Hebrews 12:1–3 (NLT) — 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, 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.
Forget the Past
- “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down”
- What is slowing you down?
- Forget your past regrets.
- Forget your past failures.
- Forget your past identity.
- Forget your good ol’ days.
- Forget unforgiveness.
- Philippians 3:13 (NLT) — “13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,”
Filter the Present
- “Especially the sin that trips us up”
- There are things about the present that are entangling you:
- Filter out Sin
- Filter out Distraction
- Filter out Competition
- Filter out Thoughts that trip you up
- Philippians 4:8 (NLT) — 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Fulfill Your Destiny
- “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
- Focus on the finish line!
- Your future identity
- Your future reward
- Your future calling
Focus on Jesus
- “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.”
- Focus on learning Him.
- Focus on knowing Him.
- Focus on pleasing Him.