We are simply taken through several inspiring examples ofGodly men and women in Old Testament times who believed in Christ and sought eternal life. The Example of Jesus. Every time we read Exodus through Deuteronomy, their lives testify to the danger we all face. Nobody can have a valid assurance that God is pleased with them, unless they can show that their belief is substantiated by Gods word. 16:26 calls that, The obedience of faith. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career. Presbyterian Women is the womens organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The other just believes in luck and saves no money, but gambles it away. | Next An event occurred in their life, that God gave them the opportunity to become a witness to all future generations to help and bless with wisdom all who desire to serve and glorify God. Gods promise is his testimony. . [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! The entire heaven is focusing on you. 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. Enoch Enoch was so righteous that God took him up and he did not see death (Genesis 5:23-24). . Focusing on how faith and life connect, the magazine for Presbyterian Women gives you insights from women around the world and inspiration to live boldly. Faith is not belief without evidence to support it. Therefore, Ive decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. Cain must have acted without this, and simply done what was right in his own eyes. While each was living their life, something important occurred that God wanted us to hear about. 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. That "Cloud of Witnesses" is for us to use, to learn from, and to grow spiritually. In addition to all this, there is "a great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) to encourage our faith. 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. The cloud of witnesses are examples to us of those who have run the race and won. Indeed, the important thing about that faith is that "this is what the ancients were commended for" (Hebrews 11:2). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. His brother Cain also made a sacrifice but did not please God (Genesis 4:1-7). 10:1-3), king Saul (1Sam. 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. A Cloud of Witnesses The Hebrew writer now goes on to mention many more examples which he calls "a great cloud ofwitnesses". "witnesses" for Christ, receiving "power" as the Holy Spirit came "upon" them, indwelt them and enabled them. What is surrounding you and harasses you? The Letter to the Hebrews is a significant book of the Bible, and is also significantly different from every other book in the Bible. Rich Mullins is also in my cloud. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson. . 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 . You only dream of what the finish line looks like. Paul makes reference in chapter 12 to a cloud of witnesses that are in chapter 11. 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. Bible study connects, nurtures and inspires Presbyterian Women. Thus, this verse carries the following idea: "Wherefore seeing we have lying all around us on every side." or "Wherefore seeing these biblical examples who are piled up and lying all around us." But to make this point even stronger, the Holy Spirit uses the word "clouds. The lives of the wicked graphically illustrate Gods wrath. . Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For. www.simplybible.com Copyright Ron Graham 2001, "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him". 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. KJV 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 lives were recorded for a very specific purpose: , He brings forward three witnesses whose testimony will help us identify false teachers today: . 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. Our attention is called, not merely to a cloud, but to so great a cloud. 4:274, 23:133; Statius 1:340, and other instances adduced in Wetstein, in loc. Those witnesses are the heroes of the faith. 1:9), their lives are just as timely and applicable today as they were when they were recorded. Everyone must lay aside the things that so easily beset us (beset attack on all sides, assail, harass, to surround, hem in). "Why is this so vital? Hebrews 12:1 - 2. Full trust and confidence in God, a complete rejection of their own wisdom, and exact compliance with Gods commands led them to success. 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. God has made promises and given us his word on them. Enjoys hiking and drawing . He was raw. But they call us to run the race ourselves. We see the glories of their triumphs, the factors that brought them victory, and the obstacles that they overcame to win (Hebrews 11). This verse says that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. IN THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul put together for us a . You must believe God and obey Him, to complete your race. and they are to make this declaration: "Our hands didn't shed this blood, nor were we witnesses to the crime. 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. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. #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. Astoundingly, the author of Hebrews has made the strong case that all the heroes of Old Testament faith were saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, though they had not directly heard of him or understood this (Heb 11). A Cloud of Witnesses. Enoch had Gods word on how he should live, and he followed it. The way to throw it off is to face it honestly, confess it, repent of it and run forward, leaving it behind. 