The remainder of the chapter continues to bring forward and explain exactly why God found their faith to be accepted. Therefore, Ive decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. Accept Christ as Savior and let Him . And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 11). This is the "great cloud of witnesses" spoken of here. Hebrews 11, part of which was read for us earlier, lists a bunch of biblical examples of faithful saints, obedient people who serve as examples and witnesses of how to faithfully move toward what God has promised. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. by Janice MacLean. Are these burdens necessary? We will explore nine major themes, relate those themes to other parts of our faith tradition, and tie them together with the overarching motif of community. Blogging through the bible, one verse from every book. They all have one thing in common, they believed God and obeyed Him. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.". Faith is not belief without evidence to support it. Hebrews 12: 1-2 Therefore, we too, having around our great cloud of witnesses, let us shed all weight and the sin that beset us, and patiently run the race that lies ahead, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, which for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the reproach, and sat down at the right hand of the throne . Rom. Homer II. What is surrounding you and harasses you? We must realize that until we have reached our destination, death or the last trumpet, there is a road ahead, and it is narrow, straight, and satan will not stop tempting us to swerve. Part of the way to do that is to throw off the hindrances of sin when we have been entangled by it. all are part of you. This is illustrated by the first three witnesses. In fact, one of the ten commandments instructs against being a false witness (Exodus 20:16). Although Noah had yet to see the great rain, the flood, and the new world afterward, he certainly believed in it because God had told him. If nothing unusual occurs, there is nothing to talk about and no need to testify. Noah was not a crazy prophet. Abels example was recorded for us to follow, but what about Cain? and they are to make this declaration: "Our hands didn't shed this blood, nor were we witnesses to the crime. Hebrews 12:1. THE NUMBER OF THE WITNESSES. It consists of thirteen chapters, all of which are packed with theology, metaphor, comparisons, and spirituality. You dont know what lies ahead, you dont know pitfalls that lie in wait. Circumspectly watchful and discreet, cautious, prudent, well considered, that takes patience. Providing straight-forward Scripture-based answers to your questions on the Bible since 1998 Generally when we think of witnesses, we think of a trial with those called to testify, either for the defense or prosecution to verify or refute a charge against a criminal. Astoundingly, the author of Hebrews has made the strong case that all the heroes of Old Testament faith were saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, though they had not directly heard of him or understood this (Heb 11). He was real. Imagine two people who each hope one day to own a home. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to thispage. 10:17; Pr. We can be to. Faith understands where we came from. You must believe God and obey Him, to complete your race. The community for which the letter was written interacts, in a sense, with all the communities of which you are a part, because you bring those groups with you wherever you gothey have helped to form you into the person you are. Each feels sure of owning a home in future, but their hope and belief differs insubstance. Thus, this verse carries the following idea: "Wherefore seeing we have lying all around us on every side." or "Wherefore seeing these biblical examples who are piled up and lying all around us." But to make this point even stronger, the Holy Spirit uses the word "clouds. What we do know is that he walked closely and faithfully with God. One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Hebrews 12:1 Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses: the author may be thinking of an athletic contest in a large amphitheater wherein the heroes just mentioned are inspiring examples for us, urging us on to stand firm in the faith and even to martyrdom if need be. Presbyterian Women (PW) is an inclusive and caring community of women, committed to working toward Gods promise of wholeness for all people. | Next IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul put together for us a . These are those who have gone on before us. Abels sacrifice was more excellent because he , Cains sacrifice was an example of evil works because while being , . (1Cor 10:1-11). Taken together, they expound on how faith is, . They also expand our understanding that . . A Cloud of Witnesses. Studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses convinced her that there is a creator with a meaningful purpose for the earth. For the gospel, there is nothing you cannot do on this earth. Those who have faith do not have such problems. It entangles and halts progress. Indeed, the important thing about that faith is that "this is what the ancients were commended for" (Hebrews 11:2). . Here is a list of them: Abel - Hebrews 11:4 (HCSB) By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, Jesus Heals the Blind Man Coloring Pages (Free Printables), 40 Important Bible Scriptures on Rebellion, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. Those witnesses are the heroes of the faith. If you've read my book Letters from Ruby you know the impact she had on my life, but here's the snapshot. