Getting Our Focus Right
Hebrews 12:1-4
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, expecially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 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. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Intro:
Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." this is the first and greatest commandment.
- Focus on People of Faith
- Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character."
- Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
- Focus on the Weights
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
- Focus on Endurance
- Hebrews 12:1 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, expecially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
- Galatians 6:9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.
- Focus on Jesus
- Hebrews 12:2 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.
- Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
- Focus on Not Giving Up
- Hebrews 12:3-4 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
- Galatians 6:9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.
