Fixed vs Growth: The Challenge of the Race

One common metaphor for challenges in scripture is that of an athletic competition or a race.  This is a metaphor that transcends eras and culture; physical competitions and admiration for physical strength and agility are part of the human experience.  There’s a reason the Olympics is a global phenomenon.  We all love stories of the underdog, the person who persevered through physical disability, financial insecurity, unsupportive family and friends, to achieve gold-medal success.   In Dr Dweck’s writing, she highlights many stories of naturally gifted athletes who failed key competitions because they lacked the right mindset, crumbling under the pressure of their own fixed views of themselves.  She contrasts those with remarkable success stories of people who discipline their minds and bodies, dedicated to learning and growing through and past failures, who achieved well beyond their apparent potential.  

The metaphor of disciplined athletic competition is repeated in scripture.  Philippians 3:12 – 14 describes “pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me….”  1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27 encourages us to “run in such a way as to get the prize.”   Some have speculated that the Apostle Paul was an athlete, perhaps a boxer, as in verses 26 and 27 he says that he doesn’t run or fight aimlessly, but that he disciplines his body to make it his slave, in the same way that he disciplines himself spiritually. The concepts of spiritual discipline, growth and maturity are repeated in the New Testament.  While our salvation in Christ is complete and we cannot add to it by our own efforts, we are encouraged to be disciplined in our lives and faith.  Hebrews 12 takes up this theme.  It follows Hebrews 11, a list of faithful people who looked to the coming Messiah in faith.  Hebrews 12 starts with “Therefore”, linking the preceding ideas to the subsequent:  therefore, inspired by the faithfulness of those who came before us, we should be faithful and disciplined, focused on Christ in the same way. 

1)      Read Hebrews 12: 1 – 13.  How does the “crowd of witnesses” in Chapter 11, the historical martyrdom of Christians since that time, and the present persecutions and perseverance of Christians around the world, inspire you to persevere in your faith?

2)      According to Hebrews 12: 2, what should be our focus?  Specifically, what is emphasized that we are to emulate?  What does verse 3 add to this?

3)      Verse 4 tells us that our struggle is against sin, but that the readers of the book of Hebrews have yet to reach a point where they have shed blood in that fight:  the implication is that the fight against sin will require tremendous discipline and perseverance, to the point of personal pain and injury.  Why is it important to see the primary struggle of our human lives as a struggle against sin?  How does the cross of Christ comfort us in this struggle?  ( see again verse 2)

4)      According to verses 5 – 11, why does God allow us to experience pain and hardship? How does this change your perspective on current struggles in your life?

5)      This section of Hebrews ends with a quote from Isaiah, a call to strengthen feeble arms and weak knees.  We find the quote in Isaiah 35: 3,4. Read in context of the entire chapter, we can see a beautiful picture of the ultimate fate of the redeemed people of God:  like a desert land blessed with rain, like weak bodies given strength and lame bodies given healing, we are promised perfect redemption.  This is our hope—not in this life, but eternity with God as His redeemed children.  Contemplate on this word picture, your future with God after the struggles of life are over.