659 who shrink 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:28.259 back 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:29.919 to destruction 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:32.480 but of those 00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:33.459 who have faith 00:15:33.459 --> 00:15:35.000 to the preserving 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.679 of the soul. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:38.000 Here's his warning 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:39.500 through the message 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:40.100 of Habakkuk 00:15:40.100 --> 00:15:40.559 the prophet 00:15:40.559 --> 00:15:41.379 in the Old Testament 00:15:41.379 --> 00:15:42.860 he says 00:15:42.860 --> 00:15:43.879 it's by faith 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:46.019 that we're able 00:15:46.019 --> 00:15:47.240 to live this life 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.340 and face 00:15:48.340 --> 00:15:49.320 these struggles 00:15:49.320 --> 00:15:50.960 and endure 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:51.759 in our faith. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:52.960 He says very clearly 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:54.320 we including himself 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:55.600 we have need 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:56.360 of endurance 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:58.440 so having done 00:15:58.440 --> 00:15:59.139 the will of God 00:15:59.139 --> 00:15:59.960 we may receive 00:15:59.960 --> 00:16:00.560 what was promised. 00:16:00.700 --> 00:16:01.539 Can I just add 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:02.440 to the we 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:03.700 in this chapter? 00:16:04.419 --> 00:16:05.379 It's not just 00:16:05.379 --> 00:16:05.980 the author 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:06.860 and his audience 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:07.779 but today 00:16:07.779 --> 00:16:09.180 the we includes us. 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:12.659 We have need 00:16:12.659 --> 00:16:13.820 of endurance 00:16:13.820 --> 00:16:15.520 so we might 00:16:15.520 --> 00:16:15.980 receive 00:16:15.980 --> 00:16:17.140 the promise 00:16:17.140 --> 00:16:17.600 that God 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:18.260 made to us 00:16:18.260 --> 00:16:18.980 the reward 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:19.900 that he offers 00:16:19.900 --> 00:16:21.100 for our faithful 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:22.140 lives in service 00:16:22.140 --> 00:16:22.540 to him 00:16:22.540 --> 00:16:23.460 as the divine king. 00:16:24.680 --> 00:16:25.560 And that brings us 00:16:25.560 --> 00:16:26.440 up to chapter 11 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:27.020 where we then 00:16:27.020 --> 00:16:27.780 begin to look 00:16:27.780 --> 00:16:28.620 at all of these 00:16:28.620 --> 00:16:29.400 faithful people 00:16:29.400 --> 00:16:30.120 through the ages. 00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:31.800 It's almost like 00:16:31.800 --> 00:16:32.600 a survey of the 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:33.180 Old Testament 00:16:33.180 --> 00:16:34.220 just in one chapter 00:16:34.220 --> 00:16:34.980 and we touch on 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:35.540 all of these 00:16:35.540 --> 00:16:36.440 familiar names 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:37.500 and we think about 00:16:37.500 --> 00:16:38.220 all of the ways 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:39.060 by faith 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:40.380 they serve the Lord. 00:16:40.379 --> 00:16:42.179 and it brings us 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:42.840 all the way up 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:43.779 to chapter 12 00:16:43.779 --> 00:16:44.799 where we now 00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:45.580 will connect 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:46.259 with our text 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:46.860 for the message 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:47.299 today 00:16:47.299 --> 00:16:49.200 beginning in verse 1. 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:50.080 I'm going to ask you 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:50.740 if you are physically 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:51.720 able to stand 00:16:51.720 --> 00:16:52.399 with me now 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.720 as I read our text 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:54.320 for the sermon 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:55.939 and as we pray 00:16:55.939 --> 00:16:56.700 over the message. 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:00.179 Hebrews chapter 12 00:17:00.179 --> 00:17:01.200 beginning in verse 1 00:17:01.200 --> 00:17:03.179 Therefore 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:05.539 since we have 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:06.779 so great a cloud 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.519 of witnesses 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:09.140 surrounding us 00:17:09.140 --> 00:17:10.900 let us also 00:17:10.900 --> 00:17:11.940 lay aside 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:14.060 every encumbrance 00:17:14.060 --> 00:17:15.520 and the sin 00:17:15.520 --> 00:17:16.720 which so easily 00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:17.740 entangles us 00:17:17.740 --> 00:17:19.259 and let us run 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:20.060 with endurance 00:17:20.060 --> 00:17:21.580 the race 00:17:21.580 --> 00:17:22.180 that is set 00:17:22.180 --> 00:17:22.880 before us 00:17:22.880 --> 00:17:25.620 fixing our eyes 00:17:25.620 --> 00:17:26.520 on Jesus 00:17:26.520 --> 00:17:28.259 the author 00:17:28.259 --> 00:17:29.800 and perfecter 00:17:29.800 --> 00:17:30.740 of faith 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:32.580 who for the joy 00:17:32.580 --> 00:17:33.840 set before him 00:17:33.840 --> 00:17:34.920 endured 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:36.160 the cross 00:17:36.160 --> 00:17:37.840 despising 00:17:37.840 --> 00:17:38.480 the shame 00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:39.500 and has sat 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:40.180 down at the 00:17:40.180 --> 00:17:40.819 right hand 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:41.279 of the throne 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:41.740 of God 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:44.319 for consider him 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:45.759 who has 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:46.360 endured 00:17:46.360 --> 00:17:47.640 such hostility 00:17:47.640 --> 00:17:48.360 by sinners 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:50.200 against himself 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:51.720 so that you 00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:52.079 will not 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:52.640 grow weary 00:17:52.640 --> 00:17:54.400 and lose heart 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:56.039 let's pray 00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:57.299 father 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:57.859 father we thank you 00:17:57.859 --> 00:17:58.480 for this day 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:59.259 and the opportunity 00:17:59.259 --> 00:18:00.119 to come together 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:01.480 in this place 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:03.139 to glorify 00:18:03.139 --> 00:18:04.299 and exalt 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.019 the name of 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:05.420 Jesus 00:18:05.420 --> 00:18:07.460 to praise 00:18:07.460 --> 00:18:07.980 the one 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.819 who is greater 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:09.519 than all that 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:10.339 came before 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:11.000 and all that 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:11.639 come after 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:13.839 he is the one 00:18:13.839 --> 00:18:14.319 to whom 00:18:14.319 --> 00:18:15.019 all of our 00:18:15.019 --> 00:18:15.920 allegiance is due 00:18:15.920 --> 00:18:17.680 and so today 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.579 God I pray 00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:19.440 that your spirit 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:20.200 will have freedom 00:18:20.200 --> 00:18:21.299 to work in 00:18:21.299 --> 00:18:22.059 and through 00:18:22.059 --> 00:18:23.519 this congregation 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:24.379 Lord I recognize 00:18:24.379 --> 00:18:25.400 my full dependence 00:18:25.400 --> 00:18:26.019 on you 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:26.980 Lord there's 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:27.920 nothing I can say 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.619 that could change 00:18:28.619 --> 00:18:29.299 any heart 00:18:29.299 --> 00:18:30.779 but Lord your spirit 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:31.500 through the words 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.480 you give me to speak 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.240 God I believe 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:34.259 you can make an impact 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:34.960 for eternity 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:35.940 right here today 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:37.039 in this room 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.720 and so I invite 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:38.639 your spirit to come 00:18:38.639 --> 00:18:40.440 and Lord empower me 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:41.940 give me a clear mind 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:43.119 give me clear words 00:18:43.119 --> 00:18:43.819 Lord give me 00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:45.539 a clear message 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:47.759 and then by your spirit 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:48.879 apply it to the lives 00:18:48.879 --> 00:18:49.660 of each one here 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:51.859 Lord we want to live 00:18:51.859 --> 00:18:52.879 in a way that honors you 00:18:52.879 --> 00:18:53.959 and God we pray 00:18:53.959 --> 00:18:55.419 that you will help us 00:18:55.419 --> 00:18:57.240 to have an enduring faith 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:59.059 that your good will 00:18:59.059 --> 00:19:00.559 be done in and through us 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:02.819 we pray this in Jesus name 00:19:02.819 --> 00:19:03.759 for his sake 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.559 amen 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:05.759 you may be seated 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:16.579 I want to show you 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.240 three elements 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:18.079 of the text here 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:19.000 the first three verses 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:22.099 in Hebrews chapter 12 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:25.680 the first element 00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:27.400 I want to address 00:19:27.400 --> 00:19:28.940 is what I'm going to call 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:31.200 enduring faith 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:32.339 pictured 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:35.140 enduring faith 00:19:35.140 --> 00:19:35.559 pictured 00:19:35.559 --> 00:19:36.559 look at verse 1 again 00:19:36.559 --> 00:19:37.339 in chapter 12 00:19:37.339 --> 00:19:39.200 therefore 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:40.819 since we have 00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:41.680 so great a cloud 00:19:41.680 --> 00:19:42.220 of witnesses 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.200 surrounding us 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:44.500 let us also 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.259 lay aside 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:46.220 every encumbrance 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:46.960 and the sin 00:19:46.960 --> 00:19:48.019 which so easily 00:19:48.019 --> 00:19:49.120 entangles us 00:19:49.120 --> 00:19:51.140 let us run 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:53.360 with endurance 00:19:53.360 --> 00:19:54.880 the race 00:19:54.880 --> 00:19:56.180 that is set 00:19:56.180 --> 00:19:56.860 before us 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:59.200 the author here 00:19:59.200 --> 00:20:00.000 is following 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:01.380 a very common 00:20:01.380 --> 00:20:01.880 pattern 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:03.240 in the Greco-Roman 00:20:03.240 --> 00:20:03.640 world 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:04.779 not only among 00:20:04.779 --> 00:20:05.339 Christians 00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:07.279 but even among 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.319 secular authors 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:09.000 of the day 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.799 and that is to use 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:11.500 the concept 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:11.500 00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:13.000 or picture 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:14.200 of a race 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:15.779 as a way 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:16.279 of describing 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:16.839 life 00:20:16.839 --> 00:20:18.799 running a race 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:20.720 and responding 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:21.619 to the challenges 00:20:21.619 --> 00:20:22.299 of that race 00:20:22.299 --> 00:20:22.539 now 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:23.460 if you take 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:23.980 a good look 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.339 at me 00:20:24.339 --> 00:20:25.019 I think you'll 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:25.539 agree 00:20:25.539 --> 00:20:26.759 I haven't run 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.559 too many races 00:20:27.559 --> 00:20:27.920 lately 00:20:27.920 --> 00:20:30.099 in fact 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:30.480 I don't know 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:30.819 if I've ever 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:31.420 run a race 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.140 officially 00:20:32.140 --> 00:20:33.900 and I don't think 00:20:33.900 --> 00:20:34.579 I could run a race 00:20:34.579 --> 00:20:35.059 right now 00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:35.579 in my physical 00:20:35.579 --> 00:20:36.039 condition 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:37.079 getting a little 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:37.420 older 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:38.680 not a great 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:38.940 runner 00:20:38.940 --> 00:20:40.140 last time 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:40.740 I ran anything 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.440 with sprints 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:41.900 and high school 00:20:41.900 --> 00:20:42.279 football 00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:44.019 maybe some of you 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.859 suffered through 00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:46.140 August two-a-days 00:20:46.140 --> 00:20:47.039 and ran sprints 00:20:47.039 --> 00:20:47.579 at some point 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.099 in your life 00:20:48.099 --> 00:20:50.140 so I struggle 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:50.640 a little bit 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:51.180 with the picture 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:51.539 I don't know 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:51.940 what it's like 00:20:51.940 --> 00:20:52.640 to run a race 00:20:52.640 --> 00:20:54.299 but I do 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:55.319 generally understand 00:20:55.319 --> 00:20:55.839 what races 00:20:55.839 --> 00:20:56.279 are about 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:56.620 even though 00:20:56.620 --> 00:20:57.160 I haven't run 00:20:57.160 --> 00:20:57.400 one 00:20:57.400 --> 00:20:57.960 and I've seen 00:20:57.960 --> 00:20:58.319 some of the 00:20:58.319 --> 00:20:58.720 things that 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.279 people who 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:00.579 are part of 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:00.900 a race 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:01.299 will do 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:01.660 in fact 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:02.059 I had 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:02.599 a friend 00:21:02.599 --> 00:21:03.160 in college 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:03.620 who was a 00:21:03.620 --> 00:21:03.940 part of a 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:04.460 Christian group 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:04.900 there at our 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:05.319 university 00:21:05.319 --> 00:21:06.640 he was a 00:21:06.640 --> 00:21:07.059 competitive 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:07.859 cyclist 00:21:07.859 --> 00:21:10.220 first met him 00:21:10.220 --> 00:21:10.559 I got to 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:10.940 know him 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:11.460 one night 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:11.880 at one of 00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:12.539 our Christian 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.860 group meetings 00:21:13.860 --> 00:21:15.160 I just happened 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:15.720 to notice 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:17.620 he didn't have 00:21:17.620 --> 00:21:18.059 any hair 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:18.799 on his arms 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:20.839 and I thought 00:21:20.839 --> 00:21:21.319 that was a little 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:21.799 odd 00:21:21.799 --> 00:21:23.900 a couple of 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.519 meetings later 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.079 he was wearing 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:25.819 short pants 00:21:25.819 --> 00:21:26.380 and I noticed 00:21:26.380 --> 00:21:26.819 he didn't have 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.279 any hair 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:27.900 on his legs 00:21:27.900 --> 00:21:29.980 well I couldn't 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:30.480 resist 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:31.100 and so I went 00:21:31.100 --> 00:21:31.680 over to him 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:32.059 and I said 00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:33.360 I'm not trying 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:33.920 to offend you 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:35.100 but I'm curious 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:36.480 you don't have 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:36.959 any body 00:21:36.959 --> 00:21:37.339 hair 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.959 I mean 00:21:38.959 --> 00:21:39.419 other than 00:21:39.419 --> 00:21:39.759 the hair 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.059 on your 00:21:40.059 --> 00:21:40.519 head 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:42.799 what's the 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:43.079 deal 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:44.480 and he said 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:44.919 well I'm a 00:21:44.919 --> 00:21:45.399 competitive 00:21:45.399 --> 00:21:46.139 cyclist 00:21:46.139 --> 00:21:47.859 and he said 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:48.359 I shave 00:21:48.359 --> 00:21:48.839 all of the 00:21:48.839 --> 00:21:49.339 hair off 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.000 of my body 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:51.000 because it 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:51.919 could slow 00:21:51.919 --> 00:21:52.519 me down 00:21:52.519 --> 00:21:54.579 it could be 00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:55.519 a drag 