1. Running the race of life for god.
Hebrews 11:39 – 12:3

2. What motivates us to enter the “race” for God?
Hebrews 11:39.
To please God (the favor of God):
Galatians 1:10, Phil 3:10-12; Matt 25:21
Christ endured for me. 12:3
Others have entered. We race with them.
“Coaches,” encouragers.
Loved ones, friends, in Christ.

3. Witnesses vs bystanders?
Bystander – uninterested, watches only;
Witness:
Run themselves;
Run to win for Christ; 1 Cor 9:24
Different gifts joined.
Team sport. Unity vs the right way.

4. How am I to run the race? God has already set “my course”;
12:1; the Word is “how to” manual.
God’s course or our own?
Luke 9:23-25, 14:26; Matt 11:28-29
Serving, leading, honoring, feeding.

5. How am I to run the race?
Lay aside encumbrances (everything that hinders) and entanglements (prevents or retards running):
The resolving of losses, disappoints.
Repenting of sins.
Excess weight – juggler at marathon
Attainments, successes. Phil 3:12-14

6. Consider 2013:
What would you bring with you into 2014?
What would you put behind you?
Health, finances, spiritual, work, marriage, family, school?
Examine your life: 1 Cor 11:28, Gal 6:4

7. How am I to run the race? Fixing (“aphorao”) your eyes on Jesus:
Strictly looking away from all things but one; exclusive viewing; giving attention to one thing.
For me: feeding; loving; and leading.

8. How am I to run the race?
Run with endurance (“hupo-meno”) – steadfast, “tarry behind” in something:
Implies stress, opposition, temptation to give up and give in;
If no adversity then are we in the race at all?
One step at a time; one goal at a time.