He Will Be Called - Part 3 [Notes]

December 17th, 2023

This time of year, so much of the world focuses on Jesus. But who was and is Jesus, and what difference can He make in our lives? In the Christmas series titled, “He Will Be Called,” we will be focusing on some of the titles, names or descriptions given to Jesus in the Old and New Testaments. Jesus is more amazing than we realize, and He can make the difference in our lives.

Today's Takeaway // Jesus is the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.

...Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.
– Hebrews 12:2a (CSV)

Someone who is referred to as a pioneer in a particular area of activity is one of the first people to be involved in it and develop it.
– Collins Dictionary

[A pioneer is] one who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow.
– Wiktionary

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Source and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.
– Hebrews 12:1-3 (HCSB)

These saints are not “witnesses” that see our faith and testify about us...They are witnesses whose life, works, sufferings, death attest their own faith, testify to us through the pages of Holy Writ and in other history that they were true men of faith indeed (the faith defined in Hebrews 11:1).
– R.C. Lenski

Because the figure is that of a runner in the main clause, some carry this figure back into the participial clause: the runner runs practically naked, every weight is discarded, especially robes that cling to the limbs when one is running.
– R.C. Lenski

Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So Ido not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

...Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Source and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.
– Hebrews 12:1-3 (HCSB)

Jesus is the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.

...Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
–Hebrews 12:2a (NLT)

...Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith,
– Hebrews12:2a (NASB)

The word “author”... suggests that Jesus “pioneered” the path of faith Christians should follow. He also “perfected” the way of faith since He reached its end successfully.
– Z.C. Hodges

We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith.
– Hebrews12:2a (GW)

Christ starts our faith and leads it to its consummation.
– Luther

We need vastly more than a perfect example, which by its very perfection may well cause us to cry in despair: “We cannot hope even to approach such an example!” From start to finish we need the divine Christ as the One who can fill us with faith, keep us in faith, and finally crown our faith.
– R.C. Lenski

Discussion Questions //

In what ways can the Christian life be compared to a race or an athletic competition?
Read Hebrews 12:1-3. What are some of the things that might trip us up, hinder us, or disqualify us when it comes to the race of faith we are running?
What do you think it means to “keep our eyes on Jesus?” In what ways is He the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith?
Read Hebrews 11:1. How would you define faith? What is the difference between faith and “blind faith?”
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. If you were involved with sports in high school or college, what were some of the sacrifices you made in order to win? What are some of the things we can do as Christians to make sure we finish strong?
How might you apply today’s lesson to your life?

Worship Setlist //

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas // The First Noel // O What a Miracle // Trust in God

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Catch Up //

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