IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul put together for us a . The Bible speaks often of the dangers of accumulating wealth and its ability to cloud judgment. Our faith and assurance ofHeaven has great substance in the solid promises ofGod. An early Contemporary Christian musician, his songs fed my angsty teenage soul. Therefore Abel could be confident that he was doing what was right and pleasing to God, and his offering would be respected and rewarded. 2. These are those who have gone on before us. Paul makes reference in chapter 12 to a cloud of witnesses that are in chapter 11. The lives of Gods saints adorn the doctrines of Scripture, helping us to make the right applications and showing us the right way. | List If we listen and seek to trust and follow each lesson their life and testimony was recorded to give us, it becomes easier to , . Enjoys hiking and drawing . 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. I find the examples of faithful women such as Sarah, Rahab, Hannah, and Mary to be very beneficial. | Next It consists of thirteen chapters, all of which are packed with theology, metaphor, comparisons, and spirituality. God even directly tied his decision with ours by calling the afflictions he endured as a result of it , . (Heb. If nothing unusual occurs, there is nothing to talk about and no need to testify. Accept Christ as Savior and let 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. A Great Cloud of Witnesses. 10:17; Pr. But they call us to run the race ourselves. It entangles and halts progress. We also find stories of people who remained faithful to Him. THE NUMBER OF THE WITNESSES. is everyone God recorded in the Bible in a favorable way. The remainder of the chapter continues to bring forward and explain exactly why God found their faith to be accepted. Now that she is part of the great cloud of witnesses, I thank God for the example of her endurance in the faith. Throughout Scripture, we find countless stories of God's faithfulness. While Moses' life testified to the value of sacrificial faith, those he led out of Egypt testified to the terrible consequences of unbelief. If you've read my book Letters from Ruby you know the impact she had on my life, but here's the snapshot. "Why is this so vital? #1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, In this instance, the therefore is defined by what follows, since. Each of these men and women of God are listed in Hebrews 11 as an example of the truth of Gods promises, and each teaches that belief is shown by action, and that action is reckoned as righteousness. Since . The so great a cloud of witnesses is here with us, surrounding us, looking upon us and interceding for us. Enoch did not have to wait till he was taken up to know that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:6 Examples of Faith In 1862 he was ordained in the Church of England. Birds gather together in clouds. We are simply taken through several inspiring examples ofGodly men and women in Old Testament times who believed in Christ and sought eternal life. Cain's sacrifice was an example of evil works because while being "wise in his own eyes," he "leaned on his own understanding." (2Cor. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. He moved out to the Southwest, lived in a trailer, and taught music to kids on a Native American reservation. 2022 Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Inc. Birthday or Thank Offering Grant Criteria, Nube de testigos (Cloud of Witnesses - Spanish edition) Downloadable PDF. . Enoch Enoch was so righteous that God took him up and he did not see death (Genesis 5:23-24). These statements are found in Hebrews 11:1-3 and 6. and they are to make this declaration: "Our hands didn't shed this blood, nor were we witnesses to the crime. (Jn. Fear nothing fear no one. Hebrews 12:1. While each was living their life, something important occurred that God wanted us to hear about. Ask questions, share your PW stories and stay up to date with all things PW! 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. Published annually in a variety of formats, the. 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. . Each was brought forth out of obscurity to testify about these things. 12 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 perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross . And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." From a Cloud of Witnesses: Three Hundred and Nine Tributes to the Bible by Clark, D. W. 1, ISBN 1017678081, ISBN-13 9781017678086, Like New Used, Free shipping in the US . What is weighing you down? So we also have a race to run by faith. Hebrews 12:1 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. The Old Testament provides us with inspiring examples of faith even unto death. The phrase "Cloud of Witnesses" itself comes from Hebrews 12:1, which we will look at in just a moment. NKJV 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. 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. 3:10-12). 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. Second, my friend and mentor Ruby Browning, who died back in 2012. "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.". 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. Who are these witnesses? What made the difference? Only if something important happens are we called upon to give our witness about what occurred. . That the cloud is referred to as "great" indicates that millions of believers have gone before us, each bearing witness to the life of faith we now live. They all have one thing in common, they believed God and obeyed Him. Those witnesses are the heroes of the faith. Imagine someone says, "Seeing is believing" and refuses to believe in anything that is not visible (or otherwise physically perceptible). The application should be obvious, but God made it much clearer. 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. Faith is said to include the belief that God "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). . (Jd. In addition to all this, there is "a great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) to encourage our faith. The Letter to the Hebrews is a significant book of the Bible, and is also significantly different from every other book in the Bible. What is surrounding you and harasses you? Enoch - Hebrews 11:5 (HCSB) By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience . Yet up to this very day, , . His testimony centered on the day he and Cain brought sacrifices to God. 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. Examples of how to apply God's Word in our lives. Rom. Our next lesson continues in Hebrews chapter 11, which reminds us of the faith of Abraham and other courageous Old Testament believers. 5:5-7). 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. 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. Each day, as most of us live our lives, we are only spectators. Their lives ended in rebellion, rejection and failure, but their tribe has not yet left the earth and we must beware of those who follow their example. Clearly these witnesses refer to the great heroes of the faith just mentioned in . Each feels sure of owning a home in future, but their hope and belief differs insubstance. Hebrews 12:1-2. It reads: Hebrews 12:1 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 . Worse still of course is the problem that no person can see all visible things. This is not a mere play that we are looking at for our entertainment. | The Hub Cains life was recorded as a testimony to avoid , . While Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice because he , , Cains works were evil because his sacrifice and worship was not by faith. 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. You have a race set before you, and all you see now is the exact spot you occupy right now. Published annually in a variety of formats, the Horizons Bible study connects, nurtures and inspires Presbyterian Women. So he could believe that he was pleasing God and would be rewarded, even though he had not yet seen heaven. Have you ever just stopped long enough to really look deep into your life and identify the things that are a burden? Enoch had Gods word on how he should live, and he followed it. A Cloud of Witnesses. all are part of you. In those chapters we saw Jesus as "the author and perfecter of our faith". 1701 Rand Morgan Rd.Corpus Christi, TX 78410(361) 241-6100, Sunday School 10AMSunday Preaching 11AMSunday Evening 6PMWednesday Evening 7PMWednesday Bible Club 7PM, 2011-2021 Bible Believers Baptist Church, All Rights Reserved. The entire heaven is focusing on you. Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For. Hebrews 12:1 - 2. God has made promises and given us his word on them. Part of the way to do that is to throw off the hindrances of sin when we have been entangled by it. There are those whose lives testify that refusing to give God full faith and submission always brings failure. A Cloud of Witnesses The Hebrew writer now goes on to mention many more examples which he calls "a great cloud ofwitnesses". And the trials that . He knows each of us uniquely. At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. We can be to. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,. Cloud of Witnesses bible verse. Cain must have acted without this, and simply done what was right in his own eyes. One has an inheritance coming her way soon, and is saving money in the bank. Every Hero in chapter 11 had a very different race set before them. If I may interject a prayerfully studied thought about the "so great cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 12:1, for your (and others) consideration, in the light of its immediate context? The other just believes in luck and saves no money, but gambles it away. 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. Abel was a true worshiper and God sought his worship while Cain was not. . They understand that their origins can therefore be traced back to the word 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: 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. Your relationships? . And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.". [Prov.14:9] while some of us try to mock sin! Our topical studies in Hebrews now consider the famous eleventh chapter which teaches about faith by reminding us of many courageous Old Testament believers. 16:26 calls that, "The obedience of faith". 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. (Barnes Notes) Compare 1Thess 4:17 where "in the clouds" actually lacks a Greek word for "the" so that it can be read "in clouds" meaning great numbers, like a swarm Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to thispage. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson. Bible study connects, nurtures and inspires Presbyterian Women. These are those whose past lives of faith encourage others to live that way, too. What he believed and preached was founded on solid evidence, no less than the testimony and promise ofGod himself. 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 The community in which you study and worship, your family and friends, social and therapy groups . Anyone so minded must believe that every visible thing originated from other visiblethings. There is. 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. Speaker: Fred Crow 7/4/20 The bible is filled with stories of those who went before us on this wonderous journey to God's Kingdom. Nothing can stop you; neither Satan . Multitudes of those whose lives are recorded in Scripture testify to a life ending in Gods wrath and their destruction. The writer of Hebrews has just listed quite a few who lived before Christ and couldn't see the details of God's plan, but were still faithful. He had evidence, namely Gods word, that his sacrifice would be acceptable. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career. In this chapter alone we have a list of men and women that held to the faith. Noah Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), and he and his family escaped the flood that destroyed theworld. FALSE Witnesses Examples of Christian ministers Witnesses Acts 1:8 Verse Concepts but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 5:32 Verse Concepts 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. The cloud of witnesses is preaching the truth of Gods word and the advantage of obedience to it. 4:274, 23:133; Statius 1:340, and other instances adduced in Wetstein, in loc. From the ancient world to Sodom and Gomorrah (2Pet. Everyone must lay aside the things that so easily beset us (beset attack on all sides, assail, harass, to surround, hem in). . (Heb. This is illustrated by the first three witnesses. Since it includes all visible things, there is no visible thing outside it from which it could originate. Since , God had told each of them exactly what He wanted them to do. . 11:4). Paul makes reference in chapter 12 to a cloud of witnesses that are in chapter 11. It is evidence on which our conviction is based. 10:1-3), king Saul (1Sam. Noah was not a crazy prophet. Hebrews 12:1. Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities. 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. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. Are these burdens necessary? Nobody can have a valid assurance that God is pleased with them, unless they can show that their belief is substantiated by Gods word. ESV 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. Thus, the account of Abel revealed the witness of Abels faith, but also recorded the testimony of Cains failure. If this person begins to share what they've seen, we call this "bearing witness." It's a simple word, but being a witness carries a lot of responsibility! Stand strong, confidently, be bold and match forward; accomplish your course. How do the examples of faithful women in the Bible help you? He's in my cloud. Abels sacrifice so far excelled Cains that God Himself also testified to its value by accepting his sacrifice and rejecting Cains: . The way to throw it off is to face it honestly, confess it, repent of it and run forward, leaving it behind. The Old Testament is valuable to Christians because of the true stories ofGodly men and women who are encouraging examples of faith. . But this cloud of witnesses covers more than forty centuries. Learn to imitate his faith while studying the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11. They had their faults as all of us do but are numbered as faithful to God. 15), and even Solomon at the end of his life (1Kings 1-11). 3:12). 2 Corinthians 5:7 - for without faith it is impossible to please Him. www.simplybible.com Copyright Ron Graham 2001, "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him". He mentions three persons, Abel, Enoch, and Noah. We must keep our eyes and on the prize, and keep stepping. So how does one believe in a universe of visible things most of which one has never observed? They all have one thing in common, they believed God and obeyed Him. Your ambition? The Hebrew writer tells us that before he was taken up, he had a testimony that he pleased God. You will recall too, that God made his testimony under oath (Hebrews 6:16-19). Tap a Lookup below to generate a list oflessons. 1 The Necessity of Faith The Hebrew writer makes some comments about faith which we will notice first. These are those who are examples of men and women of God who kept going. The Hebrew writer allows no way that a person can please God except by faith (Hebrews 11:6). 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. #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. "cloud" is common in the classic writers for indicating large numbers of people, e.g. As the senior apologist at Catholic Answers, he has more than twenty years . Their obedience to God was counted as righteousness in Christ, along with Abraham (Ro 4:3). If we do not throw it off, how are we to run the race marked out for us with perseverance?. The race marked out for us is the unique call on our lives to walk the path that God has planned for us. As well as where we came from, we need to know where are we going. Additional helps in Horizons magazine beginning with the July/August 2017issue. 