RUNNING - to move through life without the restrictions of sin and heaviness.

Hebrews 12:1-3 "...Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart..."

What are weights?

- heavy things we're carrying.

What is clinging sin?

- the personal offense against God that just seems to hang on.

- the issue that just seems to linger, even as many other issues are successfully crucified with Christ.

What is required to run the race that is set before us?

- lay aside weights and sin.

- persevere.

- look to Jesus.

What perspective should the great cloud of witnesses offer us?

- chapter 11 of Hebrews is the faith chapter.

- the witnesses demonstrated an assurance of things hoped for even when things weren't seen.

- the race has been run by many before us.

- we won't have to face things that haven't been faced before.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 "...Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified..."

- is there more than randomness in our running?

- does it take any effort on our part?

Philippians 2:14-16 "...Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain..."

- are we running in ideal situations?

- are we running with the right attitude and demeanor?

- what value does the word of life offer while we run?

Are we willing to do our part?

- will we lay aside the weights?

- will we confess and confront clinging sin?

- will we keep our eyes on Jesus?

- will we persevere?

- will we live disciplined focused lives?

- will we hold fast the word of life?

- will we grumble and dispute?