SERMON OUTLINE:
(a). Look around at the winners (vs 1a).
(b). Look at yourself! (vs 1b).
(c). A Look at Jesus Christ (vs 2-4).
SERMON BODY:
If the Apostle Paul were alive today and picked up a newspaper:
• I think like many of us he would start reading it at the back page.
• Taking in the latest news from the world of sport.
• I say that because in many of his writings;
• Sport is one of Paul’s favourite sources to draw illustrations from.
Ill:
• As a preacher you often tell stories concerning things you find interesting.
• Quote: “You preached a whole sermon without mentioning football!”
Paul in the New Testament often described the Christian Life:
• As a race to be run, or a fight to be fought.
• These are two pictures drawn from the Olympic Games:
Ill:
• In the original Olympics there were only one event.
• Called the stadion (or "stade") race,
• This was a short sprint measuring between 180 and 240 metres,
• Or the length of the stadium
• Only men participated and only men watched,
• I’ll tell you why later.
Later on other events were added such as:
• Running,
• Boxing,
• The Pankration (Combination of wrestling & boxing & kicking)
• The Pentathlon (running, long jump, discus, javelin, wrestling)
In his letters Paul draws on these Olympic illustrations again and again:
• e.g.: When he writes to the Corinthians chapter 9 verses 24-27.
• e.g. Galatians chapter 2 verses 2 & Philippians chapter 2 verses 16.
• e.g. 1 Timothy chapter 6 verses 12 & 2 Timothy chapter 2 verses 5
• e.g. Best known being 2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 7 when at the end of his life he wrote:
“I have fought the good fight (Boxing), I have finished the race (Running),
I have kept the faith” (Linking both of these things to the life of faith)
THE WRITER TO THE LETTER OF THE HEBREWS:
• Whoever he was, many think it was Paul, some like Calvin are convinced it wasn’t!
• Whoever he was also used sport for his illustrations.
Ill:
• Here in Hebrews chapter 12 verse 4,
• He refers to two of those Olympic events:
• Verse 1: Athletics mentioned “Running the race”.
• Verse 4: Boxing may be referred to “Resisted to the point of shedding blood”.
It was a patriotic thing to be a good athlete and to bring glory to your country:
• And Paul combines those two things:
• Athletics & Citizenship in this chapter.
• In fact no-one could take part in the official games,
• Unless he was a citizen of Greece and also a ‘freeman’ (not a slave).
So the writer of the Hebrews:
• Uses the picture of the race (verses 1-13)
• Uses the picture of citizenship (verses 14-29).
To get his point across and help his readers understand his message:
• Note: that the author was writing primarily to Christians;
• Not only Christians but those who had been converted from a Jewish background,
• These Christians were struggling in their faith;
• They were finding following Jesus tough & felt like giving up,
• And so the writer of this letter wrote to them;
• To specifically encourage them to keep pressing on, not to give up.
Note: One theme that dominates this chapter is Endurance:
• Verse 2: “Jesus.... endured the cross”.
• It is also there in verses 3: “Not grow weary”.
• Verse 7: “Endure hardship”.
• . And it was a point mentioned again and again earlier on in this letter.
So in times of difficulties & hardships;
• The writer gives his readers some encouraging advice,
• To keep them going forward.
Ill:
• 20th October 1968 Ethiopian Mamo Wolde won the Olympic marathon.
• Over an hour later Tanzanian John Akhwari finished last.
• John Akhwari’s leg was bleeding after a serious fall,
• A reporter asked him:
“Why did you carry on with a serious injury and no hope of coming anything but last?”
He replied;
“My country did not send me seven thousand miles to Mexico to start a race.
They sent me seven thousand miles to finish it!”
That is the kind of attitude Paul wants the Hebrew Christians to have:
• And to help them develop that mental toughness he gives them three examples.
• To encourage them to keep going, even when the situation is difficult.
(1). 3 Examples (verses 1-4).
(a). Look around at the winners (vs 1a).
• Chapter 12 verse 1 starts with the word:
• “Therefore” or “In view of what I’ve just said”:
• So it is obviously linked to chapter 11,
• Note: chapters were put into the N.T. by Stephen Langton in 1228, not by the Holy Spirit.
This is a continuous letter that we are breaking into:
• Paul is continuing his thoughts from chapter 11;
• Where he has spoken about faith.
Quote: chapter 11 verse 6:
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
The key to entering this race (to becoming a Christian) is faith:
• Not by religion;
• Not by good works.
• Not by good charecter;
• Not even by accepting good Bible theology!
• It is not the acquisition of truth that sets us free;
• It is the application of truth!
Quote: Francis Bacon:
• “It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong;
• Not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich;
• Not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned;
• Not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians”.
Quote: Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast”.
So this is a continuous letter that we are breaking into:
• Paul is continuing his thoughts from chapter 11;
• Where he has spoken about faith.
• And about great men & women of faith (a whole list of them).
• Who are now in heaven watching us as we run the race!
“Since we are surrounded by a great cloud if witnesses”.
