Running the Race called "Life"
Hebrews 12: 1-13
"1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus , the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart .4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons, For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those have been trained by it. 12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."
Intro: Read vs. 1
- God has a race for you to run.
- The Race Requires endurance.
- Lay Aside All Excess Baggage. (vs.1)
- "Everything that hinders" Excess baggage of Earthly Materialism & Comfort: Christians of wealthy nations have mixed in their own value system based on worldly materialism & comfort.(the right to live long/no suffering). High value on "instant" results & Dramatic performances as more important than unnoticed humble faithful service.
- "Sin that entangles" Addictions keep us running around the same loop making little progress in life. Addiction = Something that controls you/ the thing you turn to when under pressure.
*Addiction of self-pity *addicted to control *addicted to food *addicted to talking *addicted to sleeping *addicted to shopping *addicted to depression *addicted to anger fits *addicted to having your way *addicted to always being right *Addicted to parties *addicted to unforgiveness *addicted to loneliness *addicted to worry *addicted to overdo what you are doing *addicted to noise - Maintain a good mental focus (vs 2-4)
If we would fellowship with the Lord enough, light always overcomes darkness:
Galatians 5:16
"This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Ephesians 5:18 - 20
"And be not drunk with wine, where in is excess; but be filled with the spirit. 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
- Be willing to accept God's training (vs.5-13)
- Discipline is a sign of God's Love. read vs. 5-10
- Discipline is painful now; it's reward comes later Read vs.11
- Fast response to discipline is key to true spiritual maturity vs.5,12,13
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