3:12). If you've read my book Letters from Ruby you know the impact she had on my life, but here's the snapshot. What made the difference? Very foolish. Faith understands where we came from. Your debt? Since it includes all visible things, there is no visible thing outside it from which it could originate. (Jn. That cloud is also a witness to each of us every day to 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. 10:17; Pr. Only hers mattered. Your health? First, God revealed exactly what we should understand about why God punished them: . The Bible also warns Faith is said to include the belief that God "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson. Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities. Second, my friend and mentor Ruby Browning, who died back in 2012. This is illustrated by the first three witnesses. Hebrews 12:1. As the senior apologist at Catholic Answers, he has more than twenty years . Our next lesson continues in Hebrews chapter 11, which reminds us of the faith of Abraham and other courageous Old Testament believers. Published annually in a variety of formats, the Horizons Bible study connects, nurtures and inspires Presbyterian Women. It consists of thirteen chapters, all of which are packed with theology, metaphor, comparisons, and spirituality. The saints, as the cloud of witnesses in heaven, are present in the divine services, worshiping the Holy Trinity with us. 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. 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. We could add Nadab and Abihu (Lev. http://www.catholic.comJimmy Akin is an internationally known author and speaker. Horizons magazine subscriptions Call toll-free 866/802-3635 orsubscribe online. While Moses' life testified to the value of sacrificial faith, those he led out of Egypt testified to the terrible consequences of unbelief. They all have one thing in common, they believed God and obeyed Him. . The phrase "Cloud of Witnesses" itself comes from Hebrews 12:1, which we will look at in just a moment. Enoch - Hebrews 11:5 (HCSB) By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience . In 1862 he was ordained in the Church of England. (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 Worse still of course is the problem that no person can see all visible things. 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. The lives of Gods saints adorn the doctrines of Scripture, helping us to make the right applications and showing us the right way. 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. 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. 2. Without faith (or belief), there is no explanation of our origins. Our topical studies in Hebrews now consider the famous eleventh chapter which teaches about faith by reminding us of many courageous Old Testament believers. Rom. Your relationships? The cloud of witnesses is preaching the truth of Gods word and the advantage of obedience to it. 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. These are those who have gone on before us. Suggestions for Leaders bySung Hee Chang. 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. We can be to. In our two previous lesssons we studied the chapters either side of chapter 11. Those who have faith do not have such problems. We live by faith and not by sight. In those chapters we saw Jesus as "the author and perfecter of our faith". Additional helps in Horizons magazine beginning with the July/August 2017issue. 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. 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. We must keep our eyes and on the prize, and keep stepping. In this chapter alone we have a list of men and women that held to the faith. . 5:5-7). Presbyterian Women (PW) is an inclusive and caring community of women, committed to working toward Gods promise of wholeness for all people. Noah had commandments from God, and he faithfully kept them all (Genesis 6:22). The Hebrew writer tells us that before he was taken up, he had a testimony that he pleased God. Circumspectly watchful and discreet, cautious, prudent, well considered, that takes patience. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to thispage. The Old Testament provides us with inspiring examples of faith even unto death. Published annually in a variety of formats, the. Since , God had told each of them exactly what He wanted them to do. They understand that their origins can therefore be traced back to the word ofGod. Each of those recorded had something important to witness. Examples of how to apply God's Word in our lives. Noah Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), and he and his family escaped the flood that destroyed theworld. God validated their testimony by placing them in Scripture. Anyone so minded must believe that every visible thing originated from other visiblethings. , . (1Jn. Now using the Hebrew writers own description of faith, this must mean that Abel acted on what God spoke. Cloud of Witnesses - Presbyterian Women Who We Are Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) What We Do Mission Tours Work For Justice and Peace Racism Human Trafficking Violence Advocacy Education Poverty Build Community PW Churchwide Gathering Develop Leaders Position Training Cultural Humility and Leadership Our Impact Giving & Funding Donate Magazine They had their faults as all of us do but are numbered as faithful to God. . Abel acted on faith, whilst Cain apparently acted without faith. Thus, the account of Abel revealed the witness of Abels faith, but also recorded the testimony of Cains failure. 