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Hebrews 12:1-3
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: When faced with the challenges of following Jesus in this life, we each see a need for instruction, encouragement, and motivation. This often comes from the saints walking alongside us, but it can also come from learning from the saints who went before us, living faithful lives and leaving a witness behind them. Since 2004, I have preached one biographical sermon per year on a saint whose grace-marked life has had an impact on the church and the world. I do this for several reasons. First, it is scriptural. God places the saints of old before us as a “great cloud of witnesses”, testifying to His faithfulness amid their perseverance. Second, it is pastoral. God’s grace is evident in the lives of flawed saints, and His glory is often best seen not in our strengths, but in our weaknesses. This encourages us in faith. Thirdly, it is instructional. It helps us understand the expansive nature of God’s grace across the pages of history. Finally, it is a means of worship as we see the greatness of God in the life of his people.
Our saint this year is Charles Simeon, a renowned pastor, preacher, and passionate spokesman for the Christian faith.
Review & Apply
What older or past saints have encouraged you in your own life? What characteristics encourage you most about them?
Charles Simeon’s life and ministry was marked by perseverance in the faith, how might Simeon’s example help us persevere in the faith?
Charles Simeon’s life and ministry was also marked by suffering. What role does suffering play in the life of the Christian? What is God’s purpose in allowing his saints to suffer?
Charles Simeon lived a life where his weaknesses led to him finding strength and comfort in the Lord. How quick are we to see our weaknesses as areas in which we can cling to the promises of God? Why or why not?
Charles Simeon was a man who never married or had kids, how might this have affected how he went about his life and ministry? How might this enable or challenge ministry?
Charles Simeon reserved time every day for private prayer meetings between him and God. How might his example help strengthen our prayer life? In what ways can we grow in the spiritual discipline of prayer? How can another member of this church help you in this?
Charles Simeon was a passionate preacher and evangelist who was gifted in communicating inside and outside of the church. In what ways can his example challenge us in our Gospel sharing and evangelism?
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