How do we run the race of faith well?
I. Take encouragement from the faithful saints who preceded us.
II. Eliminate hindrances.
a. Put aside things that distract.
b. Put as the sin that entangles.
III. Fix our attention on Jesus.
-fixing = aphorao = look away from one thing and concentrate on another
a. He is the author and perfecter of faith.
-author = archegos = pioneer, author, leader
-I Pet. 1:20
-Jude 4-5,
-I Cor. 10:1-4
-perfecter = teleiotes = one who brings to the goal, one who brings to completion
b. He endured the cross.
i. Disregarding the disgrace of the cross.
-despising = kataphroneo = to think down on something, treat with contempt, look down on, think nothing of
ii. For the joy set before Him.
-John 17:4-5
-sat down = kathizo = to take one's seat; perfect active indicative
IV. Consider how Jesus endured.
-consider = analogizomai = to reckon up, to count up, reason with careful deliberation
a. He willingly endured the hostility of sinners.
b. Let His endurance enable us to not lose heart.
-grow weary = kamno = become weary, become discouraged
-lose = ekluo = (passive) to give out, become weary or slack
-O'Brien "When believers, who are still running their race, fix their eyes on Jesus and rely on Him for support and help, they know that He is the perfecter of faith who is seated at God's right hand, having endured the cross and shame for them. His exemplary fidelity is underscored so as to encourage them to persevere in faithfulness."
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