Adam Knowlden
01-13-2004, 12:58 AM
<font color="red">Hebrews 12
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
</font>
Paul compares the life of a Christian to a race...
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine03/sprinters.JPG
A race we are commanded to finish strong.
The Greek word for "race" is agon, which translated means "agony". It is referring to the agony an athlete endures, in which we are all familiar!
In this same manner, no one can run your race for you.
Being the case, what are some ways we can go about to finish the race strong.
<font color="blue"> 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. </font>
Let's be clear, that if we are saved, we will finish the race. The cross assured us of that. Only by God's Grace can we even enter the race!
We will all finish, but our goal is to finish strong. So lets see some ways to do just that! /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Lay aside every weight
The early Olympians ran practically naked. The idea was the lighter one was, the faster one could go!
A weight is anything that keeps me form becoming everything God wants me to be.
Our problem is ususally not choosing between good and bad, we've got that down pretty good. Our problem is choosing between what is good and what is best. The truth is...there are many things that are good things, but they are not necessarily the best things. And don't miss this...good things become bad things when they keep us from the best things.
These things can become weights.
----Here are five questions you always ask to see if something is a weight---
<font color="red"> 1. Does it strengthen me spiritually? </font>
Often times I've had to put myself in check here with music or TV shows. I may be listening to a new band that is playing some great hardcore stuff. But what about the words? Are they cursing God by using His name in vein? Are they promoting drugs, or fornication? If so listening to that is a weight. It is not strengthening me spiritually. It is actually weighing me down spiritually!
<font color="red"> 2. Does it entrap me under its power?
</font>
I've had to keep myself in check with number two myself many times. Am I allowing body building to entrap me? Body building in an of itself is not a bad thing, but is in weighing me down? This can be the same thing with the internet, TV, or any "thing" that is predominant in our life.
<font color="red"> 3. Does it weaken my conscience? </font>
This can be those "wishy washy" areas that we are allowing ourselves to look over.
<font color="red"> 4. Does it honor God? </font>
Is this event or hobby honoring God? If not, take it off.
<font color="red"> 5. Could it keep someone from coming to Jesus? </font>
How could it affect my witnessing? Remember our life is to be a witness. The most powerful witness is one who walks the walk, not just talks the talk. You don't have to be a world class speaker to witness for God. Actions speak louder than words!
Jesus said, " <font color="red"> By this all men will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. </font>
Now what are we to do with weights that are slowing us down?
Just lay them aside. Take them off, and keep running.
Lay aside every sin
<font color="blue"> let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, </font>
It's one thing to run with weights on, its another to run with chains around your ankles!!!!
A. Sin will trip you.
The Greek word for ensnare literally means "vines weaving around a tree".
First the vines will trip you up.
B. Sin will trap you.
Then they will weave themselves around you. Remember its one thing to get knocked down and its another to get knocked out!
C. Sin will tire you.
<font color="blue">lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. </font>
Then the vines will fatigue you. Never pity sin, treat it like it would treat you!
So how do we win the race?
Keep your eyes fixed on the goal!!!
<font color="green"> Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; </font>
Jesus not only put us in the race, but he's at the finish line waiting!
A. You must have determination
<font color="brown">and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
</font>
B. You must have endurance
<font color="brown"> who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. </font>
When you come to the end of the race, you don't find a tape, you find Jesus!
http://biblia.com/christ/images/jesus-5-2comming.jpg
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
</font>
Paul compares the life of a Christian to a race...
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine03/sprinters.JPG
A race we are commanded to finish strong.
The Greek word for "race" is agon, which translated means "agony". It is referring to the agony an athlete endures, in which we are all familiar!
In this same manner, no one can run your race for you.
Being the case, what are some ways we can go about to finish the race strong.
<font color="blue"> 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. </font>
Let's be clear, that if we are saved, we will finish the race. The cross assured us of that. Only by God's Grace can we even enter the race!
We will all finish, but our goal is to finish strong. So lets see some ways to do just that! /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Lay aside every weight
The early Olympians ran practically naked. The idea was the lighter one was, the faster one could go!
A weight is anything that keeps me form becoming everything God wants me to be.
Our problem is ususally not choosing between good and bad, we've got that down pretty good. Our problem is choosing between what is good and what is best. The truth is...there are many things that are good things, but they are not necessarily the best things. And don't miss this...good things become bad things when they keep us from the best things.
These things can become weights.
----Here are five questions you always ask to see if something is a weight---
<font color="red"> 1. Does it strengthen me spiritually? </font>
Often times I've had to put myself in check here with music or TV shows. I may be listening to a new band that is playing some great hardcore stuff. But what about the words? Are they cursing God by using His name in vein? Are they promoting drugs, or fornication? If so listening to that is a weight. It is not strengthening me spiritually. It is actually weighing me down spiritually!
<font color="red"> 2. Does it entrap me under its power?
</font>
I've had to keep myself in check with number two myself many times. Am I allowing body building to entrap me? Body building in an of itself is not a bad thing, but is in weighing me down? This can be the same thing with the internet, TV, or any "thing" that is predominant in our life.
<font color="red"> 3. Does it weaken my conscience? </font>
This can be those "wishy washy" areas that we are allowing ourselves to look over.
<font color="red"> 4. Does it honor God? </font>
Is this event or hobby honoring God? If not, take it off.
<font color="red"> 5. Could it keep someone from coming to Jesus? </font>
How could it affect my witnessing? Remember our life is to be a witness. The most powerful witness is one who walks the walk, not just talks the talk. You don't have to be a world class speaker to witness for God. Actions speak louder than words!
Jesus said, " <font color="red"> By this all men will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. </font>
Now what are we to do with weights that are slowing us down?
Just lay them aside. Take them off, and keep running.
Lay aside every sin
<font color="blue"> let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, </font>
It's one thing to run with weights on, its another to run with chains around your ankles!!!!
A. Sin will trip you.
The Greek word for ensnare literally means "vines weaving around a tree".
First the vines will trip you up.
B. Sin will trap you.
Then they will weave themselves around you. Remember its one thing to get knocked down and its another to get knocked out!
C. Sin will tire you.
<font color="blue">lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. </font>
Then the vines will fatigue you. Never pity sin, treat it like it would treat you!
So how do we win the race?
Keep your eyes fixed on the goal!!!
<font color="green"> Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; </font>
Jesus not only put us in the race, but he's at the finish line waiting!
A. You must have determination
<font color="brown">and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
</font>
B. You must have endurance
<font color="brown"> who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. </font>
When you come to the end of the race, you don't find a tape, you find Jesus!
http://biblia.com/christ/images/jesus-5-2comming.jpg