GET RID OF THE WEIGHTS.
MEMORISE:
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
READ: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
MESSAGE:
A ship is usually very big. Many ships are bigger in height and width than some great hotels. However, once its anchored, nothing will ever move the ship from its position. A heavy wind may blow the ship, making it move forward and backward occasionally, but it will never leave its position as long as it remains anchored. Weights in the life of a Christian are like that anchor. They hold you down but permit you to move forward and backward, as though you were making progress, but you would really only be stagnant. This is why so many people wonder why they have been Christians for a very long time without any evidence of their knowledge of Christ. As long as there are weights in your life, they will always hinder your progress with the Almighty God.
Weights, are not necessarily sin, but are things that, if indulged in can lead you to sin. They may not be counted as iniquity, but can stop you from making progress. Weights are the lawful things that, if indulged in without moderation, will hold you back from making progress. Apostle Paul said:
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”1 Corinthians 6:12
Sleeping well is good, but it becomes a weight when you sleep too much. Eating is good, but it turns into a weight when you become a glutton. While it is not a sin to watch television, being addicted to your T.V. set will not allow you to make progress spiritually, because the more you feed your flesh, the weaker your spirit becomes. Whenever I want to fast, I would approach a calendar and look at a date. I would then tell my body “You see that date? From that date, you will not eat again until so and so day”. After this, I would discipline myself to fast. You must discipline yourself to engage in those spiritual activities that would strengthen you. Spiritual growth does not come by magic. If you want to experience real spiritual progress, especially in the coming year, you must lay aside every weight that could prevent you from achieving that goal even from now.
KEY POINT:
Get rid of those weights before they get rid of you.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: HOSEA 8-14.
HYMN 29: WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY STAIN?
1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
o Refrain:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
2. For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
3. Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
5. Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
6. Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
