December 27, 2015
Growing in Christ for the Long Haul
I. To Keep Growing in Christ we’re to run with perseverance
"Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne." Hebrews 12:1-2
Was there a time when you decided by the strength of God to persevere no matter what?
We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, this is a deliberate choice. Jesus looked beyond immediate, painful circumstances to the reward that was ahead.
If you make a choice that does not identify you with Jesus or God's people then you did not choose by faith.
We must remained committed and focused on the task, persevere no matter what. Run the race, that Jesus has set for us.
II. To Keep Growing in Christ we’re to embrace discipline
"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves
and punishes every son He receives.
Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead." Hebrews 12:3-13
He calls them out of self-pity.
Discipline is never pleasant at the time. It is quite painful. How you handle it will be an encouragement or discouragement.
III. To Keep Growing in Christ we’re to choose holiness
"Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many. And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal. For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance, though he sought it with tears." Hebrews 12: 14-17
We’re also to be holy, because without holiness we will not see God.
It takes more than tears to be right with God. Some things in life must be rejected if we are to run effectively.
Communication Card
1. I am making the choice tonight to realign my life and run with perseverence after Jesus.
2. I will listen this week for God's discipline in my life and respond right to Him.
3. I choose tonight to reject sin and pursue holiness in my life.
