WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.720 Please take your copy of God's Word and join me in Hebrews chapter 12. 00:00:06.360 --> 00:00:10.419 Our text for this morning is Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1-3. 00:00:12.939 --> 00:00:19.440 While you're getting there, let me remind you that this letter was written by an unknown author. 00:00:19.440 --> 00:00:23.980 There's some good guesses, but we're not entirely sure who wrote this letter. 00:00:24.379 --> 00:00:27.980 But we do know that he wrote it to a group of Hellenistic Jews 00:00:27.980 --> 00:00:32.280 that lived on the outskirts of Rome who had suffered much. 00:00:32.600 --> 00:00:35.960 Keep that in mind. This is a beleaguered church. 00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:37.719 They are beaten down. 00:00:37.820 --> 00:00:42.579 And they have seen many who once claimed to follow Christ leave their midst. 00:00:43.020 --> 00:00:48.400 And the author here is making this case that Jesus, the way of Jesus, 00:00:48.579 --> 00:00:51.439 is better than the way of Judaism. 00:00:51.640 --> 00:00:54.659 It's better than the systems of the world. 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:57.299 It's the more excellent way. 00:00:57.299 --> 00:01:04.200 And he has begun to talk about the need to persevere in faith in the way of Jesus. 00:01:04.340 --> 00:01:08.259 And we've been talking about this at length in the past months. 00:01:08.859 --> 00:01:16.159 So we come to a most beautiful and pivotal text in the letter of Hebrews. 00:01:16.579 --> 00:01:19.379 And we may have been able to meet last week. 00:01:19.379 --> 00:01:24.479 I am at least in part glad that we didn't because it gave me a whole extra week 00:01:24.479 --> 00:01:29.079 to just camp in these first three verses of Hebrews chapter 12. 00:01:29.340 --> 00:01:31.379 It has much to say. 00:01:31.599 --> 00:01:38.039 And I hope that my mind won't quickly leave it even as we depart from each other today. 00:01:38.040 --> 00:01:43.140 Before I read it for you, let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us, 00:01:43.300 --> 00:01:46.260 that it was written for his glory and our good. 00:01:46.960 --> 00:01:50.560 And as such, we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:52.480 and to obey its commands. 00:01:53.300 --> 00:01:55.500 Hebrews 12, beginning of verse 1 and following. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:02:02.519 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 00:02:03.260 --> 00:02:07.359 let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:11.800 and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:16.780 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, 00:02:17.300 --> 00:02:20.780 who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:25.939 despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:02:26.740 --> 00:02:30.879 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself 00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:35.280 so that you may not grow weary or faint-hearted. 00:02:36.340 --> 00:02:41.900 We have been told by the author of Hebrews in chapter 10 and verse 39 00:02:41.900 --> 00:02:46.560 that we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, 00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:51.840 but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. 00:02:52.920 --> 00:02:57.680 True Christ followers, those who really belong to Jesus, 00:02:58.180 --> 00:03:03.099 will persevere and they will do so by faith. 00:03:04.039 --> 00:03:10.719 He then proceeds in the beginning of chapter 11 to give us a description of faith. 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:11.819 Verse 1 says, 00:03:11.819 --> 00:03:15.859 Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, 00:03:16.599 --> 00:03:20.719 the conviction of things not seen. 00:03:21.079 --> 00:03:26.019 Faith is a trust that all that God has said would come to pass 00:03:26.019 --> 00:03:29.060 will in fact come to pass. 00:03:29.299 --> 00:03:33.000 It's unwavering belief in God. 00:03:33.099 --> 00:03:35.579 And then in verse 2 of chapter 11 he says, 00:03:35.580 --> 00:03:42.760 For by it the people of old received their commendation or approval. 00:03:43.340 --> 00:03:47.200 It was by their faith that they were approved. 00:03:48.040 --> 00:03:51.260 The remainder of chapter 11 is him, the author, 00:03:51.400 --> 00:03:56.560 recounting the faith of this so great a cloud of witnesses. 00:03:57.240 --> 00:04:00.740 He has spoken of the faith of Abel and Enoch and Noah. 00:04:00.740 --> 00:04:05.060 He has told us of the faith of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:09.700 He has expounded on the faith of Moses and the Exodus Israelites. 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:13.680 And in a sweeping manner he has summarized the faithfulness 00:04:13.680 --> 00:04:16.879 of the rest of the Old Testament's people of old 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:20.019 who received their approval by faith. 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:25.019 All of this recounting is not without a point. 