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.359 on me 00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:57.919 as I 00:21:57.919 --> 00:21:58.539 compete 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.259 in a 00:21:59.259 --> 00:21:59.619 cycling 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:00.240 contest 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:02.160 and I wear 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:03.200 on my head 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:03.920 a very tight 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:04.420 cap 00:22:04.420 --> 00:22:05.980 that smooths 00:22:05.980 --> 00:22:06.660 out that part 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.180 of my body 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:07.559 even though 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.200 I don't shave 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:08.700 it off 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:09.880 it allows me 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:10.559 to do the 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.200 same thing 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:13.000 well to be 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.400 honest with you 00:22:13.400 --> 00:22:13.640 I thought 00:22:13.640 --> 00:22:14.039 that was a 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.519 little weird 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:15.880 a little 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.660 disconcerting 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:17.339 that a man 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:17.779 had no 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:18.380 body hair 00:22:18.380 --> 00:22:20.519 but for him 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:21.779 it wasn't 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:22.299 an option 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:23.920 he wanted 00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:24.660 to compete 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:25.240 well 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:26.420 he wanted 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:27.039 to win 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:27.740 the race 00:22:27.740 --> 00:22:28.539 and if 00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:29.480 body hair 00:22:29.480 --> 00:22:29.900 was going 00:22:29.900 --> 00:22:30.320 to slow 00:22:30.320 --> 00:22:30.860 him down 00:22:30.860 --> 00:22:31.300 guess what 00:22:31.300 --> 00:22:31.620 was going 00:22:31.620 --> 00:22:32.000 to happen 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:32.460 to body 00:22:32.460 --> 00:22:32.780 hair 00:22:32.780 --> 00:22:35.259 it was 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:35.820 gone 00:22:35.820 --> 00:22:37.680 look in 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:38.120 the text 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:38.440 here 00:22:38.440 --> 00:22:38.780 what does 00:22:38.780 --> 00:22:39.180 the author 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:39.720 of Hebrews 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.220 tell us 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:40.580 to do 00:22:40.580 --> 00:22:41.140 well first 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:41.480 of all 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:41.920 he tells 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:42.160 us 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:42.900 we have 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:43.259 a great 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:43.660 cloud 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.259 of witnesses 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:46.080 and these 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:46.519 are those 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.200 in chapter 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:47.600 11 00:22:47.600 --> 00:22:48.000 these 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:48.580 part of 00:22:48.580 --> 00:22:48.900 the great 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:49.320 hall 00:22:49.320 --> 00:22:49.960 of faith 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:50.920 people 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:51.600 by the way 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.040 who've 00:22:52.040 --> 00:22:52.840 already run 00:22:52.840 --> 00:22:53.380 the race 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:54.040 and completed 00:22:54.040 --> 00:22:54.340 it 00:22:54.340 --> 00:22:55.640 and so as 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:56.000 we look 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:56.480 back to 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:56.640 them 00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.120 we actually 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:57.660 see first 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:57.920 of all 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.400 is it 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:58.900 possible 00:22:58.900 --> 00:22:59.360 to run 00:22:59.360 --> 00:22:59.860 this race 00:22:59.859 --> 00:23:00.159 and be 00:23:00.159 --> 00:23:00.639 successful 00:23:00.639 --> 00:23:00.879 and the 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:01.359 answer is 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:01.939 yes it 00:23:01.939 --> 00:23:02.279 is 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:03.119 look at 00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:03.379 all of 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:03.539 these 00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:04.000 examples 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:04.579 of people 00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.179 by faith 00:23:05.179 --> 00:23:05.500 who ran 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:06.039 this race 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.379 and they're 00:23:07.379 --> 00:23:07.959 here now 00:23:07.959 --> 00:23:08.839 not so much 00:23:08.839 --> 00:23:09.639 to watch 00:23:09.639 --> 00:23:10.359 us run 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:11.500 as to give 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:12.119 testimony 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:13.279 and witness 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:14.439 to the fact 00:23:14.439 --> 00:23:15.500 that this race 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:16.719 can be run 00:23:16.719 --> 00:23:17.979 and won 00:23:17.979 --> 00:23:20.259 so the cloud 00:23:20.259 --> 00:23:20.879 of witnesses 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:21.319 there 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:24.299 that see us 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:26.500 and testify 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:27.199 to us 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:28.019 we can run 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:28.019 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:28.420 this race 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:28.440 this race 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:28.840 but notice 00:23:28.840 --> 00:23:29.100 what he 00:23:29.100 --> 00:23:29.420 says 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:30.080 continuing 00:23:30.080 --> 00:23:31.120 let us 00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:32.160 lay aside 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:33.400 every 00:23:33.400 --> 00:23:34.200 encumbrance 00:23:34.200 --> 00:23:34.940 my friend 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:35.960 that was a 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:36.600 cyclist 00:23:36.600 --> 00:23:37.240 thought of 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:37.980 body hair 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.299 as an 00:23:38.299 --> 00:23:39.000 encumbrance 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:40.900 and so he 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:41.200 laid it 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:41.660 aside 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:43.640 and the 00:23:43.640 --> 00:23:44.039 sin 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.539 which so 00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:45.019 easily 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:45.700 entangles 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:46.100 us 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:47.960 there are 00:23:47.960 --> 00:23:48.580 things in 00:23:48.580 --> 00:23:49.220 this cursed 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:49.759 world 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.559 that hold 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:51.200 us back 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:51.900 that hold 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:52.640 us down 00:23:52.640 --> 00:23:53.540 that don't 00:23:53.540 --> 00:23:54.140 let us 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:54.820 run the 00:23:54.820 --> 00:23:55.400 race 00:23:55.400 --> 00:23:56.740 to the 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:57.060 best of 00:23:57.060 --> 00:23:57.220 our 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:57.640 ability 00:23:57.640 --> 00:23:59.440 you know 00:23:59.440 --> 00:23:59.720 what it 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:00.320 might be 00:24:00.320 --> 00:24:01.180 a particular 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:01.960 sin that 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.160 you're 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:02.480 struggling 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:02.900 with 00:24:02.900 --> 00:24:03.660 that's 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:03.860 holding 00:24:03.860 --> 00:24:04.380 you back 00:24:04.380 --> 00:24:06.180 it might 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:06.620 be as 00:24:06.620 --> 00:24:06.960 it was 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.320 in my 00:24:07.320 --> 00:24:07.720 life at 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.340 one time 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:09.340 something 00:24:09.340 --> 00:24:09.880 that you've 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:10.660 actually made 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:11.259 an idol 00:24:11.259 --> 00:24:11.860 you might 00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.259 