Hebrews 12:3-17 – Second Wind 14
November 21, 2021
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
I. This Is For Your Own Good
Hebrews 12:3-7
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
II. This Is Because I Love You
Hebrews 12:8-13
If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Our Second Wind Faith Is Growing In Grace For Our Good And For His Glory
III. You Live and Learn
Hebrews 12:14-17
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
A. Live inside out
B. Lean on one another
Accountability Should Be a Preventative Measure and Not Crisis Management
C. Look At Bad Examples
Next Steps
- I can no longer live for myself and choose today to give my life to King Jesus.
- I am struggling with sin habits and desire someone to hold me accountable.
- I choose not to be bound by guilt and will walk in the freedom God promises.
Deep Dive
- How has your experience of testing and suffering matured your faith?
- Read Romans 8:18-30. How does the Holy Spirit affirm us in our suffering?
- How is our suffering mutually beneficial for the body of Christ in our shared pursuit of Him?
Springboard
- Read Luke 10:20 and share when your names were written in the Book of Life as you started your walk with Christ.
- What does personal worship with God look like in your daily routine? What adjustments should you make?
- How does our personal worship impact our corporate worship?
