August 9 - 15 -

Weekly Reading for August 9 – 15

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: A Vision of Jesus
Sermon Title: Jesus, The Way and Power We Need

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on August 16, 2020:

SUNDAY: Hebrews 11, Hebrews 11,
MONDAY: Hebrews 12, Hebrews 12,
TUESDAY: Hebrews 13, Hebrews 13,
WEDNESDAY: James 2, James 2,
THURSDAY: Hebrews 11, Hebrews 11,
FRIDAY: Hebrews 12, Hebrews 12,
SATURDAY: Hebrews 13, Hebrews 13,

Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: A Vision of Jesus
Sermon Title: Jesus, Source of Faith & Hope
Delivered On: August 9, 2020

VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

“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 pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1b-2)

Prayer Direction

Thank Jesus for His finished work on the cross. But don’t stop there, thank Him for considering us worthy of His endurance of the cross for our good benefit. Then ask Him for a clear picture of those things He would have you endure walking through for His sake, thanking Him that He will provide the power to see it through.

“Live It!” Challenge

Disentangle: Set aside some time this week to consider the instructions of Hebrews 12:1. Examine your ‘racing form’ and list anything that may be hindering your readiness or that regularly trips you up. As you consider your hindrances and ‘trip hazards’, ask yourself which ones you can remove and which ones you need God’s help to remove, as you run the race.

Small Group Discussion

Describe a time when you had your sight set on something significant and all else seemed to fade or disappear.
Read: Hebrews 11:1. On a 1-10 scale, what is the ‘confidence’ or ‘assurance’ level of your faith? Why did you choose that rating?
Read: Hebrews 11:2. “The ancients” had no concept of a risen savior as we do today. What do you think allowed them to be so totally driven by God’s agenda? (see also v. 13)
Read: Hebrews 11:6. What are the two requirements of pleasing God, according to this verse?
Read: Hebrews 12:1. Do you believe that God can use you in His ‘cloud of witnesses’ for future generations? What impact does the manner in which you run your race of faith have on the generation immediately following you?
Read: Hebrews 12:2-7. Jesus saw the joy that resided on the other side of obedience, making the hardship of obedience navigable. Verse 4 discusses discipline in terms of ‘encouragement’. What do you make of that?
How has God disciplined you in the past? Did His discipline lead to peace for you, or not? What was your experience?
COVID-19 has created hardships for many. Is there a way to experience these hardships as opportunities for discipline? How does ‘fixing your eyes on Jesus’ lead you to a more confident conclusion?
What is the hardest thing you are going through right now? How do you see God using it in your life?
Describe a time when you had your sight set on something significant and all else seemed to fade or disappear.
Read: Hebrews 11:1. On a 1-10 scale, what is the ‘confidence’ or ‘assurance’ level of your faith? Why did you choose that rating?
Read: Hebrews 11:2. “The ancients” had no concept of a risen savior as we do today. What do you think allowed them to be so totally driven by God’s agenda? (see also v. 13)
Read: Hebrews 11:6. What are the two requirements of pleasing God, according to this verse?
Read: Hebrews 12:1. Do you believe that God can use you in His ‘cloud of witnesses’ for future generations? What impact does the manner in which you run your race of faith have on the generation immediately following you?
Read: Hebrews 12:2-7. Jesus saw the joy that resided on the other side of obedience, making the hardship of obedience navigable. Verse 4 discusses discipline in terms of ‘encouragement’. What do you make of that?
How has God disciplined you in the past? Did His discipline lead to peace for you, or not? What was your experience?
COVID-19 has created hardships for many. Is there a way to experience these hardships as opportunities for discipline? How does ‘fixing your eyes on Jesus’ lead you to a more confident conclusion?
What is the hardest thing you are going through right now? How do you see God using it in your life?

August 9 – 15