A Consistent Life

August 31
 Think About It …

• What are some characteristics of a person you

would classify as a “chameleon”?

Today we look at the concept of consistency.

• Our actions as believers should substantiate what
we say we believe.
• How can we be more consistent in our Christian
walk?
 In light of the recent Olympics, listen for
references to sports in this passage.

Hebrews 12:1-4 (NIV) 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. [2] Let us fix our eyes on
Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set
 In light of the recent Olympics, listen for
references to sports in this passage.

before him endured the cross, scorning its

shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured
such opposition from sinful men, so that you
will not grow weary and lose heart. [4] In
your struggle against sin, you have not yet
resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
 Remove Hindrances

• What words and phrases do you find that are

athletic imagery?
• What warning is given to the Christian “athlete”?
• Why would an endurance race be an appropriate
analogy for living the Christian life?
• What kinds of things in our lives would hinder us and
need to be gotten rid of, set aside?
• W hat things do athletes make sure to include in
their lives to improve their performance?
 Remove Hindrances

• How would this apply to our spiritual lives? What

things would God want us to include in our lives to
Being
make us effective aa winner
Christian
Being winner in
in the
“athletes”?
the
Christian
Christian
• What kinds of things did welife is
is less
lifesee less
that distracted
dependent
dependent
some of the Olympic on
on our
athletes our innate
innate
during their
competitions? abilities
abilities and
and moremore
• What happens dependent
dependent on
on our
our focus
focus on
on is
to an athlete when he/she
Jesus
Jesus
distracted in the midst of the competition?
• According to this passage, why is it important to
keep focused on Jesus?
 Listen for references to the
concept of discipline.

Hebrews 12:5-11 (NIV) And you have forgotten that

word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, [6]
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he
punishes everyone he accepts as a son." [7] Endure
hardship as discipline
 Listen for references to the
concept of discipline.

God is treating you as sons. For what son is not

disciplined by his father? [8] If you are not
disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline),
then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
[9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who
disciplined us and we respected them for it. How
much more should we submit to the Father of our
spirits and live!
 Listen for references to the
concept of discipline.

[10] Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they

thought best; but God disciplines us for our good,
that we may share in his holiness. [11] No discipline
seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on,
however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and
peace for those who have been trained by it.
 Accept Discipline

• Why is discipline of children basically a good thing?

 Caveat: too much or too negative discipline is

counter productive

• According to this passage what measures does the

Lord sometimes take toward those who are His
“sons”?
 Accept Discipline

• What does the passage say about the results of

God’s good discipline?
• What are some specific ways in which God
disciplines us?
• What is the wisest way to respond to His discipline
when we are going through it?
 Listen for the commands given in
this passage.
Hebrews 12:12-15 (NIV) Therefore, strengthen your
feeble arms and weak knees. [13] "Make level paths
for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled,
but rather healed. [14] Make every effort to live in
peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness
no one will see the Lord. [15] See to it that no one
misses the grace of God and that no bitter root
grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
 Put Faith into Action

• List the commands or words of encouragement

found in these verses.
• What could you do to strengthen your tired hands
and weak knees (figuratively speaking)?
• What are some ways you could pursue peace with
(pick one) a cranky co-worker, an unforgiving
relative, an offensive neighbor, an angry spouse?
 Put Faith into Action

• What is dangerous about bitterness?

• Note the responsibilities to other believers in these

warnings
• Make level paths for your feet, so the lame may not be
disabled, rather healed.
• See to it that no one misses the grace of God

• What are some ways to make sure no one misses

the grace of God?
 Application

• Ask God to show you if there is any dead weight or

ensnaring sin in your life
• Confess it, repent of it
• Set it aside so you can run the race of faith
• Increase your spiritual endurance with less “baggage” to
carry around
 Application

• Consider areas of your life where you are

experiencing God’s discipline
• Be aware that God is raising you to a mature faith
• Knowing that these issues are God’s training ground
• Allow that knowledge to improve your perspective
 Application

• Who is there around you with whom you need to live

at peace?
• Or is there anyone in your circle of acquaintances that is
missing the grace of God in their life?
• Trust God for His help and empowering in these situations
 Prayer of Commitment

Lord, Thank You that You do not waste any trial

or challenge, but you use them to raise me up
like a loving Father raises His son or
daughter. Help me to embrace everything
You are doing in my life, so I can share in
Your holiness and experience a harvest of
righteousness and peace.
A Consistent Life
August 31