Finishing Strong
FINISH YOUR RACE STRONG!
Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
You must get rid of every weight that hinders or slows you down. A weight is only useful when you are training, to help you build endurance. You are in the race now, drop the weight and RUN! Training is over!
As you read Hebrews 11:1-34 you will find it deals with all of the exploits that took place because of faith. Imagine what we could have if we had their strength of faith. Keep in mind, the Word of God tells us He is no respecter of persons.
Hebrews 11:35-39 shows that some were tortured because of their faith, yet continued without wavering. I cannot imagine what these saints dealt with. They had such a great faith that they served God no matter what they faced.
Consider now verse 40,
Hebrews 11:40 NLT
For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
According to this, those who ran before us will not reach their completion until we complete our part of the race. We are running in a relay race. Those who ran their lap are now in the stands watching as we run our lap. If they paid such a high price, who are we to live such loose and careless lives. A heavy price has been paid. God had something better in mind for us. Could it be that God wants us finish the race strong? Of course! Is it that we are the ones who run the final lap to finish this race? We have a great responsibility. I'm glad we are not in this alone.
In Hebrews 11:13 It shows the people who didn't get their promise.
Hebrews 11:13 NLT
All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.
They could see the promise in the distance, but could not put their hands on it. They continued to walk by faith.
If we look again at Hebrews 11:35, we see that many believers lost things in hope of something better.
Hebrews 11:35 NLT
Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.
They had the promise, but didn't get the promise fulfilled in their time.
Hebrews 11:39 NLT
All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
Even though they couldn't hold the promise, they still trusted in the promise.
When you run, pace yourself, so you can be effective as you run the race.
Hebrews 10:36 NLT
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
I will stand on that promise....how about you?
Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
You must get rid of every weight that hinders or slows you down. A weight is only useful when you are training, to help you build endurance. You are in the race now, drop the weight and RUN! Training is over!
As you read Hebrews 11:1-34 you will find it deals with all of the exploits that took place because of faith. Imagine what we could have if we had their strength of faith. Keep in mind, the Word of God tells us He is no respecter of persons.
Hebrews 11:35-39 shows that some were tortured because of their faith, yet continued without wavering. I cannot imagine what these saints dealt with. They had such a great faith that they served God no matter what they faced.
Consider now verse 40,
Hebrews 11:40 NLT
For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
According to this, those who ran before us will not reach their completion until we complete our part of the race. We are running in a relay race. Those who ran their lap are now in the stands watching as we run our lap. If they paid such a high price, who are we to live such loose and careless lives. A heavy price has been paid. God had something better in mind for us. Could it be that God wants us finish the race strong? Of course! Is it that we are the ones who run the final lap to finish this race? We have a great responsibility. I'm glad we are not in this alone.
In Hebrews 11:13 It shows the people who didn't get their promise.
Hebrews 11:13 NLT
All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.
They could see the promise in the distance, but could not put their hands on it. They continued to walk by faith.
If we look again at Hebrews 11:35, we see that many believers lost things in hope of something better.
Hebrews 11:35 NLT
Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.
They had the promise, but didn't get the promise fulfilled in their time.
Hebrews 11:39 NLT
All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
Even though they couldn't hold the promise, they still trusted in the promise.
When you run, pace yourself, so you can be effective as you run the race.
Hebrews 10:36 NLT
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
I will stand on that promise....how about you?
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