00:04:25.819 --> 00:04:30.100 And today's text tells us exactly what that point is. 00:04:30.740 --> 00:04:35.300 The author says at the beginning of chapter 12 and verse 1, 00:04:35.720 --> 00:04:39.280 Therefore, because of all that I've said in chapter 11, 00:04:39.480 --> 00:04:45.560 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. 00:04:46.500 --> 00:04:51.819 This text sets forth for us a metaphor of the Christian life as a race. 00:04:51.819 --> 00:04:56.920 And it begins with the idea of us being surrounded by witnesses. 00:04:56.920 --> 00:05:01.500 The author of Hebrews is likely drawing on the Roman Olympics. 00:05:01.660 --> 00:05:06.580 This would have been very fresh and present in his original audience's mind. 00:05:07.020 --> 00:05:11.900 Held in very large coliseums, these events would have taken place. 00:05:12.439 --> 00:05:18.139 Thousands and tens of thousands of people in attendance to watch such races. 00:05:18.139 --> 00:05:20.459 He is saying to us, 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:27.579 Look at those who have gone before you and are looking on, cheering you on. 00:05:28.620 --> 00:05:34.740 However, this throng here called so great a cloud is not merely a passive audience, 00:05:34.740 --> 00:05:42.579 but they are those mentioned in chapter 11 who have run the race before us and have completed it well. 00:05:43.460 --> 00:05:46.319 In the New Testament, a witness is never passive, 00:05:46.860 --> 00:05:51.259 but one who participates in and confirms and attests to the truth. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:54.519 Think of them as retired runners. 00:05:54.519 --> 00:05:59.719 They are those who have already spent their careers at the race, 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:05.120 and they are cheering the race, and they are validating the worth of running it. 00:06:05.500 --> 00:06:05.919 They are saying, 00:06:06.079 --> 00:06:11.879 Yes, our lives were spent well in the running of the race. 00:06:12.759 --> 00:06:19.139 With this opening statement, the author of Hebrews is turning from having us observe the faith of others 00:06:19.139 --> 00:06:22.019 to a faithfulness of our own. 00:06:22.019 --> 00:06:28.279 And he does so with four exhortations that are all exhortations to action. 00:06:29.099 --> 00:06:33.759 So note the four actions, and these will serve as our outline for this morning. 00:06:34.180 --> 00:06:39.000 The first one found in the middle part of verse 1, lay aside. 00:06:39.979 --> 00:06:43.799 The second found at the last part of verse 1, run. 00:06:44.959 --> 00:06:47.959 The third found in verse 2, look. 00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:51.060 And the final found in verse 3. 00:06:52.019 --> 00:06:52.659 Consider. 00:06:53.719 --> 00:06:56.779 So first, lay aside. 00:06:57.459 --> 00:06:58.180 The author writes, 00:06:58.439 --> 00:07:02.240 Let us, so therefore, since we're surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:09.799 let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely. 00:07:10.719 --> 00:07:14.259 The author of Hebrews is further drawing on the race metaphor 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:16.839 in exhorting us to lay aside. 00:07:16.839 --> 00:07:23.319 The laying aside is throwing off everything that would hinder us from running. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:30.860 Some of you may be runners, and you may know that being light and nimble is helpful to your running. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:37.740 Those of you who have been or are currently in the military know that they love to give you things that hinder your running, right? 00:07:37.819 --> 00:07:41.159 That bear you down, boots and packs. 00:07:41.160 --> 00:07:47.700 He's saying throw those things aside if you're going to run well. 00:07:48.700 --> 00:07:54.100 In the Roman arena, racers would have stripped off their clothing, quite often down to nothing, 00:07:54.300 --> 00:07:57.460 and laid it aside before a race. 00:07:57.459 --> 00:08:02.120 They did not run races in long tunics in the Roman Olympics, right? 00:08:02.419 --> 00:08:07.620 The race is too important to be hindered in the running of it. 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:09.799 We must complete it. 00:08:09.859 --> 00:08:11.659 We must get to the end. 00:08:12.159 --> 00:08:15.399 If we are to be not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, 00:08:15.759 --> 00:08:19.699 but of those who have faith and preserve their souls, 00:08:19.859 --> 00:08:22.439 again, Hebrews 10 and verse 39, 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:29.519 then we are going to have to be unfettered, unhindered in the running of this race. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:34.519 It is these hindrances he's referring to with the phrase, 00:08:35.259 --> 00:08:36.960 every weight. 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:43.759 Let us also lay aside, just like all those people I've referred to in chapter 11, 00:08:43.899 --> 00:08:49.240 let us also lay aside every weight. 00:08:49.240 --> 00:08:56.820 What is weighing you down in your pursuit of your Christian faith? 