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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
a winner
in the
make us effective
Christian
“athletes”?
Christian
life see
is less
• What kinds of things
did we
that distracted some
dependent
on ourtheir
innate
of the Olympic
athletes during
competitions?
abilities and more
• What happens to an athlete when he/she is
dependent on our focus
distracted in the midst of the competition?
on Jesus
• 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