Part_2_-_I_CANT_GIVE_UP_NOW_ALL_EYES_ON_THE_KING.pdf

of the Sermon:**

In this sermon, we explored the profound truth that King Jesus is both seated and standing at the right hand of God, and what that means for us as we run the race of faith. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1-2 and Acts 7:54-59, we reflected on the encouragement of the “great cloud of witnesses” and the necessity of laying aside every weight and sin that hinders us. The message challenged us to consider not just why we look to Jesus, but also to pay attention to His posture—seated in victory and finished work, or standing in advocacy and engagement. We learned that Jesus’ position at the right hand of God is not passive or distant, but full of authority, power, and active love for us. Whether He is sitting or standing, Jesus is always present, always for us, and always enough.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Cloud of Witnesses and the Race of Faith: We are not running alone. The lives of those who have gone before us testify that endurance is possible through God’s help. Their stories are not just history—they are living encouragements, reminding us that our struggles are not unique and that faithfulness is possible even in adversity.
• 2. Letting Go to Run Well: The call to “lay aside every weight and sin” is an invitation to examine what slows us down spiritually. Not all burdens are sinful, but anything that distracts or drains us can keep us from running with endurance. Releasing these weights is not about self-improvement, but about making space for God’s work in us and through us.
• 3. The Seated King—Resting in the Finished Work: Jesus sitting at the right hand of God is a declaration that the work of salvation is complete. His posture is not indifference, but assurance—He reigns in peace because the victory is already won. We do not run to earn His love or approval; we run because we are already secure in Him, and our striving can give way to trust and rest.
• 4. The Standing King—Active Advocacy and Presence: When Jesus stands, as He did for Stephen, it is a sign of His engagement, honor, and readiness to intervene. In our moments of trial, rejection, or accusation, Jesus is not a distant observer—He rises to advocate, to strengthen, and to welcome us. His standing is a promise that we are never abandoned in our struggle.
• 5. Looking to Jesus in Every Season: The difference between Jesus sitting and standing is not about His distance, but about His relationship to our need. In seasons of peace, He reminds us of His finished work; in seasons of battle, He stands with us as our defender and advocate. Our hope is not in our ability to run, but in the unchanging presence and sufficiency of our King—whether He sits or stands, Jesus has us covered.

1. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are we told to lay aside, and why is this important for running the race of faith?
2. In the story of Stephen in Acts 7, what does Stephen see when he looks up to heaven, and how is Jesus’ posture described?
3. The sermon mentions a “great cloud of witnesses.” Who are these witnesses, and what role do they play in our journey of faith?
4. What is the difference between Jesus being seated and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, as described in the passages and the sermon?

1. The “cloud of witnesses” is described as more than just spectators. What does it mean for their lives to “testify” to us, and how might that change the way we view our own struggles?
2. The sermon says not all weights are sinful, but anything that distracts or drains us can slow us down. How can someone discern the difference between a “weight” and a “sin” in their own life?
3. When Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the sermon says this is a sign of His finished work and victory. How does this truth affect the way a believer approaches their spiritual journey and struggles?
4. The sermon highlights Jesus standing for Stephen as a sign of advocacy and engagement. What does it mean for Jesus to be our advocate, and how might this change the way we respond to times of trial or rejection?

1. The “cloud of witnesses” includes people who have endured hardship and remained faithful. Is there someone from your own life or from Scripture whose story encourages you to keep running your race? How can you remind yourself of their example this week?
2. The sermon challenges us to “lay aside every weight and sin.” What is one specific thing—maybe not even a sin, but a distraction or burden—that you sense God is asking you to let go of so you can run with more freedom? What step can you take this week to release it?
3. When you think about Jesus being seated in victory, do you find it hard to rest in His finished work instead of striving to earn God’s approval? What would it look like for you to trust that Jesus has already secured your place with God?
4. The image of Jesus standing for Stephen shows that He is not distant in our pain. Can you recall a time when you felt alone in a struggle? Looking back, can you see ways that Jesus was present or advocating for you, even if you didn’t notice it at the time?
5. The sermon says that Jesus’ posture—seated or standing—matches our need. In your current season, do you need to be reminded of Jesus’ finished work (rest) or His active presence (help)? How can you intentionally look to Him for what you need right now?
6. Sometimes, we run the race of faith with extra “baggage” like worry, comparison, or unhealthy relationships. Is there a practical way you can set aside one of these weights this week? Who can you ask to pray with you or hold you accountable?
7. The message ends with the assurance that “whether He sits or stands, Jesus has you covered.” How does this truth impact your confidence as you face challenges or uncertainties in your life right now? What would change if you really believed Jesus is always for you?