Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

¹Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The whole book of Hebrews speaks of “better things.”  In Hebrews it is not suggested that we live by faith, it is commanded that we live by faith.

How To Live By Faith

Listen to the Witnesses

You aren’t in this walk by yourself.  There are also others that have walked before you.  When you listen to the witnesses you hear of them saying that God is faithful!

God witnesses about Himself.

Lay Aside the Weights

Lay aside EVERY weight.  Anything that hinders you from doing something.  Get rid of it!

Difference between weight and responsibility.  Weights are things you’ve taken on that are weighing you down.  Verse 1 also says lay aside sin.  ALL of us have sin that need to be laid aside.

Learn to endure

Endurance – constancy – bear up under a thing without complaining

Run your race!

“Sometimes we don’t have the ability to endure because we are trying to run somebody else’s race.”  – Pastor Billy Johnson

“There is a lane that God has already marked out for you.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

Run at your pace – you may not reach your destination in the same time that someone else does.  Activity does not necessarily equal accomplishment.

“You are graced to do you.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

Look to Jesus

Look – fix your attention without being distracted

Jesus is the pioneer of our faith.  He is the one who first obeyed God perfectly.  He is the author of our faith.

Jesus is the perfecter of our faith.

Perfecter – bring us to our intended goal

Jesus is the pattern for our endurance – Jesus endured the cross!

What caused Jesus to endure?  JOY (verse 2)

“Joy is the external celebration of my internal appreciation for my eternal situation.”  – Pastor Billy Johnson

The joy of the Lord can be your strength once the devil starts coming at you.

Keep trusting the Lord and keep walking by faith!

Be Encouraged!