not even 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:12.759 know it's 00:24:12.759 --> 00:24:13.180 an idol 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:13.500 in your 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:13.880 life 00:24:13.880 --> 00:24:14.740 I didn't 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.120 know 00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:16.300 that guitar 00:24:16.300 --> 00:24:17.120 which I 00:24:17.120 --> 00:24:17.620 was learning 00:24:17.620 --> 00:24:18.280 to play 00:24:18.280 --> 00:24:19.160 in my 00:24:19.160 --> 00:24:19.660 university 00:24:19.660 --> 00:24:20.200 courses 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:21.440 and what 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:21.819 was my 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.319 goal 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:22.980 to be a 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:23.460 professional 00:24:23.460 --> 00:24:24.120 guitarist 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:24.480 that I'd 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:24.920 actually 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:25.340 turned 00:24:25.340 --> 00:24:25.740 guitar 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:26.200 into an 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.480 idol 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:26.740 and I 00:24:26.740 --> 00:24:26.880 was 00:24:26.880 --> 00:24:27.279 worshipping 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:27.519 it 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.840 and God 00:24:28.840 --> 00:24:29.279 made that 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:29.680 known to 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.039 me and it 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:30.380 was time 00:24:30.380 --> 00:24:30.740 for me to 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:31.000 lay it 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:31.319 down 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.640 so that I 00:24:32.640 --> 00:24:32.980 could do 00:24:32.980 --> 00:24:33.340 God's 00:24:33.340 --> 00:24:33.600 will 00:24:33.600 --> 00:24:34.360 in my 00:24:34.360 --> 00:24:34.720 life 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:35.460 what is 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.100 the sin 00:24:36.100 --> 00:24:36.380 that's 00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:36.920 ensnaring 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:37.400 you 00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:37.960 that's 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:38.279 keeping 00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:39.000 you from 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:39.279 running 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:40.000 the race 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:40.740 well 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.960 and notice 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:42.299 he goes 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:42.779 on to say 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:43.240 we're running 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:43.680 the race 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:44.480 with endurance 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:45.480 the race 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:46.180 set before 00:24:46.180 --> 00:24:46.580 us 00:24:46.580 --> 00:24:48.420 and so 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:48.720 what the 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.620 author shows 00:24:49.620 --> 00:24:49.819 us 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:50.400 the picture 00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:50.980 he gives 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:51.440 us 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.559 of living 00:24:52.559 --> 00:24:53.140 the Christian 00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:53.799 life with 00:24:53.799 --> 00:24:54.400 an enduring 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:55.220 faith 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:56.319 is a 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:56.920 common 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:58.019 race 00:24:58.019 --> 00:25:00.240 we're all 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:00.860 in the race 00:25:00.860 --> 00:25:02.779 but each 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:03.319 one of us 00:25:03.319 --> 00:25:04.019 is competing 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:05.259 not so much 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.259 against others 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:07.920 as against 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.660 our own 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:09.160 selves 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:10.400 and those 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:10.779 things that 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:11.100 would seek 00:25:11.100 --> 00:25:11.420 to hold 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:11.880 us back 00:25:11.880 --> 00:25:13.660 and so 00:25:13.660 --> 00:25:13.960 we see 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:14.460 first of all 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:15.080 this enduring 00:25:15.080 --> 00:25:15.519 faith 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.180 pictured as 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:16.539 a common 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:16.799 race 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:17.299 notice a 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:17.660 second 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:18.640 element of 00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:19.019 the text 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:19.460 this morning 00:25:19.460 --> 00:25:20.840 not only 00:25:20.840 --> 00:25:21.200 do we see 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:21.600 enduring 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:21.980 faith 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:22.420 pictured 00:25:22.420 --> 00:25:22.940 we see 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:23.539 enduring 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:24.160 faith 00:25:24.160 --> 00:25:25.660 perfected 00:25:25.660 --> 00:25:28.039 look at 00:25:28.039 --> 00:25:28.500 verse 2 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:30.400 fixing our 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:31.319 eyes on 00:25:31.319 --> 00:25:31.900 Jesus 00:25:31.900 --> 00:25:34.120 the author 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:35.720 and perfecter 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.539 of faith 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:38.019 who for the 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:38.860 joy set 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:39.700 before him 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.299 endured 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:41.160 the cross 00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:43.140 despising 00:25:43.140 --> 00:25:43.779 the shame 00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:45.000 and has 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:45.620 sat down 00:25:45.620 --> 00:25:46.120 at the right 00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:46.759 hand of the 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:47.180 throne of 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:47.580 God 00:25:47.580 --> 00:25:49.480 this 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.299 resumes 00:25:50.299 --> 00:25:50.960 the theme 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.460 we talked 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:51.740 about 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.340 a strategy 00:25:52.340 --> 00:25:52.700 of the 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:53.000 author 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:53.400 in this 00:25:53.400 --> 00:25:53.700 letter 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:55.180 to trace 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.799 out how 00:25:55.799 --> 00:25:56.759 Jesus is 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:57.200 better 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.340 and greater 00:25:58.340 --> 00:25:59.480 than everything 00:25:59.480 --> 00:25:59.980 else 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:01.440 and here's the 00:26:01.440 --> 00:26:02.039 great news 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:02.700 this morning 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.980 one translation 00:26:03.980 --> 00:26:04.779 in verse 2 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:05.480 could be 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:06.420 that Jesus 00:26:06.420 --> 00:26:07.100 is the 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:07.720 pioneer 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:10.220 and perfecter 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:10.740 of faith 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:12.600 in other words 00:26:12.600 --> 00:26:13.380 he already 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:14.539 ran the race 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:16.839 for the joy 00:26:16.839 --> 00:26:17.779 set before 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.240 him 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:19.539 he endured 00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:20.619 the cross 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:21.619 now if you 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:22.059 know anything 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:23.139 about crucifixion 00:26:23.139 --> 00:26:23.659 in the ancient 00:26:23.659 --> 00:26:24.119 world 00:26:24.119 --> 00:26:24.960 you know it 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:25.519 was a very 00:26:25.519 --> 00:26:26.259 shameful 00:26:26.259 --> 00:26:27.099 event 00:26:27.099 --> 00:26:28.759 criminals 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:29.980 were crucified 00:26:29.980 --> 00:26:32.119 criminals 00:26:32.119 --> 00:26:33.019 were hung 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.899 on a cross 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:35.819 naked 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.319 stripped 