1. Endurance is the capacity to withstand great difficulty without giving up. As you think about what it means to follow Jesus, what are some things that help you endure through tough seasons?
2. Read Hebrews 12:1–2. Think about the metaphor of a race the author uses in this passage. In what ways is the Christian life like a race? Try to think of multiple connections.
To run well in the race of faith, the author of Hebrews offers two categories to help us identify specific things that should not be a part of our day-to-day lives.
Category 1: Some Christians burn out because they are unwilling to acknowledge that there is always sin clinging to their lives. Are there any patterns of sin that you often ignore or feel tempted to conceal? Be honest.
Category 2: There are many things in life that are ultimately unprofitable, even if they are not explicitly sinful. What are the actions, attitudes, or omissions in your life that threaten to inhibit your ability to endure well in the faith?
4. Read Hebrews 12:2–4. Hebrews 12:2 says, “for the joy that was set before him [He] endured the cross…” What do you think that means? What was the joy that was set before Jesus? How did that future joy help Him endure?
5. How should the promise of future joy change the way you live today? What is one situation, relationship, or circumstance where you need to be reminded of the future joy God has for you?
6. Spend a few moments in prayer using Hebrews 12:2–4 to guide your words. Confess to God any entangling sins that came to light as you studied this passage. Confess to God any needless weights that also came to light. Spend some time meditating on the future joy God has for you in Himself for eternity.
Ross Lester explores how faith is like a race as we run by Jesus' strength, for His reward, and to His perfecting presence.
