Sunday, November 26th - Way of The Wise Pt. 3 Hebrews 12:1-3 (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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. √ ISOLATION Proverbs 18:1 (ESV) Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he fights against all sound judgment. √ COMPARISON Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… √ OPPOSITION Hebrews 12:3 (NIV) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. JOY NO MATTER WHAT I. NEGATIVE IS NOT MY NORMAL. Luke 15:28-31 (NIV) The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.’” II. MY PURPOSE IS GREATER THAN MY PAIN. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame... III. JESUS IS MY JOY. Philippians 3:7-8 (TLB) But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile—now I’ve thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.