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career. 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. Paul makes reference in chapter 12 to a cloud of witnesses that are in chapter 11. 16:26 calls that, "The obedience of faith". Their witness to the reader is the example of their faith lived out in their obedience, and this is to give us an example to follow and encouragement to obey God in our own lives as proof of our own belief in the saving power of Jesus Christ. Our faith and assurance ofHeaven has great substance in the solid promises ofGod. . Genesis 9:14 chapter context similar meaning copy save And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: Faith is not unsubstantiated hope and belief. They, as our friends, intercede before the Throne of God on our behalf, having won the good fight, and we are encouraged by the memory and example of their lives, as we struggle on our own path to God. The Christian is one who knows her need for God to save her, and then, accepting that free gift seeks to live unto God with perseverance. Learn to imitate his faith while studying the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11. #4 the race marked out for us. In general, the race is the same for everyone who would finish in the arms of God. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Old Testament provides us with inspiring examples of faith even unto death. He's in my cloud. God even directly tied his decision with ours by calling the afflictions he endured as a result of it , . (Heb. Abel acted on faith, whilst Cain apparently acted without faith. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." The phrase "Cloud of Witnesses" itself comes from Hebrews 12:1, which we will look at in just a moment. We also find stories of people who remained faithful to Him. Published annually in a variety of formats, the Horizons Bible study connects, nurtures and inspires Presbyterian Women. [1 Thes.5:22] Every sin, even the ones that appear that way to others. But clearly that is not its meaning as God used it above. This is the great cloud of witnesses spoken of here. That cloud is also a witness to each of us every day to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. We will explore nine major themes, relate those themes to other parts of our faith tradition, and tie them together with the overarching motif of community. Enoch is a mystery. But this cloud of witnesses covers more than forty centuries. This is not a mere play that we are looking at for our entertainment. Noah Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), and he and his family escaped the flood that destroyed theworld. Only hers mattered. Cloud of Witnesses - Presbyterian Women Who We Are Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) What We Do Mission Tours Work For Justice and Peace Racism Human Trafficking Violence Advocacy Education Poverty Build Community PW Churchwide Gathering Develop Leaders Position Training Cultural Humility and Leadership Our Impact Giving & Funding Donate Magazine Hebrews 12:1 - 2. Thus, the account of Abel revealed the witness of Abels faith, but also recorded the testimony of Cains failure. Lay them aside!!! He knows each of us uniquely. 4:23-24). 11:24-26). There are those whose lives testify that refusing to give God full faith and submission always brings failure. The cloud of witnesses is preaching the truth of Gods word and the advantage of obedience to it. First, God revealed exactly what we should understand about why God punished them: . By faith they understand that visible things were made out of things that are not visible, and the word ofGod brought "the worlds", the universe of visible things, into being. If we do not throw it off, how are we to run the race marked out for us with perseverance?. While each was living their life, something important occurred that God wanted us to hear about. I find the examples of faithful women such as Sarah, Rahab, Hannah, and Mary to be very beneficial. The Hebrew writer makes some comments about faith which we will notice first. Each day, as most of us live our lives, we are only spectators. Abel was a true worshiper and God sought his worship while Cain was not. Every Hero in chapter 11 had a very different race set before them. Faith is not unsubstantiated hope andbelief. He was raw. Nobody can have a valid assurance that God is pleased with them, unless they can show that their belief is substantiated by Gods word. The cloud of witnesses in chapter 12 includes people just like chapter 11 describes - people who pleased God by choosing faith, and relying on God's help to live out that faith well. Your Job? Since . NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. all are part of you. Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities. Abels sacrifice so far excelled Cains that God Himself also testified to its value by accepting his sacrifice and rejecting Cains: . . The good of all the ages are perhaps surveying us as we follow on; at least we may survey their glorious example and follow in their footsteps. Since God chose each of them to give witness to some element of what He wants or expects of His people, taken together they have become our , God wanted us to see how much they can help us. Enjoys hiking and drawing . By God's sovereign hand, He moved in the lives of these men to take His message of salvation to "Jerusalem," to "all Judea and Samaria," and "to the end of the earth.". If we believe in visible things at all, then we must believe that there is a universe of visible things: "the worlds" (Hebrews 11:3). Full trust and confidence in God, a complete rejection of their own wisdom, and exact compliance with Gods commands led them to success. Your debt? "Why is this so vital? Their witness to the reader is the example of their faith lived out in their obedience, and this is to give us an example to follow and encouragement to obey God in our own lives as proof of our own belief in the saving power of Jesus Christ. 16:26 calls that, The obedience of faith. . 3:10-12). Abels accepted sacrifice, Enochs accepted walk in fellowship with God, Noahs successful completion of building the ark to Gods exact specifications, and Abrahams obedience to Gods call all testify to the same thing. Salvation is not unique, but our individual path to the Day of Judgement, where we stand alone in Christ, is. He moved out to the Southwest, lived in a trailer, and taught music to kids on a Native American reservation. Additional helps in Horizons magazine beginning with the July/August 2017issue. These are those who have endured and "kept the faith". In the Bible, a witness is someone who sees something amazing or important. Grace is not opposed to effort, only to earning. He mentions three persons, Abel, Enoch, and Noah. An event occurred in their life, that God gave them the opportunity to become a witness to all future generations to help and bless with wisdom all who desire to serve and glorify God. We will be wise to heed them. The entire heaven is focusing on you. [Num.32:23] Be sure your sin will find you out, [Gal.6:7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: (mock to attack or treat with ridicule, contempt, or derision) You mock God with your sin! Focusing on how faith and life connect, the magazine for Presbyterian Women gives you insights from women around the world and inspiration to live boldly. Each of those recorded had something important to witness. This verse says that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. While Moses' life testified to the value of sacrificial faith, those he led out of Egypt testified to the terrible consequences of unbelief. And the trials that . 15), and even Solomon at the end of his life (1Kings 1-11). What he believed and preached was founded on solid evidence, no less than the testimony and promise ofGod himself. Cain must have acted without this, and simply done what was right in his own eyes. Your health? Gods promise is his testimony. You only dream of what the finish line looks like. This plan will use the life of Enoch as our example of living a quiet life by faith. We see the glories of their triumphs, the factors that brought them victory, and the obstacles that they overcame to win (Hebrews 11). is everyone God recorded in the Bible in a favorable way. We could add Nadab and Abihu (Lev. | The Hub Many of the stories we can relate to and use and learn the lessons without making similar mistakes. So he could believe that he was pleasing God and would be rewarded, even though he had not yet seen heaven. (Jn. The way to throw it off is to face it honestly, confess it, repent of it and run forward, leaving it behind. One has an inheritance coming her way soon, and is saving money in the bank. We are simply taken through several inspiring examples ofGodly men and women in Old Testament times who believed in Christ and sought eternal life. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson. The Bible speaks often of the dangers of accumulating wealth and its ability to cloud judgment. Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For. Sin acts as weight or drag. The community in which you study and worship, your family and friends, social and therapy groups . The apostles, Peter, John, Andrew . (Heb. Only if something important happens are we called upon to give our witness about what occurred. . Each was brought forth out of obscurity to testify about these things. A careful examination of their worship when compared to Jesus words about worship today reveals the value of Abels testimony and the importance of our heeding it. "cloud" is common in the classic writers for indicating large numbers of people, e.g. Rich Mullins is also in my cloud. Enoch did not have to wait till he was taken up to know that he pleased God. Workshop for Leaders,HZN17101 FREE or PRINTABLE PDF FREE, Main Points and Lesson Summaries by Susan Jackson Dowd, PRINTABLE PDF FREE, Cloud of Witnesses coloring pages, PRINTABLE PDF FREE. . Baptized in 1995. The cloud of witnesses are examples to us of those who have run the race and won. Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities. Horizons magazine subscriptions Call toll-free 866/802-3635 orsubscribe online. Home Great Stimulus The witness of men and women of faith can be a great stimulus to our own trust, and these women and men who trusted God demonstrate what faith is all about. 2:5-9), the wicked kings, the casting off of Israel, or Jeremiahs inability to find one righteous man to save Jerusalem, Scriptures are full of the terrible consequences of rebellion. 10:1-3), king Saul (1Sam. You have a race set before you, and all you see now is the exact spot you occupy right now. Suggestions for Leaders bySung Hee Chang. Hebrews 11:6 Examples of Faith #2 let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. If one is going to run a race, they had better not be shackled to any hindrances. Thus, every person whose life is recorded in the Bible, no matter how long or short the account, has been placed there because they have something important to testify about. Noah had commandments from God, and he faithfully kept them all (Genesis 6:22). The Hebrew writer tells us that before he was taken up, he had a testimony that he pleased God. Our topical studies in Hebrews now consider the famous eleventh chapter which teaches about faith by reminding us of many courageous Old Testament believers. Therefore Abel could be confident that he was doing what was right and pleasing to God, and his offering would be respected and rewarded. He is also the author of the notes and appendixes of The Companion Bible and the author of numerous works including Commentary on Revelation, Great Cloud of Witnesses, How to Enjoy the Bible, and Number in Scripture. These are those whose past lives of faith encourage others to live that way, too. Abel Abel pleased God with a sacrifice that he made. Now if we believe only in visible things, then we cannot understand how the visible universe originated, because we believe only in what is contained within it, and we leave nothing existing outside of it to explain its origin. . The Bible also warns KJV Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Presbyterian Women is the womens organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). What is weighing you down? Antiquarian & Collectible Books Jehovah Witness Watchtower, The Bible Audiobooks, Bible Books 1850-1899, Bible Antiquarian & Collectible Books, Nonfiction Books Fiction . Therefore, Ive decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. The Hebrew writer allows no way that a person can please God except by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Rom. But God has a unique plan for each of us, and we can trust him that it will include everything that is needed for us to make it well, becoming what we are to become in Christ. His brother Cain also made a sacrifice but did not please God (Genesis 4:1-7). Cloud of Witnesses bible verse. These witnesses all testify to the faith that rests upon the promises and commandments ofGod. The application should be obvious, but God made it much clearer. Since , God had told each of them exactly what He wanted them to do. Clearly these witnesses refer to the great heroes of the faith just mentioned in . Each record of their testimony gives us one more witness that in some way or another testifies that doing things exactly Gods way always brings success and reward. . www.simplybible.com Copyright Ron Graham 2001, "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him". Stand strong, confidently, be bold and match forward; accomplish your course. Who are these witnesses? A Great Cloud of Witnesses. So we also have a race to run by faith. Our attention is called, not merely to a cloud, but to so great a cloud. God has made promises and given us his word on them. 4:274, 23:133; Statius 1:340, and other instances adduced in Wetstein, in loc. In (Hebrews 12:1) we read the following: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Nothing can stop you; neither Satan . That "Cloud of Witnesses" is for us to use, to learn from, and to grow spiritually. Hebrews 12:1-2. The Cloud of Witnesses D. Young Hebrews 12:1 Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight I. Your ambition? Second, my friend and mentor Ruby Browning, who died back in 2012. Desiring a state of perfection, a world where all is good, pure, and perfect. Alan is a preacher for the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. In using the recorded lives of Cain, Balaam and Korah another cloud of witnesses begins to form. 5:5-7). God validated their testimony by placing them in Scripture. In our two previous lesssons we studied the chapters either side of chapter 11. Everyone must lay aside the things that so easily beset us (beset attack on all sides, assail, harass, to surround, hem in). 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