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

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

4. “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;

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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

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

11. Your teammates’ message:
You can do it!

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

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

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

15. 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

16. 2 Helpful Downsizes: Sin
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:12

17. 2) Spiritual hindrances
2 Helpful Downsizes:
2) Spiritual hindrances

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25. “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

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

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

28. Focus
Keep your eyes on Jesus!

29. “…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.

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

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

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

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

34. Betrayed by close friend
Rejected by many
Executed as common
criminal

35. 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

36. Running in 2017
Encouragement
Downsize
Finish
Focus