11. The Hebrew writer makes some comments about faith which we will notice first. 15), and even Solomon at the end of his life (1Kings 1-11). The "cloud of witnesses" are those spoken of in the preceeding chapter and verses, men of the past, the Pratriarchs and others, who believed God and waited patiently themselves, relying on the promises of God. Time might not permit all their stories to be considered, but to be reminded again of some of these men and women ofGod, helps us to share in their faith. Homer II. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to thispage. Learn to imitate his faith while studying the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11. 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. Imagine two people who each hope one day to own a home. A Great Cloud of Witnesses. 12:1 is referring to the many faithful people mentioned in Heb. . Your ambition? He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa. The good of all the ages are perhaps surveying us as we follow on; at least we may survey their glorious example and follow in their footsteps. In fact, one of the ten commandments instructs against being a false witness (Exodus 20:16). The community in which you study and worship, your family and friends, social and therapy groups . Sin acts as weight or drag. Grace is not opposed to effort, only to earning. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." . The Hebrew writer allows no way that a person can please God except by faith (Hebrews 11:6). If we do not throw it off, how are we to run the race marked out for us with perseverance?. This is the great cloud of witnesses spoken of here. 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! 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. 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. The lesson is that we also should exemplify such faith, and be "commended" for it in the same way. Yet up to this very day, , . His testimony centered on the day he and Cain brought sacrifices to God. 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 . Blogging through the bible, one verse from every book. The Christian is one who knows her need for God to save her, and then, accepting that free gift seeks to live unto God with perseverance. Noah was not a crazy prophet. He mentions three persons, Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Cloud of Witnesses bible verse. 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 Old Testament is valuable to Christians because of the true stories ofGodly men and women who are encouraging examples of faith. God even directly tied his decision with ours by calling the afflictions he endured as a result of it , . (Heb. (Eccl. Each day, as most of us live our lives, we are only spectators. Abel was a true worshiper and God sought his worship while Cain was not. Home THE NUMBER OF THE WITNESSES. These are those whose past lives of faith encourage others to live that way, too. 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. 11:24-26). 11:4). Abels sacrifice so far excelled Cains that God Himself also testified to its value by accepting his sacrifice and rejecting Cains: . 5:7; Rom. So we also have a race to run by faith. Clearly these witnesses refer to the great heroes of the faith just mentioned in . Have you ever just stopped long enough to really look deep into your life and identify the things that are a burden? There is only one event in his entire life God felt important enough to allow him to testify to all future generations. | The Hub 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. . all are part of you. Faith is not unsubstantiated hope andbelief. Every Hero in chapter 11 had a very different race set before them. 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. Our prayer is that the study of community in Hebrews will help us strengthen our own communities. #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. He is also the author of the notes and appendixes of The Companion Bible and the author of numerous works including Commentary on Revelation, Great Cloud of Witnesses, How to Enjoy the Bible, and Number in Scripture. 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. Each feels sure of owning a home in future, but their hope and belief differs insubstance. Abels sacrifice was more excellent because he , Cains sacrifice was an example of evil works because while being , . (1Cor 10:1-11). all are part of you. They all have one thing in common, they believed God and obeyed Him. Part of the way to do that is to throw off the hindrances of sin when we have been entangled by it. Rom. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - for without faith it is impossible to please 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 . . (Heb. We will be wise to heed them. These are those who are examples of men and women of God who kept going. 3:10-12). Imagine two people who each hope one day to own a home. 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. 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 These statements are found in Hebrews 11:1-3 and 6. Therefore, Ive decided to approach the letter thematically, not sequentially. You dont know what lies ahead, you dont know pitfalls that lie in wait. There are those whose lives testify that refusing to give God full faith and submission always brings failure. This is not a mere play that we are looking at for our entertainment. 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