Be encouraged says the writer:
• We are surrounded by former contestants,
• Who are witnesses to us that God is faithful.
• He does not mean that they are literally watching us,
• The word ‘witness’ does not mean spectators.
• These people are not watching what we are doing,
• Rather they are ‘bearing witness’, testifying to us.
Quote John White:
“The writers point is to bring witnesses before us who will testify that faith is worth it”.
The writer of this letter says:
• These witnesses finished their race:
• Now it is our turn; we must finish our race.
Note: the quality of witnesses:
• Ill: Inspire kids to play football – meet famous footballer.
• Ill: Inspire kids to write meet a famous author etc.
• Hebrews chapter 11 are the witnesses he refers to:
• Ill: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, etc.
Chapter 11 of Hebrews moves from well known’s to unknowns:
• We have mentioned anonymous men and women;
• Who also demonstrated incredible faith and courage.
Quote: Chapter 11 verse 35b-38:
“……..But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life.
36Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. 37Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated. 38They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
• Ill: Our English word “Martyr” comes directly from this word translated “Witnesses”.
• A martyr is someone who undergoes great suffering or even death.
• These martyrs, witnesses of Hebrews chapter 11 who experienced pain and death,
• Testify to us (any Christian going through difficult times) that it was worth it!!
Verse 1 Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.
• So the great saints of Hebrews chapter 11 are not literally watching us:
• But they bear witness to us that God can see us through every difficulty.
• God bore witness of them in chapter 11,
• Now they are now witnessing to you & me.
These Hebrew Christians were encouraged to look back:
• To the likes of Abraham, Joseph, Moses & Rahab etc.,
• And find encouragement.
Quote Warren Wiersbe:
“One of the best ways to develop endurance and encouragement is to get to know the Godly men and women of the Old Testament who ran the race and run:
Problems with your family, read about Joseph.
If you think your job is too big, study the life of Moses.
- If you are tempted to retaliate, see how David handled this problem.
Personal application and challenge:
• Who are you inspiring with your Christian life?
• Who are you encouraging?
• If or when we get the call into the stands, what sort of legacy have you have left?
• Did it inspire, did it encourage?
Ill:
• In the world of sport, music etc our role models, our heroes mean such a lot.
• Question: Where are the modern day Christian examples worth following.
• I don’t just want to read about great Christians in books, I want to see them!
• Christian qualities that are real and admirable.
Ill:
• Enthusiasm for evangelism.
• The reality of the importance of prayer.
• A godly character, attitudes that I admired and hoped I might one day develop.
• Challenge who are you inspiring?
(b). Look at yourself! (vs 1b):
“Let US strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders OUR progress. And let US run with endurance the race that God has set before US.
ill:
• Originally - Olympic athletes were required to go to a special training camp;
• To see if they were fit enough to participate in the games;
• They spent 9 months preparing themselves physically,
• This also included diet (they monitored what they were allowed to eat).
• If an athlete did not adhere to and pass the strict requirements,
• He was not allowed to represent his country at the games.
ill:
• Frankie Gavin sent home because he failed to make the lightweight limit!
• Paul Gasgoine & Glen Hoddle row erupted before the last World Cup.
Note: Sin always has a negative effect.
• In the non-Christian it separates us from God.
• Ill: One thing that stops us knowing God!
• In the Christian un-confessed or ‘casual sin’;
• Will slow down and destroy their faith!
Verse 1: literally reads: “Let’s get rid of the excess weight”.
• Ill: Athletes used to wear weights to help them prepare for the events:
• But no athlete would consider participating wearing the weights,
• They would obviously slow him down.
• He would have no chance of being competitive, of winning.
Ill:
• Great footballer Stanley Matthews would warm up pre match in very heavy boots.
• And just before kick off, swap them for a very light pair.
Now in the same way:
• As you & I run the race of faith,
• We need to get rid of the excess baggage that is slowing us down.
THAT BAGGAGE IS DESCRIBED FOR US IN TWO WAYS (VS 1):
• (1st). “Everything that hinders”.
• (2nd). “Sin that so easily entangles”.
(First). Everything that hinders.
• There can often be things in our life which are not sinful,
• But at the same time they are not helpful.
ill:
Hobby, a leisure pursuit, a relationship or ……...(you can fill in the blancs)
They may be good and perfectly legitimate things to do:
• They may be perfectly good for other people to do,
• But in your situation, those perfectly good & legitimate things can become a hindrance.
• They interfere, slow us down, hinder us,
• In the things God has called us to do.
Now do not miss-understand me!
• I am not saying give up enjoyable things for more church activities,
• What I am saying is that if we want to be winners, we have to be extra sensitive.
Quote: Warren Wiersbe:
“A winning athlete does not choose between the good and the bad;
he or she chooses between the better and the best”.
(2nd). Sin that so easily entangles.
• While the writer does not name any one specific sin,
• The context of chapters 10, 11 & 12 suggests it was the sin of unbelief.
• Question: What is unbelief?
