Hebrews 12:1-2 A Heritage of Faith: Running the race of faith

ESV) Hebrews 12 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

I. A Heritage of Faith: A race to run

A. A heritage of faith to follow

(ESV) Hebrews 12 1 Therefore, since we are surroundedby so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us runwith endurance the race that is set before us,

1. Many have gone before

a. A sold out crowd is everywhere – a major amphitheater - watching? (the image anyway) / rooting / encouraging

b. Not alone Even when you feel like it

2. Who are these people?

a. Picture of teammates depending on you Picture of fans cheering you on

b. Picture of models of successful runners who have come before you

1) Chapter 11 people who have run the race by faith ch 11 2) Not perfect people / many made terrible mistakes, great sins – but ones who demonstrated faith in their journey

c. Pictures of people who ran by faith

3. What does it mean to run by faith

(NKJV) Hebrews 11 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and thatHe is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

(NKJV) Hebrews 11 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a goodtestimony.

a. Won’t always see God - must believe He is / That He is who He says He is / One who intervenes in lives / the foundation and purpose of all things

b. Won’t always be obvious that He is a rewarder of those trusting Him – must believe that He acts and rewards those who seek Him

4. Your turn to engage in the race of faith like so many before

B. Every Christian runs

(ESV) Hebrews 12 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1. Not an option – all are running somewhere, someway

2. the only option is which race you will run

3. The question is how will you run

C. A customized race

(ESV) Hebrews 12 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1. Gk. Laid before

2. Uniquely designed

a. Along a specific path

b. Designed especially for us

c. Customized

3. Yours different than mine / no two are the same

II. A Heritage of Faith: Run effectively

A. Throw off hindrances

(ESV) Hebrews 12 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1. Bulk, mass

a. Racer removes burdens - sweats, leg weights – batter takes off the bat weight

b. Remove the causes to be inhibited

c. Not sinful, but hinders

1) Distractions 2) Things unnecessary 3) Busyness

d. Whatever retards progress

1) Dulles conscious 2) Blunts spiritual apettite 3) Good rather than the best

B. Don’t get tripped up

(ESV) Hebrews 12 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely (easily ensnares), and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1. Easily encircles

2. Tangles one and causes them to fall

3. Singular

4. Implies knowledge of it but not removed

5. Responsibility to put off

C. Keep at it

(ESV) Hebrews 12 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1. Demanding

a. The agona – exertion – not easy - demanding

2. Requiring discipline

a. Rowers in a galley

b. Consistent labor under a load

c. But amazing when all row and do their part together / great things occur

3. Like a 100 m dash – 1500 m run - marathon – iron man

a. Not a nice thing to add on to the rest of your life / Not a club – but a life

b. It is your life

III. A Heritage of Faith: Keep focused

A. On Jesus

(ESV) Hebrews 12 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. Determined gaze – intentional concentration

2. Single minded

B. On the designer of the faith race

(ESV) Hebrews 12 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. The source of our faith

2. His work makes it all possible – He intervened – He is at work – He with purpose designs your race – the intent is to make us like Him

3. We respond

C. On the Finisher of the race

(ESV) Hebrews 12 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter(the finisher) of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. Already has been there - won – understands what is ahead

2. Personal trainer – knows what is needed to make it – can give what is needed – will come alongside and help us to finish the race

IV. A Heritage of Faith: Follow the Example

A. Run for the joy of being used

(ESV) Hebrews 12 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. Joy in the journey itself even though hard

2. Gives purpose

3. Knows how it plays into the greater picture / what it accomplishes

B. Run in spite of the cost

(ESV) Hebrews 12 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. Example of perseverance under trial

2. Conquered the toughest course ever

3. Never minimize the pain

C. Run to receive the reward

(ESV) Hebrews 12 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. Just reward when it is done

2. Worth it

3. Place of honor / privilege / authority

4. Able rest when it’s done

Have you entered the race of faith?

Trust Jesus as your Savior by faith this morning.

Every Christian let us run well.

Invitation

V. A Heritage of Faith: It’s about Him

Danny ascends to pulpit

Deacons come forward and prepare the table.

As we reflect on our heritage of faith, Let us remember the cross and what Jesus accomplished there

This is the focus of our faith: Jesus. And the price He paid to make redemption possible.

His body was broken / tortured / mutilated in our place

His blood was poured out / He died in our place

(ESV) 1 Corinthians 11 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

The deacons will pass the trays. If you are a Christian and are seeking to walk with Him, we invite you to take the Lord’s Supper with us.

Please hold the bread / juice double cup until and after it is passed out, then we will eat and drink together.

Music begins softly.

Danny gives the trays to Bob Tapley. Bob to the servers. Serve the people and return the trays to the table.

Danny will serve the deacons. Bob will serve Danny.

xxxx will you pray and give thanks for the bread – a symbol of Jesus’ body given for us.

Prayer.

“Let us eat together.”

xxxx will you pray and give thanks for the juice – a symbol of Jesus’ blood shed for us.

Prayer.

“Let us drink together.”

Please throw the empty cups in the trash can as you leave.

After the first Lord’s Supper Matthew’s account adds this statement a

(ESV) Matthew 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Let us sing together as our closing.