LOOKING FOR STRENGTH TO SERVE HIM--HEBREWS 12:1-11

LOOKING FOR STRENGTH TO SERVE HIM.

HEBREWS 12:1-11

Introduction:

We have considered the great “cloud of witnesses” spoken of here by the Apostle Paul as being examples to us so that we may be able to better serve our Lord. He admonishes us to “lay aside every weight,” that is, the cares of this life, “and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” That word “beset” = skillfully surrounding, that is, our sin is encompassing, and keeps us from the Lord’s work.

Therefore, we must find strength to do God’s will in our lives. That strength is in Christ Jesus.

I. LEST WE BE WEARIED AND FAINT IN OUR MINDS.

v. 3, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

A. He endured faithfully, Hebrews 3:1, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”

1. Consider from where His strength came, Luke 6:12, “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

2. Consider what was uppermost in His mind, Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”

a. In the Garden He prayed for God’s will, Matthew 26:42, “He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”

b. He had taught His disciples to pray for God’s will, Luke 11:2, “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”

B. Consider the great things He has done for you, 1 Samuel 12:24, “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”

1. He has saved you from your sins, Ephesians 2:5, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

2. He has given you a home in Heaven, John 17:24, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

II. LEST WE FORGET GOD’S EXHORTATIONS TO US IN HIS WORD,

vs. 4-6.

A. They that wait upon the Lord, Isaiah 40:30-31, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

1. Even young people faint and fall for lack of waiting on the Lord.

2. But those that wait have the advantage:

a. They renew their strength.

b. They have the strength of an eagle.

c. Weariness is not a problem.

d. They do not faint at adversity.

B. They have trusted Him for salvation, Isaiah 25:9, And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

III. LEST CHASTENING BECOME NECESSARY.

A. Enduring chastening, v. 7, “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”

B. The benefit of chastening, vs. 7-8.

1. A clean heart, Psalm 73:1, “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.”

2. A disciplined life, Job 34:31, “Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:”

C. The purpose of chastening is to make you holy, vs. 9-10; Leviticus 11:44a, “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:”

CONCLUSION

The Lord has dealt with us as sons and even though He has chastened us at times, it was always in love to bring us back to a good standing before Him.

As Christians we have a great heritage. Let us not soil it before the world. Our Lord deserves our best that we too might leave a good testimony like those who have gone on before us.