Lesson 7:The Prize of Patience (Hebrews 12:1-16)

Based on two books by Tom Holland

Examination of

Patience• The Definition of “Patience” (for the Christian)– From compound Greek word, hupomeno

• “Hupo” (under) + “meno” (to abide, remain) = “to abide under”– Translated “patience”

• Luke 8:15; Rom. 2:6-7; 12:12; Col. 1:11; 1 Th. 1:3; 1 Tim. 6:11; Jas. 1:3-4– Translated “perseverance”

• Rom. 5:3-4; 2 Pet. 1:6– Translated “endure”

• Matt. 10:22; 1 Cor. 13:7; 2 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 12:2,3,7; Jas. 1:12; 5:11– “Patience” endures, holds on, goes on & doesn’t give up– English: “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity”

Examination of

Patience• The Definition of “Patience” (for the Christian)• The Opposite of “Patience” (for the Christian)

– “Wearied” in mind (Heb. 12:3)– “Fainthearted” in soul (Heb. 12:3)– “Hands which hang down, feeble knees, lame” (Heb. 12:12-13)

• Patience is not:– Doing right only when the weather is right

• Patience is:– Holding on to the Lord when the storm is raging– Continuing to faithfully live for God when “life” is hurled at you

Exhortation to

Patience• God urges His people to:– “Lay aside every weight” (12:1)– “Lay aside the sin which so easily ensnares” (12:1)– “Run with endurance the race that is set” (12:1)

Example ofPatience

• “Looking unto Jesus” (12:2)– Jesus endured the cross (12:2)– Jesus endured hostility from sinners (12:2)

• Rejection, lies, scourging, nails, ridicule– Jesus held on, kept going and didn’t quit!

• We may “look to Jesus” by:– Recognizing He faced our same temptations & overcame (Heb. 4:15)– Relying on Him to extend mercy and grace in time of need (Heb. 4:16)– Recalling He is our High Priest who lives to make intercession (7:25)– Letting His word “dwell in us” richly (Col. 3:16)– Faithfully partaking of His memorial every week (Heb. 10:25)– Following His example of being steadfast in God’s will (Heb. 12:2)

Expectations for

Patience• Anticipate and prepare for:– “The hostility of sinners” (12:3)– “Striving against sin” (Heb. 12:4)– “The chastening of the Lord” (Heb. 12:5-11)– The failure of some of God’s people (Heb. 12:15)– Sexual immorality among God’s people (12:16)– Godlessness among God’s people (12:16)

• When you anticipate and prepare for what may/will come, you can weather the storm and hold on!

Excelling inPatience

• If you are unfaithful, the cause is not lost. You can start over.• There is a difference between being “knocked down” and

“knocked out.”• Failing does not have to be failure.• You can resolve anew right now to be steadfast (1 Cor.

15:58).• No matter where you are, you can change your mind and

come back to the Lord.