00:08:57.340 --> 00:09:00.299 What is hindering you from running well? 00:09:01.519 --> 00:09:03.860 The author here is not referring to sin, 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:06.759 as he will go on to exhort the laying aside of sin, 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:10.720 but rather there are things that tempt us to sin 00:09:10.720 --> 00:09:14.899 or keep us distracted from the race. 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:21.759 Perhaps you need to lay aside a harmful friendship or relationship, 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:27.659 a place, a habit, a pleasure, an entertainment. 00:09:28.899 --> 00:09:32.459 Maybe there is something in your life that is not inherently evil, 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:35.879 but you've been giving it the power to prevent you from running, 00:09:36.319 --> 00:09:37.100 as you should. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:42.039 Whatever it may be, lay it aside. 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:45.939 The race is too important to hang on to it. 00:09:46.339 --> 00:09:48.919 Toss it down that you might run. 00:09:49.740 --> 00:09:50.879 Determine to do so. 00:09:51.559 --> 00:09:54.120 Pray for the grace of God to do so, 00:09:54.899 --> 00:09:55.620 then act. 00:09:56.360 --> 00:09:59.159 Act for the preservation of your soul. 00:10:00.139 --> 00:10:02.480 Show yourself to be a Christian 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:07.039 by running well the race that is the Christian life. 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:14.860 The author further exhorts us to lay aside the sin which clings so closely. 00:10:15.740 --> 00:10:18.240 I do not believe that he would exclude any sin 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:22.259 from necessity of needing to lay it aside. 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:27.299 But I think he is most likely referring to particular sin, 00:10:27.559 --> 00:10:29.279 which may be different for each one of us. 00:10:29.579 --> 00:10:33.159 He calls it sin which clings so closely. 00:10:33.159 --> 00:10:38.740 And I suggest to you that he is referring to the sin which tends to entangle you. 00:10:39.139 --> 00:10:40.100 So in the race metaphor, 00:10:40.299 --> 00:10:43.519 I think of it as that thing that tends to get around my feet. 00:10:43.879 --> 00:10:50.000 What is that sin that clings so closely in my life? 00:10:50.559 --> 00:10:53.519 These sins were once called by saints of old, 00:10:54.039 --> 00:10:55.879 besetting sins. 00:10:56.299 --> 00:11:01.740 The things that we seem to go back to again and again and again. 00:11:01.740 --> 00:11:06.360 What sin tends to slow you down? 00:11:07.539 --> 00:11:09.759 Maybe pride or envy. 00:11:10.820 --> 00:11:14.639 Perhaps self-sufficiency or self-righteousness. 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:16.639 Sexual impurity. 00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:17.940 Anger. 00:11:18.840 --> 00:11:22.899 Licentiousness of any kind or legalism. 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:27.879 Whatever it may be, lay it aside. 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:29.120 This is the exhortation. 00:11:29.299 --> 00:11:30.200 Cast it off. 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:34.700 Stop giving it the power to hinder your race. 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:36.680 Lay it aside. 00:11:37.540 --> 00:11:38.620 Determine to do so. 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:40.840 Pray for the grace to do so. 00:11:41.580 --> 00:11:42.400 Then act. 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:44.800 Act for the preservation of your soul. 00:11:45.440 --> 00:11:51.120 Show yourself to be a Christian by running well the race that is the Christian life. 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:56.100 Secondly, the exhortation to run. 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:58.039 The end of verse 1. 00:11:58.179 --> 00:11:59.080 And let us. 00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:05.840 After we've become unhindered, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:11.240 The author tells us specifically to run with endurance. 00:12:11.240 --> 00:12:15.659 The race is not a short race. 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:26.019 If you have lived at all laboring to be faithful to the way of Christ, you have felt the length of the race already. 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:28.159 Our lives are but a breath. 00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:32.059 But in our experience, the race is long. 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:37.219 The author has in mind the great effort that it takes to run. 00:12:37.219 --> 00:12:38.239 Be clear. 00:12:38.399 --> 00:12:39.719 It is work to run. 00:12:40.319 --> 00:12:43.739 He does not say stroll with endurance. 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:51.120 But he does not have in mind a sprint, but rather a marathon. 