Heb. 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Heb.12:1 Hebrews 11

We need an example to inspire us! We Have One! The Hebrew Writer tells us who He Is!

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Procrastination “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecl.9:10

Social Climbing “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals..” 1 Cor.15:33 asv

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 asv

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

“the sin which so easily ensnares us” “entangles” “trips us”

Persistence - stamina Endurance - stability, durability

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

Formula For Success (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

“ The Bible is a book of examples. It records the lives of weak and wicked men to teach us what not to be. The lives and deeds of great and good men are left to show us how to live and what to be. The power of an example is very great for good or evil. The lives and deeds of great and good men are left to show us how to live and what to be. The power of an example is very great for good or evil. A.C. Dreaden, Gospel Advocate, pg of the December 26, 1940, issue.

“... It is said that seventy five percent of what we learn and do is the result of what we see in others. Our influence radiates in what we say, what we do, and what we are. Man is prone to follow a bad example, as well as a good one; to copy defects as well as virtues. But one thing is certain: he will follow some example. ” A.C. Dreaden, Gospel Advocate, pg of the December 26, 1940, issue.

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

Negative – lay aside Positive – focus on Jesus

Running The Race

✦ Are You Looking To Jesus & Following His teaching? ✦ If So – Keep Looking To Him – That You Do Not Become Weary! ✦ If Not – Start Following Him Today By Being Baptized Into Him or be restored!! ✦ Are You Looking To Jesus & Following His teaching? ✦ If So – Keep Looking To Him – That You Do Not Become Weary! ✦ If Not – Start Following Him Today By Being Baptized Into Him or be restored!!