Keep Running in the Race

Text: Hebrews 11-12 The Race-literally means to engage in an intense struggle. This word emphasizes that the Christian race is filled with conflict and hardship. "I have fought the good fight (agon), I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." Outline: I. Look to our Examples (Chapter 11 Plus) A. Enoch-kept walking by faith B. Noah-kept building by faith C. Sarah-kept believing God to be faithful concerning His promise D. Abraham-offered his son by faith E. Moses-identified with the suffering of God's people by faith II. Heed the Lord's Instruction A. Lay aside every encumbrance. ***encumbrance-refers to excess weight. What excess weight is hindering us as we run in the race? (wrong priorities, family, friends, materialism) B. Lay aside the sin. ***the sin- sin means to miss the mark. Here in context it seems that the author is being very specific because of his use of "the" being placed before the word sin. *** John MacArthur comments on this phrase by saying, "If there is one particular sin that hinders the race of faith it is unbelief or doubting God. Doubting and living in faith contradict each other. Unbelief entangles the Christian's feet so that he cannot run." C. Run with endurance ***endurance-to abide under. It refers to abiding under hardship or suffering. Fixing our eyes on Jesus