1. MAN UP BIBLE SERIES Be All You Can Be Lesson Nine

2. The Real World This Christian life is like a race. We are all in the race and running it the best we can. If you want to be great at something it is going to take hard work and perseverance. It is hard work to be all you can be. It will take blood, sweat and tears to be a great Man of God. I wish there was a shortcut to greatest but there really is not. I am a golfer. If I want to be a great golfer than I am going to have to spend hours practicing. I do not spend hours in practice so I will never be more than a plain old golfer. That is my reality. But that is not what we are called to do as Christian men. Hebrews 12 reminds us that we are to run the race with all the passion we can muster. Yet for many of us something is lacking and it is often one word.. PERSEVERANCE. That drive to be great… We are afraid.. This lesson will supply you with the courage you need.. MAN UP!

3. The Real Word Hebrews 12 New International Version (NIV) 12 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. God Disciplines His Children 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” [a]a 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline— then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” [b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.b

4. Real Talk What is holding you down from being all you can be? In your race of life what is your greatest victory so far? Name a man who was a Godly example for you? Name a man you are a Godly example to them?

5. Real Steps Hebrews 12 gives us tips to Greatness God’s Way: Throw off hindrances – (v.1) Things that slow us down. (Need a list: Jealousy, Lust, Pride, Anger, Lying – To name a few.) Run the Race – (v.1) Time to get going! Gut it our even when it hurts! Focus on Jesus - (v.1,2) – Gaze at Jesus and Glance at problems! Consider Jesus - (v.3) – Do not grow weary and lose heart!

6. Time to Close So you will get up tomorrow and what difference will all the good words of this bible study make in the way you approach your life? It will take application baby! You will need to look at your life and throw off the things that are slowing you down in your Christian walk. No back packs in this race of life! Be ready to run the race that God has placed before you, with the hills and valleys the tough conditions and the nice easy down hills. God has a plan and your job is figure that out and then surrender to His leading in your life. Quit looking and thinking about all the problems you have in your life. Spend your time looking at Jesus and how he handled the tough times. Think about the great cloud of witnesses who have done this before you and run hard and focused at the prize.. To be like Jesus this Hope must posses us! Time to MAN UP!