Today John Elmore continued the Resolve series with some great insights into the importance of dealing with our “baggage.” The problem is that if we do not deal with our weakness, i.e., our baggage, it becomes a barrier to our relationship with Christ and with others. We must Resolve to deal with these issues so we can be free to run the race God has laid out for us.

1. John gave us 3 points to consider as we deal with our baggage. 1. Release the baggage at the cross, so that we can 2. run the race God has set before us, and allow God to 3. redeem our baggage. Where would you honestly say you are in this process? Have you taken the time to unpack where you are and where you need to be? Discuss what this looks like.
2. John described baggage in two categories: weights and sins. These are not necessarily good or evil but can be often be distractions and barriers. What specific weights and sins have you currently identified in your life? In what ways are you seeing them as barriers to your relationship with Christ and with others? Will you resolve to begin to deal with them today? Discuss ways you will go about doing that.
3. What often happens after we release our baggage at the cross is we run straight to running the world’s race. We say thank you Jesus and run straight to a race God never called us to. What baggage has God released you from and what safe guards do you have in place to keep you on the path God has for you now? Will you share insights into any tips the Lord has given you that could encourage others?
4. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Our eyes go where we look; therefore, our eyes should be fixed on Jesus who ran the race to perfection. Where would you and those who know you best say your eyes are fixed? Would the Lord agree? Will you today begin to set up safe guards and be intentional to “fix your eyes on the perfecter of your faith?” What steps are you willing to take? Are you willing to have others hold you accountable?
5. When we unpack our baggage of loss, sexual abuse, adultery, etc., God can redeem it (Colossians 2; 1 Corinthians 6). What baggage or weakness do you need to take to the cross today? What “unpacked opportunity” do you long to boast in the Lord about? Will you take that weakness to the cross today and allow the Lord to begin that process? Will you “disregard” the disgrace for the hope of what He will do with it? Discuss what that might look like.