Joy
It is amazing to see how the combination of things produces the desired results. You do not get what you desire by pursuing it directly, however often what we desire is a product of doing other things.
In Hebrews chapter twelve we are given one of so many examples provided in scripture.
There is admonition and encouragement to the believer.
In Chapter eleven we see the short narrations of the hero’s faith.
Then in chapter twelve, we are pointed to our ultimate example in Jesus Christ.
“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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
Setting the Proper Expectations
Setting the proper expectations can go a long way in helping someone know what is involved. It is important to set realistic expectations for new believers. You will be helping them understand what will transpire in every area of life. Sadly, many people hear an appeal that can lead them to great disappointment.
The word of God sets a proper expectation by pointing to the life of Jesus. We see important admonitions Jesus gave those who would be His disciples.
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
Self-denial, burden-bearing, and obedient submission.
No doubt, there are so many glorious experiences and opportunities that come to us in this journey of faith. However, there is a mixture of opposition, rejection, hatred, and persecution Jesus promised those who would be followers of Him.
Of course, most people figure it out pretty quickly because reality can teach you more than a thirty-minute Bible study every week. It does however help tremendously if people can grasp there is a cost of personal sacrifice and challenge that will be demanded.
When professing Jesus and pursuing His will we are not signing up for a Vacation, but rather a lifelong journey of service and ministry that is likened to a soldier involved in warfare.
Let’s consider this Scriptural description of Jesus and its application to the life of an individual believer.
Looking unto Jesus,
who for the joy set before Him,
Endured the cross
Despising the shame.
If anyone is going to be able to survive, they must understand the Joy set before us.
We have hope beyond this life; however, there will be some heavy burdens, demonic opposition, patiently waiting, and a kind of shame and rejection experience, it will weary your mind.
If you are unable to get a clear fix and understanding of the suffering of Jesus, it will hinder your ability to overcome.
When we consider Him and His suffering,
It will help us with whatever challenge we are facing.
Reading the Eleventh chapter of Hebrews, we understand the kinds of challenges that the heroes of faith endured. They are watching us and have given us an example.
The challenge put to us in this text is simple to describe but harder to do.
Lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily beset’s us.
The Greek word euperistatos gives us the word beset
This is the only time this word is found in the Greek text.
To resist the runner from all directions.
No doubt you need to consider the heroes of faith, and we need to look to Jesus; however, don’t forget sandwiched between those watching us and our need to keep our focus on Jesus, we must not neglect the active admonition that we must obey.
Lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset us.
We need to be able to look at ourselves and diagnose what hinders us. No doubt sin hinders us, however sometimes, what hinders us the most is not sin, but burdens that will hinder your race.
The greek word ogkos gives us the English word weight.
It might be a weight because it takes up so much time or because it fills so much of your mind.
It is a weight that hinders you in your walk and life of faith.
Lay it aside.
For a time or eternity, however long, settle it in your mind; my race of faith is more important than anything else.
Patience comes from the Greek word, hypomonē.
If there is one concept you will grow to understand, it is this single word, patience.
Patience
We start this Christian walk in faith. However, we will finish it because of faithfulness.
Faithfulness is faith-filled with patient continuance.
When the weather is bad, your faith perseveres.
When the money is low, faith continues on.
When trouble is strong, faith is ever resisting.
When the enemy fight hard, faith stands until the battle is over.
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:19
This wonderful life of faith sees miracles, deliverance, provision, healing, and protection.
However, remember, while you are praying, and looking, and standing, and fighting the good fight of faith, the greatest miracle that faith does is sustain you in the waiting.
No matter how long or short you have been living for God, hear these simple words.
It’s going to be worth it all some beautiful happy day.
For the Joy that is set before you.
There is a payday coming someday!
In Him, By Him, Through Him,
Scott Phillips
Video of the Message
Here are but a few scriptures that help us narrow down on just a small glimpse of the ultimate joy we have before us.
1 John 3:2-4
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1 Corinthians 15
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
For the Joy Set Before Us
Revelation 21
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.