Running Unencumbered

Calvary Christian Fellowship of Tucson, AZ

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Running Unencumbered

Hebrews 12:1

July 21, 2021 • Peter Martin, Beau Ouellette

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In light of everyone mentioned in chapter 11, the author of Hebrews concludes his point by applying it to those reading it. Like those before them trusted God even when it cost them something, there would only be victory over this sin in their lives if they found joy in the goal set before them. It wasn't limited to avoiding external sins like lust and anger, but the insecurities and fear that motivated those symptoms. An abundant Christian life is someone who sees fellowship with Jesus as so worthy a goal to pursue that they'd cast off anything that would impede them from that prize.

1. The Author of Hebrews describes the witness of the Old Testament Saints the same way the presence of God was described. That was their goal and should be ours as well.

2. The struggle against sin isn't limited to the outward expressions of it, but anything that weighs us down from enjoying that relationship even more.

3. Fear of punishment never motivates a successful Christian life. Jesus is our joyful goal to pursue. The only way to make that race more joyful is to get rid of anything that weighs us down from reaching that destination.

A Covenant Complete

September 15, 2021 • Beau Ouellette, Peter Martin • Isaiah 43:11, 1 Corinthians 4:7, Hebrews 13:15–25

In the closing passages of Hebrews, the focus is brought towards how we view submission. Beginning with God and continuing with government and church leadership, the focus is entirely brought to the heart of Christ. Without the assumption that we're always right, we can be a blessing to those placed in those roles over us as we demonstrate the same towards God Himself. Thankfulness and Praise are where we begin. 1. The sacrifices of the New Covenant are made from the heart with thankfulness and praise. 2. The respect we have for leadership in or outside of the church is balanced by the fact that they will give an account for their ministries just like we will our own. 3. What Jesus starts He finishes, including making us like Him in our character.

Content vs Covetous

September 8, 2021 • Peter Martin, Sean Richards • Hebrews 13:5–16

The opposite of covetousness is contentment and likewise is its solution. We understand our contentment on the basis of what the Bible defines as our basic needs. Culture and media can make us think we need more than we have, but scripture states that we have God. The more you understand how capable He is of meeting your needs, the less you'll fall into the mindset warned against all the way back in the Ten Commandments. 1. Covetousness is a “have more” or greedy attitude that is never satisfied. 2. Contentment is a “have enough” or thankful attitude that is always satisfied. 3. God is our source of contentment because He's all we need and we will always have Him.

Love in Action

September 1, 2021 • Scott Richards, Beau Ouellette • Hebrews 13:4–6

There are two equal and opposite mistakes people make with sex. Some dishonor it through its abuse. Others dishonor it through its neglect. Both are not God's purpose for marriage. Marriage was created as the place where our sexuality could be enjoyed on the foundation that every relationship is built on. Trust. 1. God invented and defined the purpose of our sexuality. 2. To dishonor marriage and our sexuality is something God will judge because it is a serious aspect of our lives. 3. Honoring God through our relationships, sexual or not, will always begin and end with trust."