No Pain … No Gain … No Glory Dale Wells Palm Desert Church of Christ October 22, 2006

The distorted gospel vs. the true gospel Distorted gospel: “ Come to Jesus and be happy.” “ To be a Christian guarantees prosperity.” True gospel: “ Come to Jesus and struggle.” “ To be a Christian guarantees adversity.”

Distorted gospel:

“ Come to Jesus and be happy.”

“ To be a Christian guarantees prosperity.”

True gospel:

“ Come to Jesus and struggle.”

“ To be a Christian guarantees adversity.”

There is an overlooked teaching in the NT: Christianity is a fight to be fought, a race to be run & a struggle to overcome It is toil, sweat, tears & blood The path to glory is suffering Acts 14:22 NIV …"We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" ...

Christianity is a fight to be fought, a race to be run & a struggle to overcome

It is toil, sweat, tears & blood

The path to glory is suffering

Acts 14:22 NIV …"We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" ...

Today’s text is summed up by J.C. Ryle (1816-1900): “ There are no gains without pains.” No pain – No gain

“ There are no gains without pains.”

No pain – No gain

Hebrews 6:11-12 NIV We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. (12) We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. (12) We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Hebrews was written to a church that was struggling They were tired and dragging. Hebrews 12:12 NRSV Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,

They were tired and dragging.

Hebrews 12:12 NRSV Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,

The context begins at Hebrews 10:32-36 NIV Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. (33) Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. (33) Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

The context begins at Hebrews 10:32-36 NIV (34) You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (35) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (36) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

(34) You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (35) So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (36) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

It continues through Faith’s Hall of Fame

Hebrews 11:39-40 NLT All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. (40) For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.

All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. (40) For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.

Hebrews 12:1 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, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

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, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

1. The Christian life is a race

Everybody knew about the Greek games Hebrews 12 pictures the Christian life as a race Paul also used the games as a picture of the Christian life 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. ... (26) I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. …

Hebrews 12 pictures the Christian life as a race

Paul also used the games as a picture of the Christian life

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. ... (26) I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. …

“ Race” is agona from which we get “agony” Demanding, grueling, agonizing The imperative is “Run” We’re in the race of our lives! Agony: not defeat, but victory!

Demanding, grueling, agonizing

The imperative is “Run”

We’re in the race of our lives!

Agony: not defeat, but victory!

2. The race is marked out for us

We cannot run anyone else’s race We’re not the judges, but the runners We compete against ourselves We only answer for how we run Where am I in the race God has marked out for me?

We’re not the judges, but the runners

We compete against ourselves

We only answer for how we run

Where am I in the race God has marked out for me?

3. The race has been run successfully by others

Faith’s predecessors are our spectators The picture is the amphitheater, with tiers of spectators Hebrews 12:1 MSG Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on?

The picture is the amphitheater, with tiers of spectators

Hebrews 12:1 MSG Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on?

“ Run like them” is the message Along the route are people who have run before us saying “You can win by faith” They ran & now it’s our turn They’re there to inspire us They’re waiting for us

Along the route are people who have run before us saying “You can win by faith”

They ran & now it’s our turn

They’re there to inspire us

They’re waiting for us

History is waiting for us to finish the race Hebrews 11:40 NLT For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.

Hebrews 11:40 NLT For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.

4. The race requires discipline

Hypomone – spiritual staying power Hebrews 12:1 NLT …let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Hebrews 12:1 NLT …let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. (25) All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. (25) All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG (26) I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! (27) I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

(26) I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! (27) I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

All athletes go into training Hebrews 12:1 NLT …let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 MSG … Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Hebrews 12:1 NLT …let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Hebrews 12:1 MSG … Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Some things have to be jettisoned Athletes get rid of unnecessary weight that slows them Christians must get rid of things that hinder us Athletes get rid of encumbering clothing that would trip them up Christians must get rid of sin that trips us up

Athletes get rid of unnecessary weight that slows them

Christians must get rid of things that hinder us

Athletes get rid of encumbering clothing that would trip them up

Christians must get rid of sin that trips us up

John Wesley’s mother once wrote to him “ Whatever weakens your reason, or impairs the tenderness of your conscience, or obscures the sense of your God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself.”

“ Whatever weakens your reason, or impairs the tenderness of your conscience, or obscures the sense of your God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself.”

Hebrews 12:1 MSG Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. (13) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. (13) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

5. The race has been run by Jesus

Focus on Jesus, who stands at the finish line Hebrews 12:2-3 MSG Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

Hebrews 12:2-3 MSG Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

Focus on Jesus, who stands at the finish line (3) When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:2-3 MSG

(3) When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:2-3 MSG

Formula For Spiritual Success Look within – and be distressed Look back – and be defeated Look around – and be distracted Look ahead – and be dismayed Look up – and be delivered! Colossians 3:1-2 NIV Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Look within – and be distressed

Look back – and be defeated

Look around – and be distracted

Look ahead – and be dismayed

Look up – and be delivered!

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Remember his faith & perseverance He endured much more hostility from sinners than we ever will – and it led to a cross Many heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 died as martyrs Jesus was more than a martyr Compared to them – and especially to him, we have nothing to complain about

He endured much more hostility from sinners than we ever will – and it led to a cross

Many heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 died as martyrs

Jesus was more than a martyr

Compared to them – and especially to him, we have nothing to complain about

Acts 2:25-31 NIV David said about him: "'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (26) Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, (27) because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. (28) You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'

David said about him: "'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (26) Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, (27) because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. (28) You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'

Acts 2:25-31 NIV (29) "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. (30) But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. (31) Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.

(29) "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. (30) But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. (31) Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.

Jesus endured the cross & despised the shame Hebrews 12:4 MSG In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through--all that bloodshed!

Hebrews 12:4 MSG In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through--all that bloodshed!

Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. (21) May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. (21) May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Our faith owes all to Jesus’ faith Hebrews 5:8 NLT So even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

Hebrews 5:8 NLT So even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

Look where his faith took him Hebrews 12:2-4 NLT …He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.

Hebrews 12:2-4 NLT …He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.

Look where his faith took him (3) Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. (4) After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. Hebrews 12:2-4 NLT

(3) Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. (4) After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. Hebrews 12:2-4 NLT

Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” Some say “It wasn’t that bad.” It was! To Gentiles, the cross was disgraceful. To Jews, it was the curse of God.

Some say “It wasn’t that bad.” It was!

To Gentiles, the cross was disgraceful.

To Jews, it was the curse of God.

The Christian life is lived in the shadow of the cross When people criticize you… When people let you down… When pain seems unbearable… When you feel like a failure…

When people criticize you…

When people let you down…

When pain seems unbearable…

When you feel like a failure…

In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “ When Christ calls a man he bids him come and die” We cannot follow Christ into heaven without following him past a cross. We must be prepared to do for him what he did for us.

“ When Christ calls a man he bids him come and die”

We cannot follow Christ into heaven without following him past a cross.

We must be prepared to do for him what he did for us.

C.H. Spurgeon said: “ There will be no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers on earth.”

“ There will be no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers on earth.”

2 Timothy 2:5 MSG An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. The Christian life… Is a race Is marked out for us Has been run successfully by others Requires self-discipline Has been run by Jesus

An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.

The Christian life…

Is a race

Is marked out for us

Has been run successfully by others

Requires self-discipline

Has been run by Jesus

John Williams worked in London as a broker He was on a commuter train reading Luke’s account of the crucifixion. There were two other men in the compartment. One was British & the other was American. The Brit fell to the floor in a seizure. The American helped him up undid his tie. He apologized to Williams: This happens several times a week. We were wounded in the Korean War together. I was wounded in no-man’s land & he carried me to safety. Just as we got to safety, a shell injured both of us. We both wound up in a MASH unit & when we got out they sent me home. Then I heard the Brit would never recover. I left my job, broke off my engagement and came to England to look after him. He did that for me, there’s nothing I cannot do for him.” They arrived at the station & left the train. Williams was left alone in the compartment reading Luke’s account of the crucifixion with that chance remark ringing in his ears: “He did that for me, there’s nothing that I cannot do for him.” He closed the book and committed his life to Christ. That’s the dynamic of the cross that gets us started as Christians. It is also the dynamic that keeps us going.

He was on a commuter train reading Luke’s account of the crucifixion. There were two other men in the compartment. One was British & the other was American. The Brit fell to the floor in a seizure. The American helped him up undid his tie. He apologized to Williams: This happens several times a week. We were wounded in the Korean War together. I was wounded in no-man’s land & he carried me to safety. Just as we got to safety, a shell injured both of us. We both wound up in a MASH unit & when we got out they sent me home. Then I heard the Brit would never recover. I left my job, broke off my engagement and came to England to look after him. He did that for me, there’s nothing I cannot do for him.” They arrived at the station & left the train. Williams was left alone in the compartment reading Luke’s account of the crucifixion with that chance remark ringing in his ears: “He did that for me, there’s nothing that I cannot do for him.” He closed the book and committed his life to Christ. That’s the dynamic of the cross that gets us started as Christians. It is also the dynamic that keeps us going.

Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.