• Answer: Unbelief is when you know the truth, but refuse to apply it to your situation.
ill:
• This sin affects the Christian like a cramp in the leg,
• Causing us to break stride and hobble of the track.
ill:
Olympic Games the reason only men competed and only men spectated was:
• They took literally the idea of getting rid of things that entangle, or was excess weight.
• So they competed naked.
And that is the picture we have here which leads to the questions:
• Is there habitual sin in my life than needs dealing with?
• That needs to be sorted out, to be put off to one side?
Ill:
• No Christian is perfect,
• No Christian in this life will ever be perfect.
• Although we continue to sin,
• We need not become slaves to habitual sin.
The real question in this verse is this:
• How committed am I in running this Christian race?
• Do I want to be a winner as a Christian?
• Do I want gold? Am I running to win?
• Or am I just happy to jog or limp along and eventually finish?
(c). A Look at Jesus Christ (vs 2-4 NLT).
2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. 3Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up. 4After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
• We finish the Christian race, the same way we started it;
• By faith!
Ill:
• It was January 6th 1850.
• A snowstorm had almost crippled the city of Colchester, England.
• A teenage boy was unable to go to the Church he normally attended.
• So he stopped at a nearby Primitive Methodist Church.
• Because of the weather the guest preacher was unable to attend.
• So a lay preacher who was very unprepared substituted for him.
• His text was Isaiah chapter 45 verse 22:
• “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth”.
Unknown to the preacher:
• This young teenager had been under deep conviction of sin for many months,
• Despite the fact that his father and grandfather were preachers he was not yet saved.
• Because the lay preacher had stood in at short notice;
• He hadn’t actually got a lot to say.
• So he just kept repeating his text;
• Again and again he repeated it and then added these words;
“A man need not go to college to learn to look”, he shouted,
Anyone can look – a child can look!”
• About that time he saw the visitor sitting to one side and he pointed him out and said;
• “Young man, you look very miserable. Young man, look to Jesus Christ!”
• That young man heeded his advice, and by faith looked to Jesus Christ and lived.
• That is the story of how the great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon was converted.
Note:
• We are to finish the Christian race, the same way we started it;
• By faith!
Ill:
• Olympic themed Holiday Club;
• Show highlights of athletes competing in their races (Sydney Olympics).
• All of those athletes have one thing in common - a fixed look!
• They are focused, single minded.
That is the idea here in verse 2:
• Greek word “Aphorao” translated as: “Fix our eyes”,
• Means: “Aware of rival attractions, but deliberately looking away from other things”
• And the athlete does not just do it at the start of a race,
• But to does it continually, throughout the race.
ill:
• 1981 film: ‘Chariots of fire’ based on the life of Eric Liddle & Harold Abrahams.
• Eric Liddle was the athlete who refused to run on Sunday in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
• Scene in the film in an important qualify race where Harold Abraham’s ;
• Is winning a race and then he turns to look at his opponent.
• That look cost him the race;
• As his opentant totally focused pips him to the tape!
THEN WRITER TELLS WHO TO FIX OUR GAZE UPON: JESUS.
• Notice the writer uses the Lord’s human name “Jesus”.
• Rather than one of his unique titles such as “Lord” or “Christ” or “Saviour”.
The reason being as a man;
• Jesus has experienced first hand the trials and difficulties of life.
• And not just experienced them, he has overcome them:
• He is the “Author” (“Pioneer” or “Trail-blazer”) and ”Perfecter” of our faith.
• The one who both started and finished the race!
And his race was not easy - the Greek word translated as ‘Race’ in verse 1:
• Is from the Greek term “Agona”,
• From which we get the word “Agony”.
• Jesus entered into the human race of;
• Pain, heartache, sickness, sorrow, pressure, hardship, rejection, shame & even death.
• And not only did he enter the race, he won!
• He has defeated the enemy (Sin, death & the devil!)
• And as we consider him and trust in him;
• We are encouraged to verse 3: “Not to grow weary and lose heart”.
Ill:
• Dr Judson was one of the first missionaries sent abroad by nonconformist churches;
• He arrived in India in 1813 and settled in Rangoon, Burma.
• Later when war broke out between Burma and the English Government of India;
• He was arrested, and put in prison and accused of being a spy.
• As he was lying in a foul jail with 32 lbs. of chains on his ankles,
• And with his feet bound to a bamboo pole.
• A fellow prisoner with a sneer on his face, said,
• “Dr. Judson, what about the prospect of the conversion of the heathen?”
• Judson’s reply was instant;
• “The prospects are just as bright as the promises of God.”
• No matter how dark and stormy our situation may be,
• God does not change and neither does his word!
Ill: Dr Judson went on to achieve an incredible amount in his life;
• Translated the Bible in Burmese, produced the very first Burmese dictionary;
• And left a Christian community of about half a million people.
• “Dr. Judson, what about the prospect of the conversion of the heathen?”
• “The prospects are just as bright as the promises of God.”
Ill:
3 fold promise:
• (1). Past – sins forgiven.
• (2). Present – Holy Spirit.
• (3). Future – Home in heaven!
