Survive or Thrive, part 4

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV): 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,

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

1. We have an example to follow
• Vs 1a Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
• Our Biblical examples encourage us
• Our contemporary examples can encourage us as well

2. In order to live in holiness
• Vs 1b let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
• Continual and uncontested sin will never allow us to experience God’s best
• To see life the way God intended requires the pursuit of holiness
• Holiness is only possible through embracing God’s Word

3. So we will not quit
• Vs 1c And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
• Thriving in life requires a commitment for the long run
• Partially committed to following Christ is actually no commitment at all

4. And it is only possible by fixing our eyes on Him
• Vss 2-3 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
• Jesus has paved the way for us to experience His best in every situation
• He is our advocate for every part of our journey

As the author of our faith…, Jesus inspires action in believers of all ages. As the perfecter of our faith,Jesus takes harassed believers, develops our faith, and brings us to heaven’s Promised Land (Phil. 1:6).Hebrews, James(Vol. 10, p. 219). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.