Hebrews 12:1-3

Go Deep

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

What difference might it make if, during times of trial or temptation, you routinely remembered that you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses?

What does the author’s use of race imagery to represent the Christian life imply? Do you think people are harmed by the mistaken idea that the Christian life is a cakewalk?

Weight. What kind of extra weights might people be carrying that they would be better laying aside? (Give some examples.)

Sin (see Heb. 3:13; Heb. 11:25). Why is “easily entangles” a good description of sin?

Why is it important for people to know that “we don’t just need forgiveness; we need to be freed”? What tool does the Lord use to free us?

Perseverance (Hebrews 10:36; 3:14: 6:11-12). What would you say to someone who said, “I’ve been reading my Bible and praying for a long time now, but nothing seems to be happening”?

Jesus is here called “the Author and Perfecter of our faith.” What does this title say about him, and what does that mean to you?

Keep your eyes on Jesus. If your assignment was to keep your eyes on a person, what would do if that person moved?

What must we do to keep our eyes on Jesus?

What helps can you suggest for keeping Jesus in view?

Do you think that shame can be an obstacle in “the course set before us?” How did Jesus handle shame? How can we follow his example?

Why will considering Jesus (v.3) keep a Christian from growing weary and losing heart?