Micro-Church Week 16
Discover Bible Study
Extended Notes from Sunday, April 17, 2022
CONTEXT
Easter Sunday! We had a great time celebrating the risen Savior. Our message Sunday focused on the interaction and response of Jesus toward his disciples. We said:
1. He knows us better than we know ourselves
2. Salvation was not given based on our performance (he knew we couldn’t earn it)
3. His first instructions were to gather and build the church.
The crucifixion was a choice made out of love for us. It was this choice of love that provided salvation for us. As we experience the grace of God in our lives, there is a tension between trying to live in grace and at the same time live lives that are worthy of the gift that He gave. (see Matthew 10:38)
This week, let’s dive a little deeper into how our lives interact with the world of Jesus on the cross. Look at Hebrews 12:1-3.
Hebrews 12:1–3 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
What do you notice about Jesus in this passage?
Being “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” is reference to the stories of the people listed in Hebrews 11. Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the “Roll call of faith”. Are there people in your life who have encouraged you by their faith in Jesus? Discuss.
The writer of Hebrews presents the idea that we should strive to run our race well. What are some practical ways that you could lay aside sin (things that are contradictory to a Godly lifestyle) AND weights (things that aren’t necessarily sin, but might be hindering your walk with Jesus) in your life?
Take some time to pray with your micro-church as we encourage one another to run the race that is set before us.
