Hebrews: A Book Study – Wk 9

Enthusiasm is being absorbed or occupied by the pursuit of an interest.

Hebrews 12:1-4 (NASB)

1 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;

THREE WAYS TO FUEL AN ENTHUSIASTIC FAITH:

1. Learn from the cloud of witnesses.

Hebrews 11:8-10 (NASB)

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

2. Eliminate tripping hazards called distractions.

Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)

5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,”

3. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

James 1:18 (NLT)

18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

A prayer of enthusiastic faith:
Jesus, you are my obsession. I am your possession.

COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Fuel an enthusiastic faith by learning from the cloud of witnesses, eliminating distractions, and keeping your eyes on Jesus.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Hebrews 12:1-4. What fact about clouds has you thinking? What is something you have experienced that you can be a witness of to others?

▶ Read Hebrews 12:1-3. What kinds of distractions or obstacles could keep us from running our race?

▶ Read James 1:18. What does it mean to you to be God’s prized possession? How does it spur you on to have God as your obsession?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.

Read Hebrews 11:8-10. What is God calling you to have faith for in this part of your journey?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray for each person and their faith journey challenge.