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:59.560 The Christian life most often is a work of degrees. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:03.639 Being changed from one degree of glory to another. 00:13:04.180 --> 00:13:07.060 It's a slow and a patient work. 00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:11.139 God seems pleased to work amongst his people in this way. 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:15.179 This has been one of the largest lessons I have learned in a pastor over the past decade. 00:13:15.399 --> 00:13:23.279 Is that the typical work of the pastor and of the church is a slow and patient work. 00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:30.419 Beloved, if you are in Jesus Christ this morning, you've been saved by grace alone through faith alone. 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:34.059 Which is the guarantee that you will complete the race. 00:13:34.819 --> 00:13:38.840 But it will take effort on your part. 00:13:38.840 --> 00:13:42.100 This effort will be all of grace. 00:13:42.560 --> 00:13:47.480 At the end of our lives, we will never say, look how good I did running the race. 00:13:47.600 --> 00:13:52.720 We will say, praise God for the grace I needed to run the race. 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:56.300 We have our very being because of the gracious work of God in us. 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:59.860 But it will feel hard. 00:13:59.860 --> 00:14:04.039 The experience of God will take effort. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:10.680 You cannot merely sit back on your laurels and expect to finish the race. 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:17.539 You cannot wait for God to animate you in the running of the race. 00:14:18.080 --> 00:14:20.379 That's why I'm saying to you, determine to do so. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.720 Pray for the grace to do so. 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:23.639 Then act. 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:26.279 The effort will be all of grace. 00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:29.059 But it will feel hard. 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:31.139 It will feel like work. 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:34.519 And the exhortation here is that we would do that work. 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:37.960 That we would run with endurance. 00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:42.419 The Lord has yet to remove us from our fallen bodies. 00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:46.639 And the work that he has given us to do will take effort. 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.620 Run with endurance. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:53.159 Run steadfastly to the end. 00:14:54.580 --> 00:15:01.799 William Barclay, who is a 20th century Scottish pastor and professor, once described this endurance in the following way. 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:08.019 That determination, he writes, unhasting and unresting. 00:15:08.560 --> 00:15:10.659 Unhurrying and yet undelaying. 00:15:11.060 --> 00:15:14.560 Which goes steadily on and which refuses to be deflected. 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:16.860 Obstacles will not daunt it. 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:18.840 Delays will not depress it. 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:21.899 Discourigence will not take its hope away. 00:15:22.700 --> 00:15:25.440 It will halt neither for discouragement from within. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:28.740 Nor for opposition from without. 00:15:29.659 --> 00:15:35.960 The Puritans called what I believe the author here is describing as running with endurance. 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:37.620 As plotting. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:40.840 Which has a bit of a different picture in my mind. 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:43.240 Heavy footsteps. 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:45.620 You walk in the mud in boots. 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:47.200 And your boots get heavier and heavier. 00:15:47.320 --> 00:15:50.639 And you take those hard and difficult heavy steps. 00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:53.120 But you take the steps nonetheless. 00:15:53.379 --> 00:15:54.279 And you take the next step. 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:55.159 And you take the next step. 00:15:55.200 --> 00:15:56.279 And you take the next step. 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.820 Until the end. 00:15:59.860 --> 00:16:01.779 I pray that at the end of your life. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:04.539 You join with Paul who wrote to Timothy. 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:07.600 In 2 Timothy 4 verse 7 and 8. 00:16:07.600 --> 00:16:10.180 I have fought the good fight. 00:16:10.620 --> 00:16:12.940 I have finished the race. 00:16:13.500 --> 00:16:16.320 I have kept the faith. 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:19.659 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:23.100 Which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day. 00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:24.120 And not only to me. 00:16:24.180 --> 00:16:28.180 But also to all who have loved his appearing. 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:31.460 Run the race with endurance. 00:16:31.660 --> 00:16:36.000 Because there is a great reward at the end of that running. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:39.960 The author tells us to run with endurance. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:46.220 He tells us to run with endurance the race that is set before us. 00:16:47.139 --> 00:16:49.360 Therefore, whatever challenge you may face. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.720 Whatever hardship. 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:54.399 Whatever obstacle you can be sure. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:56.679 That it is of God's design. 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:59.460 And that it is for your good. 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:01.539 Nothing escapes his grasp. 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:05.380 It is a race that he has set before us. 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:11.100 And he provides all of the strength necessary that we would run with endurance. 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:12.780 Third. 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:14.360 Look. 00:17:14.780 --> 00:17:16.260 It is the beginning of verse 2. 00:17:17.020 --> 00:17:19.180 Looking to Jesus. 00:17:21.760 --> 00:17:24.740 How are we to run with endurance? 00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.780 Practically how? 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:27.800 By the grace of God. 00:17:27.880 --> 00:17:30.220 But what do we do in order to do this? 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:37.880 How do we maintain such steadfastness in the face of opposition and exhaustion and trouble? 00:17:38.880 --> 00:17:43.019 The author of Hebrews tells us that it begins with looking to Jesus. 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:48.940 He tells us that to run with endurance, we must look to our supreme example. 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:52.160 The example of Jesus. 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:58.100 He uses the title Jesus instead of Jesus Christ or the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:59.000 --> 00:18:01.940 To make an emphasis on his humanity. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:08.180 He lived the persevering faith that we must also possess. 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:15.279 He is, after all, both the founder and perfecter of our faith. 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:20.460 He is literally the pioneer of our faith. 00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:20.740 Right? 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:24.740 He is the firstborn son among many brothers. 00:18:24.899 --> 00:18:27.299 He has gone ahead of us. 00:18:27.379 --> 00:18:29.960 The founder of our faith. 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:31.819 He initiates all faith. 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:33.759 He bestows all faith. 00:18:34.059 --> 00:18:37.779 And he is the supreme example of faithfulness. 00:18:37.779 --> 00:18:47.259 His entire life was characterized by total and complete and unfailing trust in God. 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:50.220 At every turn, he believed God. 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:55.180 He completely yielded his life to the command of his father. 00:18:56.160 --> 00:19:00.240 We gave this some careful thought when we studied chapter 2 and verse 10 of Hebrews. 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.480 Which says, 00:19:01.640 --> 00:19:09.640 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, 00:19:10.180 --> 00:19:16.400 should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:20.440 Note there in chapter 2 and verse 10. 00:19:20.579 --> 00:19:23.660 Both the idea of him being the founder, the pioneer of our faith, 00:19:23.660 --> 00:19:31.019 and him being made perfect himself so that he could be the perfecter of our faith 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:34.519 because he was perfectly faithful. 00:19:35.320 --> 00:19:38.980 The author is looping back in the imagery of Jesus, 00:19:39.100 --> 00:19:44.360 the fully human Jesus pioneering and perfecting faith as our example. 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:47.440 So, we should look to Jesus. 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:53.019 And we should learn from him as the founder and perfecter of our faith. 00:19:53.019 --> 00:19:58.900 And we should take careful note of his motivation in doing this, 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:02.119 in being the founder and being the perfecter. 