The nature of our focus

Hebrews 11:39-12:4

Hebrews 11:39–40 NKJV

39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

Hebrews 12:1–4 NKJV

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

Have someone read the text

play the sports crowd video.

I come up

have you ever thought about why the bible uses so many sports references?

I think its because its such a powerful look at life and the christian walk.

Close your eyes.

play the crowd video.

Set the scene from 11:39-12:1

the stadium, the crowd cheering, finishing strong so that we all can get our prize.

So as the crowd is cheering, and rooting us on to finish:

How do we finish?

How do we stay focused in a busy world?

Things we actively do

lay aside the stuff - v1b

Stop getting hung up on the easy victories. Defeat them.

Pour your greater energy into the harder stuff.

may take some time to conversate about this.

get moving - v1b

what does it look like in your life right now to get moving?

What are you dragging your feet on right now?

Things Jesus does

Find peace in the work of Jesus -V2

he is the author and finisher of our faith. What does that mean?

Need to paint the picture to get them outside of their small world. There is a lot of life left to live for most of them.

Jesus has much more to do in their lives.

consider the suffering of Jesus-v3

Pinnacle is verse 4

You think you have suffered but you havent yet.

not to undermine but to encourage

Persecution/suffering is not something you run toward or run away from, it just is, and what you do with it gives it its value.

If you just want out, you have been misguided in what it means to be a christian.