Run the Race of Faith

SERIES: HEBREWS: KNOWING JESUS AND WHY IT MATTERS

MESSAGE: Run the Race of Faith

TEXT: Hebrews 12:1-3

DATE: October 27, 2026

MESSAGE BY: Pastor Tim Lewis

1.) Our encouragement to run the race, faithfully. (V. 1a)

A. Negative voices. 

(1 Cor. 10:6–11)

B. Positive voices.

(Heb. 11:2, 39)

2.) Our preparation to run the race, successfully. (V. 1b)

A. Lay aside encumbrances.

(1 Cor. 9:26–27)

B. You trust God is good and He remains faithful.

(1 Pet. 2:11; Isa. 55:7; Eph. 4:22)

3.) Our exhortation to run, personally. (V. 1c)

A. What are we to run?

(2 Tim.4:7–8)

B. Where are we to run?

(Phil. 3:12–14)

C. How are we to run?

‍ ‍1. Run with endurance.

(Gal. 6:9; 1 Pet. 2:19)

‍ ‍1. Run with focus.

(Matt. 11:29; 16:24; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Cor. 1:18, 23–25)

4.) Our supreme example to run the race, victoriously. (V. 3) 

A. Look away from others.

B. Look toward Jesus.

(Heb. 13:12–13; 1 Pet. 3:13–14, 18; 1 Pet. 2:19–24)

C. Don’t lose heart.

(Matt. 10:22; James 1:12)

Take Away Questions:

1. We must live the Christian life by faith. Are you living by faith?

2. We have been given great examples of faith in other believers. Is your life a positive example of enduring faith?

3. You have your own race to run! Are you living your life faithfully in your generation?

4. In order to live a successful and faithful Christian life, you must “put off” impediments and entanglements. What is holding you back? What is tripping you up? What must you eliminate?

5. Our focus must be on our leader and perfect example – Jesus. How are you making Jesus the focus of your life?