1. Laying Aside Weights
Hebrews 12:1-6

2. Introduction Must live by faith
“Strait” means difficult (Matthew 7:14)
Be willing to lay aside what hinders us (Hebrews 12:1)

3. Introduction All have weaknesses to remove Can’t be defeatist
Can’t be arrogant (1 Corinthians 10:11, 12)
Can’t excuse sin (James 1:12-15)

4. Noah’s Weight- Majority View
A man of faith
Obedient (Genesis 6; Hebrews 11:7)
Preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5)
At least saved his family (1 Peter 3:20)

5. Noah’s Weight- Majority View
Noah was probably ridiculed
Courage to go against the majority (Ephesians 6:10)
Remember where majority is headed (Matthew 7:14)
A “weight” to be laid aside

6. Abraham’s Weight- Human Reasoning
Believed God’s promise
A son (Romans 4:17-22)
Doubtful from a human perspective
Abraham “hoped against hope” (Romans 4:17, 18)
Nothing impossible with God

7. Abraham’s Weight- Human Reasoning
Such faith needed now
Attempts to explain away the divine by human “logic”
Need a faith that says, “God said it; I believe it.”
A “weight” to be laid aside

8. Moses’ Weight- Worldly Pleasures
Confronted with a difficult choice
What Egypt offered versus what comes from serving God
Wealth and power of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24, 25)
Made the right choice “by faith”

9. Moses’ Weight- Worldly Pleasures
Enticement of the world
Cares choke out the Word (Luke 8:13)
Be free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5)
Desire to be rich brings ruin (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
A “weight” to be laid aside

10. Job’s Weight- Suffering
Good can come from suffering
Lost his possessions, children, and health (Job 1:13-19; 2:7-10)
Found no comfort in his wife or friends
More richly blessed at the end (Job 42:5, 6, 10-17)
Tempted to give up

11. Job’s Weight- Suffering
Many have similar experiences
Some listen to Job’s wife (Job 2:9)
Suffering contributes to our good (James 1:2-4)
Can faithfully serve God regardless (Hebrews 10:32-39)
A “weight” to be laid aside

12. Conclusion
Remember the faith of these heroes
Learn from their example