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. We will be wise to heed them. Home Those who have faith do not have such problems. Desiring a state of perfection, a world where all is good, pure, and perfect. It consists of thirteen chapters, all of which are packed with theology, metaphor, comparisons, and spirituality. 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. Faith is not unsubstantiated hope andbelief. 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. Therefore, Ive decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. 11:24-26). If you were to ask any of them they would all agree to the truth in Hebrews 12:1. #3 And let us run with perseverance To persevere we must see the long game of our faith and sanctification. The lives of the wicked graphically illustrate Gods wrath. 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. We could add Nadab and Abihu (Lev. Taken together, they expound on how faith is, . They also expand our understanding that . You must crawl, then walk, then you may be able to run. Abel Abel pleased God with a sacrifice that he made. by Janice MacLean. 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. He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa. Now using the Hebrew writers own description of faith, this must mean that Abel acted on what God spoke. [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! We not only have the examples found in the Bible but we have men and women in our lives today that believe God and obey Him. And the title of the sermon is The Cloud of Witnesses, and the text is the first verse of the twelfth chapter of the Book . The Example of Jesus. These are those who have endured and "kept the faith". You must believe God and obey Him, to complete your race. 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. . Sin acts as weight or drag. In Hebrews 12:1, the Holy Spirit is emphasizing: Full trust and confidence in God, a complete rejection of their own wisdom, and exact compliance with Gods commands led them to success. Abel acted on faith, whilst Cain apparently acted without faith. 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. Only hers mattered. In our two previous lesssons we studied the chapters either side of chapter 11. Their lives were recorded for a very specific purpose: , He brings forward three witnesses whose testimony will help us identify false teachers today: . [1 Thes.5:22] Every sin, even the ones that appear that way to others. Sign up for emails so youll be in the know about PWs programs, resources and impact on the world! 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.". The apostles, Peter, John, Andrew . These statements are found in Hebrews 11:1-3 and 6. , . (1Jn. Antiquarian & Collectible Books Jehovah Witness Watchtower, The Bible Audiobooks, Bible Books 1850-1899, Bible Antiquarian & Collectible Books, Nonfiction Books Fiction . Now, in this present lesson (and continued in the next), the Hebrew writer helps us to focus on the quality of the faith authored and perfected by Christ. It is a strong warning to wealthy people that it can lead to greed, ambition, and pride, which can, in turn, become stumbling blocks preventing them from receiving God's grace. Many of the stories we can relate to and use and learn the lessons without making similar mistakes. #4 the race marked out for us. In general, the race is the same for everyone who would finish in the arms of God. The cloud of witnesses are examples to us of those who have run the race and won. "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, 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 . "witnesses" for Christ, receiving "power" as the Holy Spirit came "upon" them, indwelt them and enabled them. Very foolish. | Bible Topics Your health? We are to be inspired by the godly examples these saints set during their lives. What we do know is that he walked closely and faithfully with God. Return to: You dont know what lies ahead, you dont know pitfalls that lie in wait. We have examples of real people of faith in the Bible. Rom. This verse says that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. 4:23-24). In the Bible, a witness is someone who sees something amazing or important. 4:2-3). This plan will use the life of Enoch as our example of living a quiet life by faith. In Hebrews 12:1-2, the Bible encourages us: "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. all are part of you. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.". Suggestions for Leaders bySung Hee Chang. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to thispage. Baptized in 1995. 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. The Hebrew writer makes some comments about faith which we will notice first. 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. The Witnesses Chapter 11 lists a procession of Biblical saints from bygone days, who exemplified "faith", as defined in Hebrews 11:1. 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. In fact, one of the ten commandments instructs against being a false witness (Exodus 20:16).