Let’s identify four practical and powerful words that will help us run a strong Christian race in 2017.

Encouragement You’re not alone! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” Hebrews 12:1a

“Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword;

whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again.

There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated – the world was not worthy of them.

They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the ground.” Hebrews 11:33-38

Stephen – death by stoning John the Baptist – decapitated Cloud of Witnesses Stephen – death by stoning John the Baptist – decapitated Luke – Hanged from a tree Peter – crucified upside down Thomas – stabbed by a spear

Matthew – crucified, stoned, decapitated Barnabas – rope around neck, dragged out of city, burned to death

Your teammates’ message: You can do it!

Your teammates’ message: 2) We weren’t perfect either!

God’s Hall of Faith Noah – a shameful drunk Abraham – a liar Jacob – a trickster

David – There are times that he fails miserably and shamefully.

Discard unnecessary spiritual baggage! Downsize Discard unnecessary spiritual baggage! “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Hebrews 12:1b

2 Helpful Downsizes: Sin “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:12

2) Spiritual hindrances 2 Helpful Downsizes: 2) Spiritual hindrances

We often ask: What can I get away with and still not sin?

We should ask: What can I put aside to run more effectively?

What should I put aside? Laziness Too much leisure Not enough “down time”

TV/Netflix Music A great question to ask is: How does this activity or pursuit further God’s purpose for my life?

Could be intangible – attitude, procrastination, judgmental Lack of discipline Reading material

Social media Too much exercise, not enough exercise Lack of contentment

Persevere to the finish line! “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...” Hebrews 12:1c

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7

The Race: I don’t have to run faster than others.

The Race: I don’t have to run another’s race.

Focus Keep your eyes on Jesus!

“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

What Jesus Endured… Born in a poor environment Life threatened as a baby Birth led to community suffering

Moved as a baby Raised in a despicable town Earthly father died young Homeless

Hated, oppressed Labeled as insane, demon-possessed Some siblings opposed Him Hated, opposed by some who heard Him teach

Betrayed by close friend Rejected by many Executed as common criminal

READY TO RUN? “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Running in 2017 Encouragement Downsize Finish Focus