Scripture References
- Hebrews 12:1 - used as the central exhortation: "Let us throw off everything that hinders" (the image of runners removing weights).
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 - shows the truth of the new life in Christ: the old has gone, the new has come.
- Ephesians 4:24 & Colossians 3:10 - called to "put on the new self" that is renewed in Christ.
- Matthew 9:17 - "new wine in old wineskins" used to explain that the new life cannot be carried in old patterns.
- Romans 10:17 - underlines that faith comes by hearing the Word.
- Psalm 1:1 & Proverbs 4:20-22 - warning about the progression of sin and the need to keep Scripture before the heart.
- James 1:22 & James 2:22 - used to emphasize doing the Word (not merely hearing) so faith is shown in action.

Central Message
Christians are called to discard the old life and its entangling sins and to pursue a deeper, growing faith by making the Word of God and Jesus Christ the number one focus and priority of daily life.

Key Points
1. A vivid New Year tradition (Italian village) illustrates the need to toss out what you do not want to carry into a new season — a metaphor for leaving behind past sins and baggage.
2. The Bible teaches we are a new creation in Christ; therefore we must throw off weights (Hebrews 12:1) and stop carrying old practices, vices, and beliefs into our new life.
3. Practical, Bible-centered means to grow and stay in the faith: make the Word of God the top priority, hear the Word often, and put the Word into practice (read, listen, obey).

Notable Quotes
"They might not remember the points that you make in your sermon, but they will remember the stories."
"Let us throw off everything that so easily entangles... and run with perseverance the race marked out before us." (Hebrews 12:1 emphasis)
"Make the Word of God the number one priority in our life."
"It is the one I feed." (the Cherokee story — whichever wolf wins is the one you feed)

Application
- Remove practical weights: identify and intentionally discard habits, practices, or relationships that hinder your walk with Christ (e.g., addictions, pride, worldliness, anger).
- Make Scripture primary: read the Bible daily (morning and night suggested), surround yourself with the Word (church, teaching, audiobible) so faith grows (Romans 10:17).
- Practice the Word: don’t let the Bible become a "dusty Bible" on a shelf—obey and apply Scripture (James 1:22; James 2:22).
- Refocus attention: when tempted or struggling, shift focus away from the vice and toward Jesus (Keswick model: concentrate on Christ rather than the struggle).
- Pursue disciplined help if needed: consider focused seasons of renewal (example: Keswick/Colony of Mercy) to refocus on Christ.

Prayer Points
- A prayer for God to remove the old weights and hinderances from our lives: "Dear Lord, get rid of it."
- Ask for help to stop harboring and stop thinking on past sins and painful relationships.
- For a greater hunger for Scripture and for the strength to put the Word into practice.

Reflection Questions
1. What "things" or patterns do I need to throw out so they won’t hinder my walk with Christ?
2. Which wolf am I feeding—am I nourishing the traits of the good wolf (faith, love, compassion) or the bad one (anger, envy, pride)?
3. How will I make the Word of God my number one priority this week (specific times, resources, or accountability)?