What You Endure Disciplines

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us, fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfector for the faith, who, in view of the joy set before Him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The preserving obedience of faith in Christ is the race set before us, where we must either win the crown of glory or have everlasting misery.

What hinders me from running my Christian race? What takes me from my motive for running? What gives me the power to overcome discouragement? When weary and faint in my mind, let me recollect that the Holy Jesus suffered to save me from eternal misery. My thoughts will strengthen holy affections and keep under any fleshly desires by steadfastly looking to Him.

What are my trials to His agonies? I am prone to grow weary and faint under my distress from the imperfection of grace and the remains of corruption. Don't make light of afflictions and be without feeling under them, but bear up with faith and patience.

Hebrews 12:7-11 What you endure disciplines you: God treats you as sons. Is there a son whom His father does not discipline? Now, if you are without any discipline, in which all sons share, then you are illegitimate and not God's sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. We should submit even more to the Father of our spirits and live, shouldn't we? For a short time, they disciplined us as they thought best, but God does it for our good so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful. Later on, however, for those who have been trained by it, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.