Running the Relay of the Faithful

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, ⁴⁰ since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. ¹ Therefore, 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, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 11:39-12:3 (NIV)

Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours. ^1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 11:39-12:3 (MSG)

I CAN RUN THE RELAY OF THE FAITHFUL & FINISH STRONG WHEN…

1. I ______________ The ______________ _______________ Before Me.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)

Those things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us. That’s because we are living at the time when God’s work is being completed. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIRV)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)

2. I _________ Any ___________ _______________ That Get In My Way.

…let us throw off everything that hinders… Hebrews 12:1b (NIV)

Some of you may say, ‘We are free to do anything that we want to do!’ But not everything is good for you to do. You may say, ‘We are free to do anything!’ But not everything helps you to be strong as a believer. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (EASY)

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

1. ____________ Of All __________________ _________ That Trap Me.

…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles… Hebrews 12:1c (NIV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (NIV)

Maybe they will come to their senses. Maybe they will escape the devil’s trap. He has taken them as prisoners to do what he wanted. 2 Timothy 2:26 (NIRV)

2. I ______ With __________________ ____________ To Gain The Prize.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1d (NIV)

Don’t you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. ²⁵ Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent. ²⁶ So I run—but not without a clear goal ahead of me. So I box—but not as if I were just shadow boxing. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 (GW)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

3. I ___________ On _____________ _________________ As My Model.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8 (NIV)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Hebrews 3:1-2 (NIV)

Abel says ________ faithfully.                                  Sarah says ________ faithfully.

Enoch says _____ faithfully.                                   Moses says ________ faithfully.

Noah says _____ faithfully.                                       Joshua says _______ faithfully.

Abraham says ______ faithfully.     Rahab says ___________ faithfully.

They all say ______ & ____________ faithfully.

NOW HEBREWS ASKS US SOME QUESTIONS…

Will I ____________ Faithful ________________?

Will I ____________ My __________________?

Will I ____________ Of My ________?

Will I ______ With __________________?

Will I ________ To __________?