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:36.740 of all 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.019 of their 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:37.420 clothing 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:37.960 in the ancient 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.359 world 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.159 public 00:26:39.159 --> 00:26:39.839 nakedness 00:26:39.839 --> 00:26:40.500 particularly 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:41.099 for the 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:41.579 Jews 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:42.559 was a 00:26:42.559 --> 00:26:42.839 terrible 00:26:42.839 --> 00:26:43.319 shame 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:45.500 and they 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:45.779 hung 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.019 these 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:46.439 criminals 00:26:46.439 --> 00:26:47.139 on crosses 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:47.939 right along 00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:48.379 the main 00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:48.899 road 00:26:48.899 --> 00:26:50.159 so that 00:26:50.159 --> 00:26:50.740 when people 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.639 walked by 00:26:51.639 --> 00:26:52.019 they would 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:52.519 see the 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:52.960 criminals 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:53.559 hanging there 00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:54.039 naked 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:55.299 shamed 00:26:55.299 --> 00:26:55.980 publicly 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:56.539 for their 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.119 crimes 00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:58.859 and they 00:26:58.859 --> 00:26:59.139 would get 00:26:59.139 --> 00:26:59.679 the message 00:26:59.679 --> 00:27:00.139 it was 00:27:00.139 --> 00:27:00.559 almost like 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.179 a billboard 00:27:01.179 --> 00:27:02.039 from the 00:27:02.039 --> 00:27:02.819 Roman Empire 00:27:02.819 --> 00:27:04.259 don't mess 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:05.119 with Rome 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:07.059 or this is 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.519 what happens 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:07.960 to you 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:09.279 now there's 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:09.619 one thing 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:10.079 about this 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:10.319 when we 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:10.720 think about 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.079 Jesus 00:27:11.079 --> 00:27:13.000 because 00:27:13.000 --> 00:27:13.419 Jesus 00:27:13.419 --> 00:27:14.000 had not 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.500 sinned 00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:16.619 the author 00:27:16.619 --> 00:27:17.059 of Hebrews 00:27:17.059 --> 00:27:17.699 tells us 00:27:17.699 --> 00:27:18.679 he was 00:27:18.679 --> 00:27:18.980 without 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.319 sin 00:27:19.319 --> 00:27:20.539 he was 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:20.879 tempted 00:27:20.879 --> 00:27:21.199 at all 00:27:21.199 --> 00:27:21.500 points 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:21.799 like a 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:21.960 man 00:27:21.960 --> 00:27:22.319 but without 00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:22.699 sin 00:27:22.699 --> 00:27:24.079 and yet 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:24.639 did he 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:25.339 not hang 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:25.679 on one 00:27:25.679 --> 00:27:25.939 of these 00:27:25.939 --> 00:27:26.299 same 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:26.740 crosses 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.099 as a 00:27:27.099 --> 00:27:27.439 criminal 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:28.879 naked 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.379 and stripped 00:27:29.379 --> 00:27:29.699 of his 00:27:29.699 --> 00:27:30.139 clothing 00:27:30.139 --> 00:27:31.259 and shamed 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.859 publicly 00:27:31.859 --> 00:27:34.240 notice how 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:34.699 verse 2 00:27:34.699 --> 00:27:35.439 addresses that 00:27:35.439 --> 00:27:36.299 the author 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.859 and perfecter 00:27:36.859 --> 00:27:37.379 of faith 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:38.359 who for the 00:27:38.359 --> 00:27:38.819 joy set 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:39.339 before him 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:40.059 endured 00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:41.059 the cross 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:41.799 I've been 00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:42.299 told it's 00:27:42.299 --> 00:27:42.599 the most 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:43.119 painful 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:43.779 method of 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:44.339 execution 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:44.899 the Romans 00:27:44.899 --> 00:27:45.319 could come 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:45.720 up with 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:46.899 he endured 00:27:46.899 --> 00:27:47.159 it 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:48.419 and he 00:27:48.419 --> 00:27:49.159 despised 00:27:49.159 --> 00:27:49.839 the shame 00:27:49.839 --> 00:27:50.720 but notice 00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.119 this 00:27:51.119 --> 00:27:52.139 he has sat 00:27:52.139 --> 00:27:52.759 down at the 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:53.299 right hand 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:53.819 of the throne 00:27:53.819 --> 00:27:54.419 of God 00:27:54.419 --> 00:27:56.039 God 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:56.980 honored him 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:57.779 even though 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.379 the world 00:27:58.379 --> 00:27:59.279 shamed him 00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.940 God 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:00.720 honored him 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:01.119 for his 00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:01.579 obedience 00:28:01.579 --> 00:28:02.740 and gave 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:03.259 him the 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:04.179 position of 00:28:04.179 --> 00:28:04.980 power and 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:05.639 priority 00:28:05.639 --> 00:28:06.480 at his 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:07.079 own right 00:28:07.079 --> 00:28:07.639 hand 00:28:07.640 --> 00:28:09.800 what an 00:28:09.800 --> 00:28:10.140 amazing 00:28:10.140 --> 00:28:10.700 truth 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.820 John's 00:28:11.820 --> 00:28:12.120 gospel 00:28:12.120 --> 00:28:12.680 indicates 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:13.259 that Jesus 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:13.880 made this 00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:14.200 claim 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:14.600 it's an 00:28:14.600 --> 00:28:15.020 astounding 00:28:15.020 --> 00:28:15.440 claim 00:28:15.440 --> 00:28:16.280 I can't 00:28:16.280 --> 00:28:17.100 even fathom 00:28:17.100 --> 00:28:17.440 it 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:18.780 Jesus 00:28:18.780 --> 00:28:19.180 said 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:21.300 I always 00:28:21.300 --> 00:28:21.740 do 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:23.280 what pleases 00:28:23.280 --> 00:28:23.800 the father 00:28:23.800 --> 00:28:25.400 can you 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:25.860 imagine 00:28:25.860 --> 00:28:26.400 ever making 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:27.000 that statement 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:28.640 I always 00:28:28.640 --> 00:28:29.259 do what 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:29.640 pleases 00:28:29.640 --> 00:28:30.180 the father 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:31.620 and God 00:28:31.620 --> 00:28:32.220 rewarded 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:32.620 him 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:33.460 because 00:28:33.460 --> 00:28:34.100 for the 00:28:34.100 --> 00:28:35.000 joy set 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.580 before him 00:28:35.580 --> 00:28:35.920 and by the 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:36.259 way I would 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:36.740 argue the 00:28:36.740 --> 00:28:37.319 joy set 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:37.940 before him 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.620 was doing 00:28:39.620 --> 00:28:40.339 his father's 00:28:40.339 --> 00:28:40.579 will 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:42.660 and maybe 00:28:42.660 --> 00:28:43.200 even 00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:44.240 bringing 00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:44.720 many 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:45.819 into the 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:46.140 kingdom 00:28:46.140 --> 00:28:47.099 who would 00:28:47.099 --> 00:28:47.620 trust in 00:28:47.620 --> 00:28:48.220 his sacrifice 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:48.900 for sin 00:28:48.900 --> 00:28:50.799 and so we 00:28:50.799 --> 00:28:51.500 see here 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:52.400 enduring 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:53.079 faith 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:53.960 perfected 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:54.400 and we 00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:54.720 could say 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.059 it like 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:55.480 this 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.140 Jesus 00:28:56.140 --> 00:28:56.859 is the 