Introduction: Does it feel like you are in a race… against time, getting things done, meeting people’s needs, etc.?
Remember. Focus is the key. The writer to the book of Hebrews is inspired by the Holy Spirit to help keep us focused on the right things.

1. In order to stay focused we must lay aside anything that weighs us down! (Heb 12:1a)

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us..”

Did you notice it is a choice to lay aside every weight or we can keep carrying the load? Which will you decide? It is much more difficult to run in a race being weighed down with unnecessary weights!

2. In order to stay focused we must lay aside anything that weighs us down and run with perseverance! (Heb 12:1b)

“…. and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Running in a race requires stamina. The CHRISTian life is one continuous race….a race of holiness (1Cor 9:24-27). How are you doing? Did you get tripped up? Get up and start over.

3. In order to stay focused we must lay aside anything that weighs us down and run with perseverance by looking to Jesus! (Heb 12:2)

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Looking to Jesus is the key. People will fail you but Jesus will never fail!