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:09.420 How was it that Jesus was able to endure the most horrific and the most shameful of deaths? 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:14.299 F.F. Bruce, also a 20th century Scottish Bible scholar, 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:19.460 giving a lot of hats, tips to the 20th century Scottish believers this morning. 00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:22.019 He spoke to the shame of the cross. 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.139 This is F.F. Bruce. 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:28.900 To die by crucifixion was to plumb the lowest depths of disgrace. 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:34.259 It was a punishment reserved for those who were deemed most unfit to live. 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:37.720 A punishment for those who were sub-human. 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:42.460 From so degrading a death, Roman citizens were exempt by ancient statute. 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:51.420 The dignity of the Roman name would be besmirched by being brought into association with anything as vile as the cross. 00:20:52.620 --> 00:20:55.960 Jesus Christ died the death we deserve, 00:20:56.720 --> 00:21:01.740 bearing the reproach of man and the wrath of God on our behalf. 00:21:02.539 --> 00:21:02.960 How? 00:21:02.960 --> 00:21:04.980 How did he do this? 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:08.259 If we're looking to him, what's the lesson we should learn? 00:21:09.180 --> 00:21:10.400 The author of Hebrews tells us, 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:15.640 he endured the cross for the sake of future reward. 00:21:15.640 --> 00:21:19.500 We are told that he despised the shame, 00:21:19.880 --> 00:21:22.040 which means that he disregarded it. 00:21:22.380 --> 00:21:28.100 He didn't put it into account as he considered the suffering that he would endure. 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:30.620 It was shameful, yes. 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:33.360 But he thought it a small thing, 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:39.420 a thing not to be regarded compared to the future reward. 00:21:39.420 --> 00:21:45.759 Didn't even need to be compared because of what awaited him. 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:50.660 The author of Hebrews tells us it was for the joy that was set before him. 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:57.160 And then he tells us that he is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:59.560 He is seated in the place of honor, 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:03.860 the place of majesty at the right hand of his father. 00:22:03.859 --> 00:22:09.740 So look to Jesus and learn from his example. 00:22:10.779 --> 00:22:17.799 We have a far greater heavenly reward than should be compared with the suffering we may encounter in this world. 00:22:18.919 --> 00:22:24.500 Jonathan Edwards, 18th century North American, once wrote, 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:31.099 take notice of Christ's excellent, which is a feast. 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:39.779 Take notice of Christ's excellence, which is a feast. 00:22:40.659 --> 00:22:44.919 I wonder this morning how many of us are hungry, 00:22:45.459 --> 00:22:49.139 just spiritually malnourished. 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:58.059 And we are such because we have failed to behold and hang on to and feast upon the excellencies of Christ. 00:22:58.059 --> 00:23:06.139 We have failed to look to him, both the founder and the perfecter of our faith. 00:23:06.399 --> 00:23:08.460 We feel that we can't go on. 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:13.419 We feel that we cannot persevere because we have failed to look. 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:16.940 Fourth and lastly, found in verse three. 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:19.220 Consider. 00:23:20.700 --> 00:23:21.299 Consider. 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:31.299 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself so that you may not grow weary or faint hearted. 00:23:31.859 --> 00:23:36.779 The author tells us not only to look, but to also consider. 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:41.659 He tells us that if we are to run with endurance the race that is set before us, 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:45.319 not growing weary or faint hearted, 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:48.379 then we are going to have to think. 00:23:48.380 --> 00:23:48.420 Think. 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:53.360 Beloved, the Christian religion is a mindful religion. 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:55.300 Romans 12, 2. 