Jesus is not only the High Priest that brings us to God, but is also our example for faith-filled discipleship.
Hebrews 12:1-3
SERMON OUTLINE
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)
Fix our eyes on Jesus
- to fix our eyes
- Peter and the water
The pioneer and perfecter of faith
- pioneer – originator – initiator
- perfecter – best expression – one who brings to completeness
The Suffering Messiah of the Cross
- what was the joy set before him?
- the humiliation and endurance of Jesus
The Glorious King at the Father’s right hand
- the glory that awaited
- the exaltation of Jesus
Consider Jesus
- Count up who He is
- Meditate upon who He is
- Fill your heart with thoughts of Him
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What has helped you to persevere in the midst of difficult times?
- We continue our series, “The Final Word: Knowing Christ through Hebrews,” this week by giving extended attention to Hebrews 12:1-3. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re alone or with a group, read that passage aloud.
- In light of the great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, the writer now holds up before us Jesus as the greatest hero, calling us to fix our eyes on Jesus. What do you think it means to fix our eyes on Jesus in life?
- Two words are applied as titles to Jesus here. He is, first of all, the pioneer, or author, of faith. This word speaks of one who is the leader who offers an example but can also mean one who is first across a finish line or first in order. What do you think that means in relation to Jesus?
- Second, Jesus is the perfecter of faith. This means that He is the one who brings faith to completion and also to its fullest expression. How does these two words relate to one another to help us understand Jesus?
- The writer turns to the humbling work of Jesus upon the Cross as an example of Jesus’ extreme endurance. In contrast to finding earthly joy, Jesus chooses a different way that, while marked by shame, does not control Him. Read Philippians 2:3-11 and then reflect on what these two passages tell us about who Jesus is.
- Jesus is marked by the Cross but His end is glory at the right hand of God the Father. We have encountered this idea many times in Hebrews (1:3, 13). Why might the exaltation of Jesus be encouraging to the believers reading this letter who are struggling with troubles?
- What are one or two ways you personally could run the race of faith with your eyes fixed on Jesus?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of Hebrews 12:1-3? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you learned through this study.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Hebrews 12:1-3 this week
- Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and Philippians 2:3-11 every day. Utilize these passages in prayer, interact with them through journaling, draw something that helps you internalize them, or discuss them with someone else.
- The recipients of the letter of Hebrews were going through troubles just like we often do. Do this exercise to connect this passage to your life. On one half of a piece of paper, write down all the troubles you are facing in your life at this moment. On the other half of that piece of paper, write down all the troubles that Jesus faced in His earthly life. Take some time to pray your troubles to God and reflect on Jesus’ suffering.
- Take some time this week to sit quietly for 30 minutes just reflecting on Hebrews 12:1-3.