Foundations for Followers - "Practical Spiritual Disciplines" - Hebrews 12:1-5 - Tim Nay

LifeSpring Christian Church Sermons

05-03-2023 • 37 mins

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, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do Not Grow Weary
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him. —Hebrews 12:1-5

Challenge from Hebrews 12:
Lay aside of what burdens us.

8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. —Matthew 18:8-9

Being proactive against sin in our lives.

Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus

Reminds us our faith is from Jesus

Our faith is brought to maturity by Jesus

Reminds us our persecution isn’t that bad–endure
Calls us children of God

Spiritual Disciplines We Can Practice:

Create times of Solitude

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, —Matthew 14:22-23But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. —Luke 5:16

Practice Fasting

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” —Ezra 8:21-2316 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. —Matthew 6:16

Dedicate time to Prayer

41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41

Spend time Reading/Study/Listening to the Bible

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. —Joshua 1:8

Memorize Scripture

I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. —Psalm 119:11

Write in a Journal

Listen/sing songs about and to God

And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord. —Psalm 27:6

Commit to meeting together with other Christians __regularly


What spiritual discipline will you practice this week?

What specific day(s) will you do this?

Who will you tell about your plans?

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