The Sermon: Hebrews 11:32-12:2

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets– ³³ who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. ³⁵ Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. ³⁶ Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated– ³⁸ of whom the world was not worthy–wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹ And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, ⁴⁰ since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Theme: THE FINAL FRONTIER

Summary: Scripture provides many examples of faithful Christians. These sainted believers serve as inspiration to us who are still running the race of life. If God helped them make it heaven, He will surely help us too. Look to the saints for encouragement, but most importantly, look to Jesus. He is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Jesus is destined for the final frontier of heaven.

Why is it good for us to remember the saints? (saint = “holy one”; or in this specific context a “believer who has gone to heaven”)

Being a believer is not easy. What enables a believer to endure suffering?

When does a person become an inheritor of the promise of eternal life?

Is it good for us to compare ourselves to the saints? Why or why not?

Who is the ultimate encouragement for believers? What was His joy?

Why is it important for Christians to think often about heaven?