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:56.400 We're not to be conformed to the world, 00:23:56.460 --> 00:24:01.300 but we transformed by the renewing of our experience, emotions. 00:24:02.620 --> 00:24:03.680 Many would tell you this. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.280 No. 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:05.760 Our minds. 00:24:06.560 --> 00:24:07.660 Our minds. 00:24:07.840 --> 00:24:07.960 Right? 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:10.860 This gateway into our very being. 00:24:11.560 --> 00:24:14.720 We are going to have to think. 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:16.460 This doesn't mean you have to be smart. 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:18.140 It means you have to think. 00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:19.940 And we're going to have to think deeply. 00:24:20.180 --> 00:24:25.460 And we're going to have to think repetitively about the example that we have in Jesus. 00:24:26.039 --> 00:24:30.120 We're going to have to mull it over again and again and again. 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:34.319 This work of going from scripture reading to scripture meditation. 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:35.000 Right? 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:37.360 That we both pick up truth. 00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:37.960 Right? 00:24:38.059 --> 00:24:40.100 And then we hang on to truth. 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:40.740 Right? 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:45.539 We take it up into ourselves that it might come out of us. 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:49.180 We'll have to consider Christ. 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:55.019 Beloved, we must nurture the truths in our minds. 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:58.839 C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, 00:24:58.839 --> 00:25:01.819 If you have once accepted Christianity, 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:08.500 Then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day. 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.819 Let me read that again because I read that horribly. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.519 If you have once accepted Christianity, 00:25:11.959 --> 00:25:18.319 Then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day. 00:25:18.879 --> 00:25:25.220 That is why daily prayers and religious reading and church going are necessary parts of the Christian life. 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:29.460 We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:34.279 Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:36.740 It must be fed. 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:42.160 We are just so feeble in mind. 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:46.620 Many of you are college graduates or currently in college. 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:48.620 We are proud of you. 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:50.579 You are doing a wonderful work. 00:25:50.660 --> 00:25:52.839 You are applying your mind to some field of study. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:54.380 This is great. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:26:00.680 Do not think too much of your ability to understand and hold on to truth. 00:26:00.680 --> 00:26:06.860 It will drift out of your mind if you don't continue to feed it. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:10.980 If you don't go back to the text again and again and again. 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:11.580 Right? 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:16.200 Daily, behold the excellency of Christ. 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:22.400 Make it a habit to open up the scripture and read it until your affections are turned toward Christ. 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:23.420 Where you say, 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:25.580 Oh, what a Savior. 00:26:26.360 --> 00:26:27.960 Do this work. 00:26:28.580 --> 00:26:30.220 Have the truth in your mind. 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.600 Carefully tend to it. 00:26:31.900 --> 00:26:33.039 Let it grow. 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:35.980 It will bring forth faithfulness. 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:40.360 So how do you feed the truth in your mind? 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:46.559 Do you both look to and consider Jesus and his example every day? 00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:50.680 What might you need to do to do so? 00:26:50.779 --> 00:26:56.319 What kind of habits might you need to change in order to consider Christ? 00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:58.480 Determine to do so. 00:26:58.480 --> 00:27:00.720 Pray for the grace to do so. 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:02.980 Then act. 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:05.720 Act for the preservation of your soul. 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:14.019 Show yourself to be a Christian by running well the race that is the Christian life. 00:27:14.019 --> 00:27:19.779 Those who are in Christ will persevere to the end. 00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:22.819 We are not saved by our works. 00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:25.359 We are saved by the work of Christ. 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:29.799 But the way that we evidence Christ's saving work on our behalf. 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:35.700 Being now called sons of God as we live as sons of God. 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:37.940 We do not do this with perfection. 00:27:37.940 --> 00:27:41.519 We still have this baggage of our flesh. 00:27:42.059 --> 00:27:44.860 There is still sinful desire in us. 00:27:45.140 --> 00:27:47.680 But having been set free from sin. 00:27:48.100 --> 00:27:51.680 Having the spirit of God given to us and his truth. 00:27:52.039 --> 00:27:55.600 We will grow in holiness if we belong to him. 00:27:56.140 --> 00:27:56.819 But hear me. 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:59.380 It takes effort. 00:27:59.380 --> 00:28:02.060 It is a race that needs to be run. 00:28:02.420 --> 00:28:04.980 It needs to be run with endurance. 00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:08.340 So this morning do not have false assurance. 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:13.960 Do not believe simply because you have made some mental assent to the reality of who Jesus is. 00:28:14.340 --> 00:28:16.920 Because you grew up in a home that told you again and again and again. 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:19.120 That Jesus is the son of God and he died for your sins. 00:28:19.280 --> 00:28:21.280 That that is enough. 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:24.220 For us to be found in Christ. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:26.799 He must save us. 00:28:27.660 --> 00:28:32.160 He calls to us from a place of rebellion and hatred of the things of God. 00:28:32.660 --> 00:28:35.000 He makes us his own. 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:40.500 He gives us his spirit and he causes us to walk in his way. 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:43.599 So take a careful look at your life. 00:28:44.099 --> 00:28:46.460 Take a big step back from it and say. 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:48.500 Since professing faith in Christ. 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:50.899 Have I grown in holiness? 00:28:52.180 --> 00:28:53.200 Very degree. 00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:54.680 Not with perfection. 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:59.319 But is there a general trajectory of my life that is Godward? 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:03.220 Or do I find that I am sitting in the same place? 00:29:03.299 --> 00:29:05.500 Or I am declining in holiness? 00:29:06.299 --> 00:29:09.759 Do not have false assurance. 00:29:10.680 --> 00:29:11.899 And then on the other hand. 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:15.039 Because I know that we are a church of people who are particularly hard on ourselves. 00:29:15.359 --> 00:29:17.859 Do not forget the grace of God to you in Christ. 00:29:18.660 --> 00:29:20.740 Much of my counseling is saying to people. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.240 Brother I think you are a Christian. 00:29:22.599 --> 00:29:24.599 I know you are feeling horrible right now. 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:26.759 I know that you failed in this matter. 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:29.240 But Christ also died for this. 00:29:29.980 --> 00:29:31.460 He died for your sins past. 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:32.620 He died for your sins present. 00:29:32.880 --> 00:29:34.960 He died for your sins future. 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:39.200 Do not place him back on the cross in your own thinking. 00:29:39.340 --> 00:29:42.380 His sacrifice was sufficient for you. 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:45.799 This is why the church is of great importance to us. 00:29:46.579 --> 00:29:49.500 We need people when we feel at our lowest. 00:29:50.140 --> 00:29:50.880 To help us. 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.799 To pick us up. 00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:52.779 To welcome us. 00:29:52.840 --> 00:29:55.360 To say oh I see Christ in you. 00:29:55.600 --> 00:29:57.120 I see his work. 00:29:57.500 --> 00:30:00.940 His faithfulness is being perfected in you. 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:03.220 So join me church. 00:30:03.799 --> 00:30:04.820 In looking to Jesus. 00:30:05.340 --> 00:30:08.259 The founder and perfecter of our faith. 00:30:08.660 --> 00:30:09.200 Let's pray. 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:09.779 Let's pray. 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:09.779