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Run Like You Mean It! Introduction: Hebrews 12.1-2, Recent events have made me think of this passage. Let us break it down to understand the points the Hebrew writer is making. I) We Are Surrounded By So Great A Cloud of Witnesses A) Who are the witnesses? 1. Those in chapter 11 were great people of faith. a. Abraham - the faith to leave his homeland and follow God, offer Isaac on the altar. Moses- to suffer hardship. Many others no mentioned by name. b. In our study of Revelation we see that the angels in heaven are before the throne of God and conscious of our struggles. 2. We can be encouraged by their examples. If they can do it, so can we! B) We are not alone in our struggles 1. They are surrounding us, we are encircled by them. Much like the coliseum was built in a circle. 2. Other Christians can and should be a source of encouragement for us, 1 Thess. 5.9-11, 14. 3. Those who left their families to follow God, suffer illnesses and come to services, refuse to compromise with the world. II) Run With Endurance the Race A) The Christian life is often compared to athletics 1. Running is a tough sport, requires training and being able to separate yourself from the pain you are enduring. 2. Many people are spectators, some can participate, but few actually compete. a. Side point is that we must compete according to the rules, 2 Timothy 2.5. 3. We are to run to be diligent, to not look back. 4. Endurance is patience and longsuffering. To not quit short of the goal, the finish line. The last race I watched required the front runner to cross the finish line. a. Warning to Christians to not stop short of the finish line. b. About half of those who are baptized will go back into the world. III) Let Us Lay Aside "Every Weight" A) Weight or (everything that hinders us, NIV); (every encumbrance, NASV) 1. Runners are notorious for watching their body weight, the weight of their shoes, clothes, and anything else they can cut back on. 2. Weights or encumbrances can come in different packages: bad habits, poor relationships, past religious beliefs, etc. 3. No matter what the weight it is makes things harder. B) There are some things we have to give up, 1 Corinthians 9.24-27 1. There are some things that are lawful we have to give up; it is a matter of what will and will not help me go to heaven. 2. There are some things that are unlawful we have to give up. 3. Whatever the "every weight" is, we must lay it aside, get rid of it. Throw it away, put it in the trash can. C) The sin which so easily ensnares us (the sin which clings so closely, ESV) 1. What is the sin? A lack of faith, Hebrews 3.13 2. Faith is built by knowledge and activity (running the race with endurance). 3. Most failures are caused by a lack of faith. IV) Look To Jesus The Author And Finisher of Our Faith A) Look to Jesus -- literally "looking away to Jesus" 1. Do not look from one side to another but forward. 2. Author translated as captain, prince -- one who takes the lead or provides the first occasion. 3. Jesus lived as one of us, Hebrews 2.17 a. He was tempted as we are, Hebrews 2.18; 4.15-16 b. He endured the shame and torment of the cross. 4. The tree was a place for the sinner to die, Deut. 21.22; Joshua 8.29; 10.26 a. That is one reason the Jews had a problem with the preaching of the Gospel. b. Jesus even prayed that if possible this cup might pass from Him, Luke 22.42 5. Why did Jesus endure the cross? a. He wanted to be with the Father b. He did not want to die needlessly, but He was willing to die for those He loved. c. Example: Soldier goes to war, wants to live and come back home but he is willing to die if need be for his loved ones. B) (Making It Real) -- We are look to Jesus when... 1. We strive against sin and temptation 2. We are tired and discouraged, Hebrews 12.3-4. 3. We are chastened by God, Hebrews 12.5b-6. Conclusion: Imagine a runner as he enters the stadium. The crowd is cheering and he is nearing the finish line. Victory is only a few steps away. The lungs are hurting, the legs are cramping, fatigue is setting in. But the runner has the crowd cheering for him/her. They have Jesus right ahead of them and the crown of glory is waiting. Who could imagine the runner quitting? Do not give up, do not despair, victory is ours.
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