*Hebrews 12:1-13*

 

If you have ever watched the Olympics on TV you have probably been amazed at the feats the human body is capable of doing!  It has always amazed me how some of these people have spent their entire childhood preparing for a single event that in some cases is over within a few minutes!  The amount of training and sacrifice is huge, all for a single goal – a Gold medal and worldwide recognition that you are the best in that particular thing of all the humans on earth!

 

Since we are striving toward a more eternal reward, and more important recognition by God, are we as willing to make the appropriate sacrifices and practice the necessary disciplines? 

 

We have a more important prize than mere gold, and more important recognition than just that of this world to consider. How seriously are we taking seriously our walk with God?

 

To run this endurance race as Men After God's Heart, discipline must be a part of our lifestyles.

 

1. *Self-Discipline*

Heb 12:1

“Witnesses” here means Examples. They are not the spectators of us, rather, they are the examples put before us - we are to look to them as they cheer us on!

 

It is our responsibility before God to cast aside those things that become serious extra baggage, those things which might slow us down, or sidetrack us. This is the essence of *SELF DISCIPLINE*

 

 The Christian life doesn't just happen, it comes as the fruit of self-discipline along with God's graces. A runner does not wait for the goal line to come to him, he goes to it!

 

 

2. *Spiritual-Discipline*

Heb. 12:4-10

A good coach uses failures and pain to teach an athlete. God also brings discipline into our lives when we fail to use self-discipline! Even when God brings discipline into our lives, it is never punishment, it is to correct us

 

The point of discipline is love, a love that cares too much to let someone learn self-destructive patterns.

 

The whole purpose of this discipline is the fruit it will bear in our lives! Heb. 12:11

 

*PRAYER POINTS*

1. Thank God for the opportunity to walk with Him. Pray that he will help you to truly understand the significance of this endurance walk with Him, and the rewards that await you. 

 

2. Ask God to grant you the fervent self-discipline described in Hebrews 12:1. That you will profit from the examples of faith surrounding you, both from the Scriptures and believers. 

 

3. Ask God to grant you the courage to maintain a focus on Him, running the race with joy, even in the face of pain and suffering.

 

4. Pray that the spirit of humility will come upon you. To accept discipline as an act of love, and to know that it's aimed at correcting harmful patterns in our lives.