1. Giants in Our Lives Two Perspectives 1 Sam. 17:11, 24 On whom or on what shall you focus? 1 Sam. 17:26

2. Focus on Giants Brings Fear, which is Death to our spirits Focus on God Brings Faith, which is Life to our spirits OR A Whole Land Of Giants Fear makes us exaggerate. We Cry, Complain, Doubt and Rebel because of fear.

3. What We have Learned So Far  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  You have the choice to obey or rebel.

4. The Clear Choice Fear Giants or Be a Giant (of the faith)

5. So what is Faith?  Hebrews 11:1 - Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Hebrews 11 - Faith Hall of Fame: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab & many others.  Perseverance & Endurance vs. “Easy Life”

6. Can we relate to these Spiritual Giants?  Abraham lied  Isaac had favorites  Jacob was a deceiver  Moses killed someone  Rahab was a prostitute

7. But there are Others Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. … verses 35-37 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. … verses 39-40

8. 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.

9. The runner refuses to stop until he crosses the finish line!

10.  “throw off everything that hinders” – vs. 1  “throw off sin that so easily entangles” – vs. 1  “endure hardship as discipline” – vs. 7  “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” – vs. 12  “make level paths for your feet” – vs. 13 How do we run the race?

11. Why run a marathon?  the prize – a reward (that fades)  the physical benefits

12. Why run the spiritual race?  the prize – the eternal reward  perseverance builds character

13. Jesus is our example Let 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (vs. 12:2-3)

14. Conclusion And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (vs. 11:6)

15.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.  You have the choice to obey or rebel.  Take God at His Word, choosing faith over fear. So Giants of the Faith

16. Reflection  What is hindering you in your race of faith and how can you throw it off?  What steps of faith can you take in order to work out your spiritual muscles?  What can you do to make level paths for yourself and for others weaker than you?  How do you diligently seek God?