Thank you for joining me for this month’s Digging Deeper Scripture study. This month as we ask the question “Where is our focus?” we are studying Hebrews 12:1-3. We will be using the SOAP method for digging deeper into Hebrews 12:1-3.
SOAP Method
S – SCRIPTURE – Write out God’s Word
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
O – OBSERVATION – What do you see in these verses? Who is the audience? What words or phrases stand out to you? What words are repeated?
~ surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses – the witnesses the writer is talking about are those mentioned in Hebrews 11 which is also known as the Hall of Faith or Faith in Action chapter.
- By faith Noah obeyed God “when warned about things not yet seen”. Hebrews 11:7
- By faith Abraham “obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going”. Hebrews 11:8
- By faith Abraham “offered Isaac as a sacrifice”. Hebrews 11:17
- By faith Moses “persevered because he saw him who is invisible”. Hebrews 11:22
- By faith Rahab “welcomed the spies (and) was not killed with those who were disobedient”. Hebrews 11:31
~ throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles
- hinders – binds, weighs down, extra baggage
- entangle – ties up
~ run with perseverance the race marked out for us
- the same word for perseverance is used in Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
- persevere comes from the same Greek root word that is translated endure
~ fix our eyes on Jesus
- Jesus is the model of how to live a life of faith. He showed us by example how to follow the will of His Heavenly Father
~ for the joy set before Him He endured the cross
- Going to the cross was the most excruciatingly painful thing Jesus could have ever done and he did it for you and me. The “joy” was because He knew the Glory that waited for Him as He “sat down at the right hand of God”.
~ consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart
- Jesus was mocked and opposed but never once did he give up or turn away from God’s plan for His life.
A – APPLICATION – How is God personally speaking to me? Is He specifically saying something to me in this passage? How can I apply this passage to my life? Do I need to make any changes in my life? Is there anything I need to do after reading this passage?
After reading and studying through this passage. These are the questions I am asking myself.
- What weighs me down that I need to take off? What am I worried about that I need to hand over to God? Are there responsibilities have I said “yes” to that I need to let go?
- Is there sin in my life I need to deal with and allow God’s forgiveness to heal and refresh my soul?
- What am I walking through right now that I’m ready to give up on and quit? God has a race or path for my life. It may not be easy but how can I persevere through the hard stretches of my race?
- As I fix my eyes on Jesus I see how to live out my daily life in obedience. What does that look like on a daily basis? How does keeping my eyes focused on Jesus and seeing his faithful example encourage me when I am tired and discouraged?
P – PRAYER – Pray God’s Word. Take it deep into your heart and ask Him to help you live out His Truth. Use this time to confess sin He has revealed.
Dear Lord, I know you have a plan for my life and I thank you for that plan. Thank you for the reminder in your word of those who have persevered through faith. As I run my race help me set aside any excess weight that is holding me down. Help me say no to responsibilities that I’m not currently meant to carry. If there is sin in my life, give me eyes to see it and turn from it. Help me always keep my eyes fully focused on you so that I may have endurance to follow your path for my life. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
*****
Friend, here is my question for you… How is God speaking to you through this passage? What next step is He asking you to take? What is your response to what God is saying to you in this passage?
I want to hear how God is working in your life through this passage. Leave a comment below or send me a message by using the contact form in the tab at the top of the page.
If you would like to read more on focusing on Christ read these posts…
In His Calm,
