Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. (NET)
In chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews showed us what faith looks like. Faith is being certain in the unseen things, particularly, that God exists and that God rewards those who diligently seek him. The writer has shown us that these heroes had that kind of faith. They endured great tragedy, trials, and loss knowing that their faith was in the better country that God promised. They did not have their eyes and hearts in this world, but desired things better than what we can have here.
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Tags: christian life, hebrews 12, Hebrews Bible Study
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Hebrews Bible Study (The Superior Christ)
1 Peter 3:18-22 is considered by many to be the most difficult passage to interpret. There are numbers of different interpretations that have been given about these verses. As we study the text, it is important that we make sure we do not come out of the context. These verses have been lifted from their context which brings about many of the different interpretations we encounter. Let us look at the verses surrounding this controversial text and see if it gives us some clarity about where Peter is going.
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Tags: 1 peter 3, death of jesus, jesus, redemption
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1 Peter Bible Study (Hope In Hard Times)
The writer of Hebrews concluded chapter 10 reminding his audience that the righteous live by faith, not by what is seen. Further, those who give up and shrink back will be destroyed by God. But those who have endurance and keep their faith will preserve their souls. The writer states with confidence that we are those who have faith. In chapter 11 the writer of Hebrews is going to tell us what faith looks like. I have already done a series from this chapter 11 in the spring of 2008 called Heroes. If you want to hear detailed lessons on these heroes of faith, be sure to check out that series of lessons online. Since I went through Hebrews 11 with a fine tooth comb last year, I would like to simply consider the key points of faith from this chapter.
It is fascinating to see how many misconceptions of faith exist considering that Hebrews 11 gives a great explanation of faith and what faith looks like. Some think of faith as having any sort of spirituality. We hear language today that there are many faiths (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc). Some understand faith as having the belief that something good is going to happen to them (the popular teachings of Joel Osteen). Some think of faith as something that is blind, that is, taking a blind leap against known facts. But none of these are descriptions of biblical faith.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. (11:1-2; ESV)
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Tags: christian life, faith, hebrews 11, Hebrews Bible Study
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Hebrews Bible Study (The Superior Christ)
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8; ESV)
The word “finally†clues us in that we are still learning from the apostle Peter about lifestyle evangelism and our need to yield to one another and honor one another. Peter gives us five traits of all disciples of Jesus.
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Tags: 1 peter 3, christian life, suffering
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1 Peter Bible Study (Hope In Hard Times)