Building on the Past, Looking to the Future - Continuing the Conversation - Part 2
Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-16; Ephesians 4:1-6
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
14Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Run with perseverance
Perseverance doesn’t just happen - there’s work involved - determination - grit - Christian faith has active participation in it
Fixing our eyes on Jesus
Do not grow weary and lose heart
Ways to overcome weariness:
a)________________________
b)________________________
c)________________________
Worthy of the calling:
Humble and gentle
Patient
Bearing with one another in love
Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit Through the bond of peace
One body, One Spirit, One hope, One Lord, One faith, One baptism, One God and Father of all - over all and through all and in all.
Next Week: “When Dreams Become Nightmares”
Matthew 16:26; Proverbs 29:18; Matthew 5:3-12
Closing Prayer - take these notes and this prayer home with you and pray it throughout the week. Blessings and Peace in Christ Jesus.
Mighty God,If I’m entangled in any nature or notion or act of sin - make me aware of it - forgive me for it - deliver me from it.
Teach me Holy Spirit how to be a faithful disciple - humble, gentle, patient, bearing with my brothers and sister in love.
Give me clear vision and help me to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Remind me to use the grace You gave in Christ Jesus to live and breather your Lordship every single day of my life.
In Jesus name. Amen.
TODAY’S PREACHER
Randy Reese is the Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC