CONSISTENTLY WINNING IN THE BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND

You’re Never Running Alone

Hebrews 12:1-3

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

JESUS, THE FOUNDER OF OUR FAITH

Philippians 2:7

But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Romans 8:3

For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,

Hebrews 6:19-20

19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

JESUS, THE PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Galatians 3:26

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

Romans 8:1-2

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

1 John 5:11-12

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Ephesians 2:4-6

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Hebrews 12:1

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 

Luke 8:14

And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

Hebrews 12:1

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 

Excuse #1: "It's not THAT big of a deal!"

Example:

Beyond The Porn Phenomenon, published in 2024 by The Barna Group and Pure Desire Ministries, provides the most current data we have about Christians and porn use compared to the rest of the United States. According to this study:

• 61% of the general population (aged 13 and up) watches porn compared to 54% of practicing Christians.
• 75% of Christian men view pornography, compared to 78% of the general population.
• 40% of Christian women view pornography, compared to 44% of the general population.
• Two-thirds of pastors (68%) have struggled or currently struggle with pornography.

If we combined these percentages with US census data, we can see just how many people this is: 45,174,658 Christian men watch porn, and 24,135,395 Christian women watch porn.

*Source: covenanteyes.com

Excuse #2: "It's just part of who I am!"

Hebrews 12:2

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Greek word for looking "sketches the Christian life as a disciplined redirection of vision— away from distractions and toward the decisive realities of God’s will and God’s Son. Whether assessing circumstances or enduring trials, believers live most faithfully when their eyes remain fixed where faith began: on Jesus Christ, 'the same yesterday and today and forever' (Hebrews 13:8)."

Source: biblehub.com

Hebrews 12:1-3

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

It's a “steadfast endurance that clings to God in the face of pressure. More than passive waiting, it is active, faith-filled perseverance that refuses to abandon obedience or hope. While English versions alternately render the term ‘endurance,’ ‘perseverance,’ or ‘patience,’ its essence is a Spirit-empowered tenacity that remains under trial until God’s purpose is fulfilled."

Source: biblehub.com

Hebrews 12:3-4

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

CONSIDER

"The deliberate mental comparison implied by the verb distinguishes it from a fleeting thought; believers are to rehearse, calculate, and conclude that their struggles, however real, cannot overshadow the triumph of the cross. This reasoning fuels perseverance (Hebrews 12:1) and guards against apostasy (Hebrews 10:39)."

Source: biblehub.com

YOU’RE NEVER RUNNING ALONE!

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.