Text:  Hebrews 12:1-2

• Introduction:
  • Wherefore
    • Because of the reality of our faith  Hebrews 11:1-3
    • Because of the examples of faith others have left    Hebrews 11:4-38
    • Because of the perfection of our faith in Christ    Hebrews 11:39-40; 5:5-10; 7:22-27
  • Seeing we also are compassed about
  • With so great a cloud of witnesses

1. Choosing to lay some things aside  Hebrews 12:1
   1. Negative things that happen in our lives that hold us back
   2. Hindering things that weigh us down from reaching our potential – (unhealthy habits, relationships or practices)
   3. Sinful things that keep tripping us up from enjoying victory in our lives
2. Choosing to leave where we are to progress to where we need to be  Hebrews 12:1  “let us run...”
   1. God calls us to make progress, not achieve perfection in this life
   2. God calls us to patiently press on through the trials of life     Philippians 3:14
   3. God calls us to trust Him as we progress through the course set before us     II Timothy 4:6-8  “I have finished my course”
3. Choosing to keep our attention focused on Jesus    Hebrews 12:2
   1. Focusing on Jesus as our motivation in all we do
   2. Focusing on Jesus as our purpose in all we do
   3. Focusing on Jesus  as our example in all we do
      1. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him
      2. He despised the shame of the crucifixion for the joy set before Him
      3. He experienced success in His life for the joy set before Him

• Action Points:
  • Which of these choices do you need to make this week to help you run your race better?
  • How would you like to prepare to handle the next crisis in your life better than the last one?
  • How does your progress in running your race show what you are truly focusing on?