Discipline from God is seen in the context of family relationships. It is fundamental in the relationship between father and child. It is painful but fruitful. Parental discipline is just a poor imitation of God's discipline.

God directs his people for a purpose, but we can easily become discouraged when things go wrong. Are we willing to step back and pray; obey him; step into the impossible; and worship even before we reach our destination?

We belong to God because he made us, bought us and won us. In what is an amazing exchange, God also gives himself to us.

Jesus is the pioneer of our faith. He didn't just lead the way but he made the way. He is also the perfecter of our faith who finished the work of redemption on the cross.

The church is called to match the gospel. The church is God's household, the dwelling place of the living God, and the pillar and foundation of the truth.

We need to get rid of sin, but also of anything else that hinders us running the race. We are not to focus on the cloud of witness, or their faith, but on the object of their faith.

Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and God's people are called to be a community of servants, but some people have a specific calling as servants / deacons.

Jesus equipped his disciples by giving them peace, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures and promising them power. He equips us in the same way.

Phinehas was jealous for God's honour. We should have the same attitude towards God's honour. Sin does not honour God and so it needs to be killed.

Living by faith takes us out of our comfort zones, but the people of God in the Old Testament had their weaknesses turned to strength. We can trust God in all circumstances.