1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. — Hebrews 12:1-3

1. You are not Alone

24b there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. — Proverbs 18:24b

5b God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

— Hebrews 13:5b

18a The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. — 2 Timothy 4:18a

2. Get Rid of What Slows You Down

1b let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. — Hebrews 12:1b

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. — 1 Corinthians 9:24

3. The Race is Marked Out

1c And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

— Hebrews 12:1c

26a Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;

— 1 Corinthians 9:26a

4. Look to the Finish Line

 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

— Hebrews 12:2-3

25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. — 1 Corinthians 9:25

 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ — Matthew 25:21

 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. — 2 Timothy 4:7-8

13b Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13b-14