Bible Reading
Hebrews 12:1–3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
[22:32]Hebrews 1:1–4 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”
[34:33]Hebrews 11:1–40 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”
[30:53]Observation questions
- In Hebrews 12:1–3, what actions are believers told to take, and where are they told to keep their attention?
- What two different kinds of things does Hebrews 12:1 say must be laid aside before running the race: “weight” and “sin”? What is different about those two categories? [29:03]
- Looking through Hebrews 11, what variety of experiences did faithful people face—both victories and suffering—and what do they have in common?
- According to Hebrews 1:1–4, what words and phrases describe Jesus’ identity, authority, and work?
Interpretation questions
- Hebrews 12 calls Jesus “the founder and perfecter of our faith,” while also calling believers to run with endurance. How does this passage distinguish Christ’s finished work of salvation from a believer’s ongoing growth in holiness? [28:03]
- Why might the author connect the “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12 with the faithful people named in Hebrews 11? How can their lives help believers know what faithful endurance looks like? [30:39]
- Hebrews 11 includes people who saw great deliverance and people who suffered without receiving everything promised in their lifetime. What does that show about faithfulness when life does not turn out as hoped?
- If Jesus created the world, perfectly reveals God, upholds the universe, and made purification for sins, what does it mean for a believer to treat Jesus as Lord rather than simply as a helpful assistant? [36:45]
Application questions
- What is one “weight” currently slowing down your race with Jesus? It may not be a clear sin, but it may be a habit, commitment, distraction, relationship pattern, or way of thinking that keeps you from moving forward. What would laying it aside look like this week? [29:03]
- Is there a sin that has been clinging closely and has become easy to excuse or hide? What is one honest next step toward bringing it into the light and seeking help?
- Sustained effort over time in the same direction produces results. Which regular practice would help you keep moving toward Jesus right now: worship, Scripture, prayer, serving, giving, baptism, or meeting with other believers? What is a realistic rhythm you could begin and actually keep? [25:20]
- Scripture is meant to stand over personal preferences, not be trimmed down to fit them. Is there a part of God’s Word that you tend to avoid, soften, or explain away? What makes that part difficult, and how could you approach it with humility? [33:21]
- What level of Bible reading would fit your current season—a short devotional, a chapter a day with observation, application, and prayer, or a deeper study? What specific plan could you try over the next week? [39:45]
- Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before him, and his love is not something believers earn through performance. When does Bible reading, prayer, or church involvement begin to feel like an attempt to earn God’s approval? What would help you receive these practices as a response to grace and love instead? [46:36]
