Building a Legacy Worth Leaving A Study in Hebrews 11 Harry W. Lewis

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  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, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  We are challenged to take into account the legacy of those before us – “so great cloud of witnesses.”  We are motivated to a life of service for the Lord – They were faithful even not receiving the promises but only seeing them from afar.  The result is that we are to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us.  The reason is that we can run the race with endurance.

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  The author’s example is that of a race: – The setting: the coliseum – The crowd: the cloud of witnesses – The training: ankle weights in modern day – The race preparation: Lay aside every weight – the runners ran almost naked Lay aside the sin that easily ensnares you

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  The race illustration: we are in race  24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  We should run to win!  We should prepare to win – temperate in all things – Run with certainty – No shadow boxing – Discipline the body – bring it into subjection – Don’t be disqualified

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  Application to us: – Evaluate your life: what hinders you from serving the Lord in the fullest? – “The world has yet to see what God can do with one man totally committed to Him.” – Determine to eliminate whatever is hindering you – Evaluate your life: What sin easily ensnares you? Satan knows it well (1 Peter 5:8) –Resist him You know it well –Remove it

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  How to defeat sin in our lives:  Psalm 119:9, 11: – How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. – The Word of God is powerful: Hebrews 4:12 – We have to engage it in our lives – We have to activate it in our lives  When our heart and mind is on Jesus, we are not likely to have them on the sin that so easily ensnares us!

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  Life’s race is a marathon, not a sprint! – Run with endurance!!! – Run with patience – Run with mental toughness Bring every thought into captivity (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Mighty spiritual weapons

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith! – Who for the joy set before Him, … Endured the cross Despised the shame Sat down at the right hand of the throne of God  The Cross: – Humiliation – Pain – Death

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  The journey of our legacy will go through: – Trials – Temptations  Joy comes in knowing that it is worth it – Eternal Life – Abundant Life  Our legacy will be built on our: – Decision to serve Christ – Discipline to obey Christ – Determination to finish the race! End well!!

Session Twelve: Looking to Jesus  Thanks for being faithful to attend these 12 sessions.  May God richly bless you as you serve Him!