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:57.420 greater 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:58.859 exemplar 00:28:58.859 --> 00:29:00.220 of faith 00:29:00.220 --> 00:29:02.099 he trumps 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:03.140 everyone 00:29:03.140 --> 00:29:03.859 in the 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:04.220 hall of 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:04.460 faith 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:04.900 in chapter 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:05.299 11 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:06.319 because 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:06.559 he's 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:06.740 not 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:06.940 only 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:07.159 the 00:29:07.159 --> 00:29:07.519 first 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:07.859 one 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:08.079 to 00:29:08.079 --> 00:29:08.599 complete 00:29:08.599 --> 00:29:08.839 the 00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:09.139 race 00:29:09.139 --> 00:29:09.539 fully 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.599 he 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:11.399 pioneered 00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:11.579 it 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:11.839 in a 00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:12.139 sense 00:29:12.139 --> 00:29:12.879 he's 00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:13.000 the 00:29:13.000 --> 00:29:13.180 one 00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:13.339 who 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:13.980 perfected 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:14.180 what 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:14.559 enduring 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:14.899 faith 00:29:14.899 --> 00:29:15.159 looks 00:29:15.159 --> 00:29:15.460 like 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:17.240 finally 00:29:17.240 --> 00:29:17.720 look at a 00:29:17.720 --> 00:29:18.339 third element 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:19.200 of the text 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:19.759 in verse 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.079 three 00:29:20.079 --> 00:29:21.500 we see 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.000 an enduring 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:22.579 faith 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:23.379 pictured 00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:24.000 an enduring 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:24.440 faith 00:29:24.440 --> 00:29:25.119 perfected 00:29:25.119 --> 00:29:25.759 but finally 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.940 enduring 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.599 faith 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:28.659 pondered 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:30.340 notice 00:29:30.340 --> 00:29:30.600 verse 00:29:30.600 --> 00:29:30.980 three 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:32.100 for 00:29:32.100 --> 00:29:32.900 consider 00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:33.460 him 00:29:33.460 --> 00:29:34.840 who 00:29:34.840 --> 00:29:35.060 has 00:29:35.060 --> 00:29:35.560 endured 00:29:35.560 --> 00:29:35.960 such 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.500 hostility 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:36.759 by 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.120 sinners 00:29:37.120 --> 00:29:37.460 against 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.019 himself 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:38.779 so that 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:38.900 you 00:29:38.900 --> 00:29:39.060 will 00:29:39.060 --> 00:29:39.300 not 00:29:39.300 --> 00:29:39.519 grow 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:39.779 weary 00:29:39.779 --> 00:29:39.980 and 00:29:39.980 --> 00:29:40.200 lose 00:29:40.200 --> 00:29:40.519 heart 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:42.480 consider 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:42.880 him 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:44.540 in the 00:29:44.540 --> 00:29:44.740 first 00:29:44.740 --> 00:29:45.040 service 00:29:45.040 --> 00:29:45.580 I mentioned 00:29:45.580 --> 00:29:46.040 this 00:29:46.040 --> 00:29:46.660 unfortunate 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:47.160 truth 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:47.480 about 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:47.920 students 00:29:47.920 --> 00:29:48.240 in our 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:48.480 day 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.980 we 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.240 often 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:50.620 require 00:29:50.620 --> 00:29:51.019 students 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:51.220 to 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:51.660 attend 00:29:51.660 --> 00:29:52.440 what 00:29:52.440 --> 00:29:52.540 we 00:29:52.540 --> 00:29:52.700 used 00:29:52.700 --> 00:29:52.820 to 00:29:52.820 --> 00:29:52.960 call 00:29:52.960 --> 00:29:53.420 cultural 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:53.920 events 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:54.680 now 00:29:54.680 --> 00:29:54.759 we 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:54.860 have 00:29:54.860 --> 00:29:55.039 another 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:55.240 name 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:55.360 for 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:55.600 that 00:29:55.600 --> 00:29:56.039 but 00:29:56.039 --> 00:29:56.360 basically 00:29:56.360 --> 00:29:56.660 go to 00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:56.779 a 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.120 concert 00:29:57.120 --> 00:29:57.480 go to 00:29:57.480 --> 00:29:57.600 a 00:29:57.600 --> 00:29:57.900 play 00:29:57.900 --> 00:29:58.279 go to 00:29:58.279 --> 00:29:58.539 something 00:29:58.539 --> 00:29:58.900 that will 00:29:58.900 --> 00:29:59.380 help them 00:29:59.380 --> 00:29:59.620 better 00:29:59.620 --> 00:30:00.160 understand 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:01.160 what culture 00:30:01.160 --> 00:30:01.440 in the 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.000 western world 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:02.440 is like 00:30:02.440 --> 00:30:03.920 and when 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:04.240 I used 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:04.500 to go 00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:04.980 and monitor 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:05.279 these 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:05.779 events 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:06.800 I noticed 00:30:06.800 --> 00:30:07.539 the students 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.580 would sit 00:30:08.580 --> 00:30:09.019 there and 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:09.320 listen 00:30:09.320 --> 00:30:10.000 politely 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:11.140 but as soon 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:11.420 as the 00:30:11.420 --> 00:30:11.980 intermission 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:12.519 came 00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:13.279 they'd 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:13.620 pull out 00:30:13.620 --> 00:30:13.880 of their 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:14.400 pocket 00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:14.740 a 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.200 smartphone 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:16.080 and they 00:30:16.080 --> 00:30:16.279 start 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:16.500 doing 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:16.900 this 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:18.740 somebody 00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:19.060 told me 00:30:19.060 --> 00:30:19.259 the other 00:30:19.259 --> 00:30:19.420 day 00:30:19.420 --> 00:30:19.660 by the 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:19.759 way 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:19.960 that's 00:30:19.960 --> 00:30:20.220 called 00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:20.800 doom 00:30:20.800 --> 00:30:21.620 scrolling 00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:21.700 ! 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:26.680 Doom 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:27.180 scrolling 00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:28.740 just 00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:29.920 endlessly 00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.240 going 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:30.580 through 00:30:30.580 --> 00:30:31.180 the 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:32.580 social 00:30:32.580 --> 00:30:32.880 media 00:30:32.880 --> 00:30:33.220 pages 00:30:33.220 --> 00:30:33.500 right? 