Thursday, February 19, 2009
"Therefore, 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-3).
IDEA: Jesus is not only the author of faith but also the finisher of faith.
PURPOSE: To help listeners trust that what Jesus has begun in them He will bring to completion.
When I was growing up, I attended a church that had engraved in the dark wood over the front of the sanctuary, "We preach Christ crucified."
What do you think that tells you about that church?
I. How important is "Christ Crucified" to the proclamation of a church?
After Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" came out, there were several very critical reactions to it. Some said it was too gory and others said that a film about Jesus should have focused on His great teaching. Without evaluating the film, how would you respond to those criticisms?
Where do those words "Christ crucified" come from? 1 Corinthians 1:23. They have excellent credentials and they are at the heart of the gospel. Why?
Are there any possible dangers to a church being a "gospel-preaching" church?
II. "Christ crucified" might miss an important part of the Christian message.
Hebrews 12:1-3 speaks about Jesus' voluntary death on the cross ("he endured the cross, despising the shame"). It also tells us why He went through that degrading execution.
What do you think was "the joy that was set before him" that motivated Him?
His forward-looking persevering faith ties in with one of the great themes of the letter to the Hebrews. His example of forward-looking faith should motivate us, but we look forward to a different joy from His.
He "sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
What do you think is involved in "sitting down?" Do you think He was tired?
What is the significance of sitting on the right hand of the throne of God?
Among other things, Jesus is the "finisher" or "perfector" of faith for those who follow in His path. He is the one whose power enables us to live the Christian life.
Augustine cried, "Command us what you will, O Christ, and then do for us what you have commanded."