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NASB | Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God's absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, |
Bible Question:
Do any of you Bible teachers/pastors experience overwhelming discouragement and/or depression prior to you teaching/preaching? This has been an ongoing battle for me from the first of August when I truly believed the Lord wanted me to have a Bible study in my home. We are doing Beth Moore's study on the Fruit of the Spirit. Then last Frida, 3 days before the class, I developed a "sty" on my eyelid! I've never had one in my entire 57 yrs. of life! I'd appreciate honest answers and how you deal with this. I'm fully aware these are attacks of the enemy, but I can't seem to press through to victory. I end up cancelling the studies, which is so wrong, I know. |
Bible Answer: MrsBinGA Do any of you Bible teachers/pastors experience overwhelming discouragement and/or depression prior to you teaching/preaching? Absolutely and not just before but also afterwards and often it is more severe, as we critique ourselves not seeing the results we expected. However both the Paul and the writer of Hebrews addressed this Paul even gave us examples. Here are some passages to reflect on. 1 Cor. 9:23-27 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. [24] Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. [25] And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. [26] Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. [27] But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Philip. 2:14-18 Do all things without complaining and disputing, [15] that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. [17] Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18] For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. 2 Tim. 2:1-16 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. [2] And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. [3] You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. [4] No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. [5] And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. [6] The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. [7] Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. [8] Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, [9] for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. [10] Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [11] This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. [12] If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. [13] If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. [14] Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. [15] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [16] But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Tim. 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. Hebrews 12:1-3 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, [2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Think about Paul in Lystra, he was preaching and they dragged him out of the city and stoned him. Afterwards he stood up dusted himself off and walked back into the city to preach. Press on never let the adversary steal from you. EdB |