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:35.340 The whole 00:30:35.340 --> 00:30:35.759 time 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:35.960 of the 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:36.380 intermission 00:30:36.380 --> 00:30:36.620 they're 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:36.840 doom 00:30:36.840 --> 00:30:37.259 scrolling 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:37.880 and then 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.279 as soon 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:38.660 as the 00:30:38.660 --> 00:30:39.160 performer 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:39.700 comes back 00:30:39.700 --> 00:30:39.960 they put 00:30:39.960 --> 00:30:40.120 their 00:30:40.120 --> 00:30:40.320 phone 00:30:40.320 --> 00:30:40.480 away 00:30:40.480 --> 00:30:43.160 and they 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:43.380 listen 00:30:43.380 --> 00:30:43.580 to the 00:30:43.580 --> 00:30:44.000 performance 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:45.860 I contrast 00:30:45.860 --> 00:30:46.400 that with 00:30:46.400 --> 00:30:46.720 my own 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:47.160 experience 00:30:47.160 --> 00:30:47.460 when I 00:30:47.460 --> 00:30:47.700 used to 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:47.920 go to 00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.360 recitals 00:30:48.360 --> 00:30:48.680 as a 00:30:48.680 --> 00:30:48.920 music 00:30:48.920 --> 00:30:49.259 major 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:49.560 back 00:30:49.560 --> 00:30:49.759 in 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:50.660 my 00:30:50.660 --> 00:30:50.880 day 00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:51.039 in 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:51.420 college 00:30:51.420 --> 00:30:52.580 we 00:30:52.580 --> 00:30:52.720 didn't 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:52.900 have 00:30:52.900 --> 00:30:53.340 smartphones 00:30:53.339 --> 00:30:54.779 guess 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:55.079 what I 00:30:55.079 --> 00:30:55.279 did 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.519 during 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:55.679 the 00:30:55.679 --> 00:30:56.079 intermission 00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:58.819 I 00:30:58.819 --> 00:30:59.559 pondered 00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:00.279 things 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:04.519 I 00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:04.980 thought 00:31:04.980 --> 00:31:05.399 about 00:31:05.399 --> 00:31:06.759 ideas 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:08.220 I 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:08.879 processed 00:31:08.879 --> 00:31:09.480 what I 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:09.899 had just 00:31:09.899 --> 00:31:10.319 seen 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:10.579 in the 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:11.039 performance 00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:12.639 I 00:31:12.639 --> 00:31:12.879 took 00:31:12.879 --> 00:31:13.159 some 00:31:13.159 --> 00:31:13.599 time 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:13.899 to 00:31:13.899 --> 00:31:14.559 reflect 00:31:14.559 --> 00:31:16.679 now 00:31:16.679 --> 00:31:17.000 this 00:31:17.000 --> 00:31:17.339 bothers 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.679 me a 00:31:17.679 --> 00:31:17.799 little 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.099 bit 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:18.919 because 00:31:18.919 --> 00:31:19.240 as I'm 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:19.480 looking 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:19.980 around 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:20.839 when 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:21.740 our 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:22.000 young 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:22.359 people 00:31:22.359 --> 00:31:22.779 and for 00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:23.000 that 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:23.319 matter 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:23.799 any 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:24.299 people 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:24.599 in 00:31:24.599 --> 00:31:24.759 our 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.140 culture 00:31:25.140 --> 00:31:26.019 ever 00:31:26.019 --> 00:31:27.099 pondering 00:31:27.099 --> 00:31:27.740 anything 00:31:27.740 --> 00:31:30.680 we don't 00:31:30.680 --> 00:31:31.079 have time 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:31.539 to ponder 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:33.299 every 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:33.920 single 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:34.359 second 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:34.720 of our 00:31:34.720 --> 00:31:34.980 day 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:35.440 is taken 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:35.839 up with 00:31:35.839 --> 00:31:36.140 some 00:31:36.140 --> 00:31:36.700 activity 00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.740 we never 00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:38.220 think 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:40.759 that's a 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.220 bit of a 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:41.559 problem 00:31:41.559 --> 00:31:41.960 for a 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:42.319 Christian 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:44.119 because 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:44.779 the author 00:31:44.779 --> 00:31:45.319 of Hebrews 00:31:45.319 --> 00:31:46.019 tells his 00:31:46.019 --> 00:31:46.359 audience 00:31:46.359 --> 00:31:46.740 what 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:48.099 consider 00:31:48.099 --> 00:31:49.299 him 00:31:49.299 --> 00:31:49.680 who is 00:31:49.680 --> 00:31:49.940 him 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:51.680 consider 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.360 him 00:31:52.360 --> 00:31:53.740 consider 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.440 him 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:55.340 who has 00:31:55.340 --> 00:31:55.920 endured 00:31:55.920 --> 00:31:56.440 such 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:57.140 hostility 00:31:57.140 --> 00:31:57.420 by 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:57.960 sinners 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:58.380 against 00:31:58.380 --> 00:31:59.080 himself 00:31:59.080 --> 00:32:00.500 and why 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.279 should we 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:01.700 do that 00:32:01.700 --> 00:32:03.779 so we 00:32:03.779 --> 00:32:04.059 will not 00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:04.519 grow weary 00:32:04.519 --> 00:32:04.900 and lose 00:32:04.900 --> 00:32:05.240 heart 00:32:05.240 --> 00:32:06.980 Jesus 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.299 has 00:32:07.299 --> 00:32:07.859 pioneered 00:32:07.859 --> 00:32:08.200 the way 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:08.759 for us 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:10.000 and if 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:10.380 we'll just 00:32:10.380 --> 00:32:11.180 reflect on 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:11.500 him 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:12.519 and what 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:12.980 he's done 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:13.279 on our 00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:13.880 behalf 00:32:13.880 --> 00:32:14.859 we'll actually 00:32:14.859 --> 00:32:15.400 find the 00:32:15.400 --> 00:32:15.740 answer 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.660 to the 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:17.039 struggles 00:32:17.039 --> 00:32:17.500 that we 00:32:17.500 --> 00:32:18.000 face 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.839 in the 00:32:18.839 --> 00:32:19.299 race 00:32:19.299 --> 00:32:20.000 that we're 00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:20.359 running 00:32:20.359 --> 00:32:22.579 so this 00:32:22.579 --> 00:32:23.000 morning I 00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:23.480 just want to 00:32:23.480 --> 00:32:24.099 encourage you 00:32:24.099 --> 00:32:24.579 with these 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:25.099 ideas 00:32:25.099 --> 00:32:26.139 we are 00:32:26.139 --> 00:32:26.919 called as 00:32:26.919 --> 00:32:27.399 believers 00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:28.159 to an 00:32:28.159 --> 00:32:28.699 enduring 00:32:28.699 --> 00:32:29.359 faith 00:32:29.359 --> 00:32:31.779 but 00:32:31.779 --> 00:32:32.299 sometimes 00:32:32.299 --> 00:32:32.619 there are 00:32:32.619 --> 00:32:32.839 great 00:32:32.839 --> 00:32:33.379 challenges 00:32:33.379 --> 00:32:34.699 that we 00:32:34.699 --> 00:32:35.079 meet 00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:36.179 as we 00:32:36.179 --> 00:32:36.599 seek to 00:32:36.599 --> 00:32:36.980 walk with 00:32:36.980 --> 00:32:37.259 the Lord 00:32:37.259 --> 00:32:37.759 there are 00:32:37.759 --> 00:32:39.099 expectations 00:32:39.099 --> 00:32:41.139 that our 00:32:41.139 --> 00:32:41.719 culture 00:32:41.719 --> 00:32:42.339 puts on 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:42.740 us 00:32:42.740 --> 00:32:44.279 there are 00:32:44.279 --> 00:32:45.179 pressures 00:32:45.179 --> 00:32:47.079 from those 00:32:47.079 --> 00:32:47.519 who would 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:48.339 call themselves 00:32:48.339 --> 00:32:48.859 religious 00:32:48.859 --> 00:32:50.799 there are 00:32:50.799 --> 00:32:51.759 all kinds 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:53.000 of currents 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:53.519 that are at 00:32:53.519 --> 00:32:54.059 work in our 00:32:54.059 --> 00:32:54.779 lives to 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:55.319 turn us 00:32:55.319 --> 00:32:55.960 away from 00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:56.420 following 00:32:56.420 --> 00:32:57.039 Jesus 00:32:57.039 --> 00:33:00.720 but here's 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:00.960 the good 00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:01.359 news 00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:02.399 Jesus 00:33:02.399 --> 00:33:03.180 himself 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:05.539 has 00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:06.279 pioneered 00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:06.819 the way 00:33:06.819 --> 00:33:08.579 for us 00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:08.879 to have 00:33:08.879 --> 00:33:09.279 enduring 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:09.660 faith 00:33:09.660 --> 00:33:10.059 and so I 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:10.599 challenge you 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:10.920 today 00:33:10.920 --> 00:33:11.680 I don't know 00:33:11.680 --> 00:33:12.000 what you're 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:12.279 facing 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:13.000 specifically 00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:14.079 I don't 00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:14.359 know what 00:33:14.359 --> 00:33:14.859 issues you 00:33:14.859 --> 00:33:15.279 have 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:16.039 but the 00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:16.460 spirit of 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:17.000 God does 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:18.480 and now as 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:18.879 we move to 00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:19.319 a time of 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:19.819 invitation 00:33:19.819 --> 00:33:20.559 I invite 00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:21.200 