Life Group Questions

1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas that you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

2. What does the word “therefore” in Hebrews 12:1 point to? Who are the great cloud of witnesses that the writer mentions? Why do you think the writer mentions these witnesses?

3. Describe the race the writer mentions. Read the following passages where this word is also used but translated differently: Philippians 1:29-30 (conflict); 1 Thessalonians 2:2 (conflict); Acts 20:24 (course); 1 Timothy 6:12 (fight). What is significant about this word’s use?

4. What is the Christian race? Is there one particular course for all, or are there various courses for each individual? How does faith relate to our race?

5. What confidence does the writer give us for support in the race? What are some things that encourage you in the Christian race?

6. What does it mean to lay aside weights? How can things that are not necessarily bad hinder us from running in the race? What are some particular things that you may need to set aside in other to run the race well?

7. Why does sin hinder us from running the Christian race? What does the writer mean by saying sin constrains and constricts us (cf. Isaiah 59:1)? Do you have any sin in your life that is keeping you from running the Christian race well? Will you confess and repent of it?

8. What does it mean to fix our eyes on Jesus? In what way is Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith? What attitude of Christ is highlighted in this passage? What are some things Christ did that served as a model for us in running the race?

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision