For the Sake of Joy

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, “Share a time in your life when you had to keep going through something difficult because you believed something good was coming at the end. What kept you going?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Hebrews 11:29-12:2.

What examples of faith do you see in Hebrews 11:29–40? [These verses highlight the Israelites at the Red Sea, Rahab, and others who demonstrated great faith under impossible circumstances—trusting God even when they didn’t see the outcome.]

• If you were to add someone from today’s world to this list—a modern “faith hero”—who would it be, and why?

“So, if there is a cheering section encouraging us forward while we lay aside the weights and sins that drag us down and then run the race set before us, then it IS about us, after all. Right? Uh, no. Sorry. First of all, it is about him. “Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Our goal and our training regimen is to become like Christ. It is about him and our efforts to incarnate him in our own lives and communities, in our hearts and in our hands.” (Sermon Note for August 17).

• The quote shifts from focusing on ourselves to focusing on Jesus. What helps you stay centered on Christ when the world encourages self-focus?
• What does it mean to you to “incarnate” Christ in your life and community? Can you name a moment when you or someone else lived this out in a meaningful way?
• What are some “weights” or distractions people today need to lay aside to run their race of faith? What would that look like in your life?
• What does it mean to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us” as a community of faith? How can the church support one another in this race?
• What is one specific thing you will do this week “for the sake of the joy”—something that requires faith, endurance, or trust in God’s promises? How can the group encourage you in that?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer: Loving God, thank You for surrounding us with faithful witnesses and for calling us to run this race with courage. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus and endure for the sake of the joy set before us. Amen.