“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”

Heb.12:1-2

Hebrews 11

Procrastination

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecl. 9:10

Social Climbing

“Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

1 Cor. 15:33

Dishonesty

“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”

2 Cor. 8:21

Love of Money

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Tim. 6:10

Entertainment

“lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” 2 Tim. 3:4

“the sin which so easily ensnares us”

“entangles”

“trips us”

“let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”

Heb.12:1-2

Provides Regularity

Every day, month, year

Provides Strength

Rev. 2:2 - Ephesus

“...looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”

Heb.12:2

(1) If you want to be distressed -- look within

(2) If you want to be defeated -- look back

(3) If you want to be distracted -- look around

(4) If you want to be dismayed -- look ahead

(5) If you want to be delivered -- look up - Col. 3:1-2

Run - not crawl, stand still

Run as if your life depended upon it, and it does

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:31

Return to the land

Trust God

Soar over problems

Some have not started

Others have quit

Some are faithful runners

Christians Not Running the Race:- Turn away - 2 Tim. 4:4- Overthrow - 2 Tim. 2:18- Made shipwreck - 1 Tim. 1:19- Overtaken in a fault - Gal. 6:1

Negative – lay aside v. 1

Positive – focus on Jesus v. 2

Derek Redmond1992 Olympics

GOD’S SIMPLE PLAN FOR SALVATION

hearhearbelievebelieve

repentrepentconfessconfess

baptismbaptismACTS 3:22ACTS 3:22

JN. 6:29JN. 6:29

LK. 13:3LK. 13:3

JN. 12:42JN. 12:42

1 PET. 3:211 PET. 3:21Rev. 2:10Rev. 2:10