you to 00:33:21.200 --> 00:33:21.839 reflect 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:24.119 consider 00:33:24.119 --> 00:33:25.279 Jesus 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:26.879 in light 00:33:26.879 --> 00:33:27.159 of your 00:33:27.159 --> 00:33:27.439 own 00:33:27.439 --> 00:33:27.959 struggles 00:33:27.959 --> 00:33:29.699 and sins 00:33:29.699 --> 00:33:30.899 and the 00:33:30.899 --> 00:33:31.359 weight 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:31.919 that you 00:33:31.919 --> 00:33:32.579 carry in 00:33:32.579 --> 00:33:33.359 this race 00:33:33.359 --> 00:33:35.059 and see 00:33:35.059 --> 00:33:35.699 him 00:33:35.699 --> 00:33:37.859 heartening 00:33:37.859 --> 00:33:38.299 you 00:33:38.299 --> 00:33:40.419 building you 00:33:40.419 --> 00:33:40.879 up 00:33:40.879 --> 00:33:43.419 by his 00:33:43.419 --> 00:33:44.199 great 00:33:44.199 --> 00:33:44.699 example 00:33:44.699 --> 00:33:45.619 the greater 00:33:45.619 --> 00:33:46.179 example 00:33:46.179 --> 00:33:47.500 of the model 00:33:47.500 --> 00:33:48.019 of faith 00:33:48.019 --> 00:33:49.119 and I 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:49.539 pray as 00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:49.779 you do 00:33:49.779 --> 00:33:50.099 that 00:33:50.099 --> 00:33:50.700 you'll 00:33:50.700 --> 00:33:51.099 allow the 00:33:51.099 --> 00:33:51.539 spirit of 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:51.980 God to 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:52.440 shape you 00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:52.839 into his 00:33:52.839 --> 00:33:53.220 image 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:55.559 I invite you 00:33:55.559 --> 00:33:55.779 to pray 00:33:55.779 --> 00:33:56.119 with me 00:33:56.119 --> 00:33:56.539 father we 00:33:56.539 --> 00:33:57.000 thank you 00:33:57.000 --> 00:33:59.180 for an 00:33:59.180 --> 00:33:59.639 opportunity 00:33:59.639 --> 00:34:00.700 to consider 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:01.240 these great 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:01.920 truths today 00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:03.799 thank you for 00:34:03.799 --> 00:34:04.259 the author of 00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:04.839 Hebrews and 00:34:04.839 --> 00:34:05.299 the text 00:34:05.299 --> 00:34:05.799 that he 00:34:05.799 --> 00:34:06.779 penned 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:07.779 lord thank 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:08.519 you that 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:09.099 it addresses 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:09.659 the very 00:34:09.659 --> 00:34:10.420 concerns we 00:34:10.420 --> 00:34:10.780 have 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:12.340 we're living 00:34:12.340 --> 00:34:12.920 in a time 00:34:12.920 --> 00:34:13.340 with a lot 00:34:13.340 --> 00:34:13.920 of cultural 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:14.559 and religious 00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:15.079 pressure 00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:16.980 we're living 00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:17.779 in a time 00:34:17.779 --> 00:34:19.559 where there 00:34:19.559 --> 00:34:20.099 are so many 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:20.739 alternatives 00:34:20.739 --> 00:34:22.480 to taking 00:34:22.480 --> 00:34:23.079 a moment 00:34:23.079 --> 00:34:23.880 and thinking 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:25.719 and reflecting 00:34:25.719 --> 00:34:27.699 and pondering 00:34:27.699 --> 00:34:28.719 these truths 00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.679 and allowing 00:34:29.679 --> 00:34:30.480 your spirit 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:31.239 to apply 00:34:31.239 --> 00:34:31.840 your word 00:34:31.840 --> 00:34:32.559 to our lives 00:34:32.559 --> 00:34:33.179 and hearts 00:34:33.179 --> 00:34:34.380 we're so 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:34.819 busy 00:34:34.819 --> 00:34:38.019 that we're 00:34:38.019 --> 00:34:38.779 missing life 00:34:38.779 --> 00:34:41.679 so I pray 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:42.059 for these 00:34:42.059 --> 00:34:42.519 my brothers 00:34:42.519 --> 00:34:43.059 and sisters 00:34:43.059 --> 00:34:43.460 today 00:34:43.460 --> 00:34:44.299 perhaps you're 00:34:44.299 --> 00:34:44.699 Christians 00:34:44.699 --> 00:34:45.059 here 00:34:45.059 --> 00:34:45.739 who would 00:34:45.739 --> 00:34:46.199 hear these 00:34:46.199 --> 00:34:46.719 words and 00:34:46.719 --> 00:34:47.079 say you 00:34:47.079 --> 00:34:47.420 know that's 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:48.139 exactly right 00:34:48.139 --> 00:34:50.239 I need to 00:34:50.239 --> 00:34:50.559 make some 00:34:50.559 --> 00:34:51.079 changes 00:34:51.079 --> 00:34:52.679 my faith 00:34:52.679 --> 00:34:53.039 has been 00:34:53.039 --> 00:34:53.880 under attack 00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:54.679 I've been 00:34:54.679 --> 00:34:55.179 struggling 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:56.519 and one of 00:34:56.519 --> 00:34:56.900 the reasons 00:34:56.900 --> 00:34:57.619 is because I 00:34:57.619 --> 00:34:58.179 haven't taken 00:34:58.179 --> 00:34:59.340 time to 00:34:59.340 --> 00:35:00.320 fix my eyes 00:35:00.320 --> 00:35:01.000 on Jesus 00:35:01.000 --> 00:35:03.599 the exemplar 00:35:03.599 --> 00:35:05.019 of enduring 00:35:05.019 --> 00:35:05.500 faith 00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:07.000 and to 00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:07.599 follow him 00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:09.679 lord perhaps 00:35:09.679 --> 00:35:10.440 another person 00:35:10.440 --> 00:35:10.940 today would 00:35:10.940 --> 00:35:12.179 say you 00:35:12.179 --> 00:35:12.519 know Dr. 00:35:12.599 --> 00:35:12.960 Rankin when 00:35:12.960 --> 00:35:13.440 you talked 00:35:13.440 --> 00:35:14.079 about those 00:35:14.079 --> 00:35:15.159 encumbrances 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:15.639 those 00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:16.440 weights 00:35:16.440 --> 00:35:17.599 those sins 00:35:17.599 --> 00:35:18.340 that were 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.019 holding the 00:35:19.019 --> 00:35:19.900 runners back 00:35:19.900 --> 00:35:21.279 I knew 00:35:21.279 --> 00:35:21.739 immediately 00:35:21.739 --> 00:35:22.119 what was 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:22.539 holding me 00:35:22.539 --> 00:35:22.900 back 00:35:22.900 --> 00:35:24.920 so I pray 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:25.400 Lord right 00:35:25.400 --> 00:35:25.819 now give 00:35:25.819 --> 00:35:26.380 that person 00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:27.139 courage and 00:35:27.139 --> 00:35:27.639 strength 00:35:27.639 --> 00:35:28.799 to confess 00:35:28.799 --> 00:35:29.599 their sins 00:35:29.599 --> 00:35:30.980 to repent 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:30.980 00:35:30.980 --> 00:35:32.099 and turn 00:35:32.099 --> 00:35:32.619 back 00:35:32.619 --> 00:35:34.500 devoting 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:34.980 their lives 00:35:34.980 --> 00:35:35.400 again to 00:35:35.400 --> 00:35:35.679 you 00:35:35.679 --> 00:35:37.179 and allowing 00:35:37.179 --> 00:35:37.779 your spirit 00:35:37.779 --> 00:35:38.299 to cleanse 00:35:38.299 --> 00:35:39.579 them and 00:35:39.579 --> 00:35:40.179 to conform 00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:41.319 them to 00:35:41.319 --> 00:35:41.799 the image 00:35:41.799 --> 00:35:42.380 of Jesus 00:35:42.380 --> 00:35:44.719 and perhaps 00:35:44.719 --> 00:35:45.339 there's one 00:35:45.339 --> 00:35:45.960 here today 00:35:45.960 --> 00:35:47.440 under the 00:35:47.440 --> 00:35:47.960 pressures 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:50.019 and expectations 00:35:50.019 --> 00:35:50.860 of a fallen 00:35:50.860 --> 00:35:52.199 world who 00:35:52.199 --> 00:35:52.559 has been 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:53.339 afraid to 00:35:53.339 --> 00:35:53.980 trust in 00:35:53.980 --> 00:35:54.759 Jesus and 00:35:54.759 --> 00:35:55.500 publicly 00:35:55.500 --> 00:35:57.819 announce him 00:35:57.820 --> 00:35:58.240 a savior 00:35:58.240 --> 00:35:58.760 and Lord 00:35:58.760 --> 00:36:01.059 God I 00:36:01.059 --> 00:36:01.500 pray for that 00:36:01.500 --> 00:36:02.140 person today 00:36:02.140 --> 00:36:02.539 that you 00:36:02.539 --> 00:36:02.880 would draw 00:36:02.880 --> 00:36:03.180 them to 00:36:03.180 --> 00:36:03.559 Christ 00:36:03.559 --> 00:36:04.720 that you 00:36:04.720 --> 00:36:05.039 would help 00:36:05.039 --> 00:36:05.480 them see 00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:06.200 there is no 00:36:06.200 --> 00:36:06.960 other name 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:07.559 under heaven 00:36:07.559 --> 00:36:08.160 by which they 00:36:08.160 --> 00:36:08.539 must be 00:36:08.539 --> 00:36:09.000 saved 00:36:09.000 --> 00:36:11.080 there's no 00:36:11.080 --> 00:36:11.640 way to deal 00:36:11.640 --> 00:36:12.360 with sin 00:36:12.360 --> 00:36:13.660 aside from 00:36:13.660 --> 00:36:14.160 the one 00:36:14.160 --> 00:36:15.019 sacrifice 00:36:15.019 --> 00:36:16.059 Jesus offered 00:36:16.059 --> 00:36:16.580 once for 00:36:16.580 --> 00:36:16.980 all 00:36:16.980 --> 00:36:18.820 and Lord I 00:36:18.820 --> 00:36:19.519 pray that you 00:36:19.519 --> 00:36:20.700 would draw 00:36:20.700 --> 00:36:21.019 them to 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:21.559 yourself 00:36:21.559 --> 00:36:23.800 and Lord 00:36:23.800 --> 00:36:24.400 spiritually 00:36:24.400 --> 00:36:25.460 regenerate them 00:36:25.460 --> 00:36:25.920 that they may 00:36:25.920 --> 00:36:26.260 be born 00:36:26.260 --> 00:36:26.580 again 00:36:26.579 --> 00:36:28.340 Lord we 00:36:28.340 --> 00:36:28.579 give you 00:36:28.579 --> 00:36:29.019 this time 00:36:29.019 --> 00:36:29.639 of invitation 00:36:29.639 --> 00:36:30.319 and ask you 00:36:30.319 --> 00:36:30.799 to work 00:36:30.799 --> 00:36:32.019 unhindered by 00:36:32.019 --> 00:36:32.519 your spirit 00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:33.000 in our lives 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:33.460 and hearts 00:36:33.460 --> 00:36:34.559 help us 00:36:34.559 --> 00:36:35.500 to live out 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:36.599 the enduring 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:37.340 faith the 00:36:37.340 --> 00:36:37.840 author of 00:36:37.840 --> 00:36:38.219 Hebrews 00:36:38.219 --> 00:36:39.860 encourages us 00:36:39.860 --> 00:36:40.559 to embrace 00:36:40.559 --> 00:36:41.819 for we pray 00:36:41.819 --> 00:36:42.279 it in Jesus 00:36:42.279 --> 00:36:42.659 name 00:36:42.659 --> 00:36:43.779 invite you 00:36:43.779 --> 00:36:43.880 to