Hebrews 12:25 - Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. Hebrews 12:1-4 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. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. What is included in a great race? (Chapters 12-13) Endurance & Perseverance 12:1 - Run the race with endurance 12:12 - So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. A commitment to holiness 12:1 - let us strip off every weight that slows us down… especially the sin… 12:14 - work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 12:16 - Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau Perspective 12:3 - Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 13:12-14 - So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Discipline 12:5-7 - “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Healthy relationships 12:14 - Work at living in peace with everyone… 13:1 - Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Accountability 12:15 - Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. An intolerance for bitterness 12:15 - Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Thankfulness 12:28-29 - Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire. Kindness to strangers 13:2 - Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Sexual purity 13:4 - Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. Contentment when it comes to finances 13:5 - Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. People of praise 13:15 - Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. Generosity 13:16 - And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Spiritual leadership 13:17 - Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Prayer for each other. 13:18 - Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon.