There are people whose lives tell us what faith means (, [Stephen was a martyr thats mentioned in Acts], ). Some runners carry kitchen sinks or push beds as they sprint down the street. Your girlfriend can be a distraction. It is the race of a lifetime. David Wilkerson (1931-2011) September 28, 2017 Your ongoing trial may involve physical suffering, unemployment, children who rebel, faithless friends, mental distress, turmoil or pain. 1:6-9), GODS JUDGMENT OF THE RELIGIOUS MAN (Rom. Runners call it "hitting the wall." I felt strong and energetic and my pace was quick and light. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature. B. Whoa, wait a minute! Isnt it great that when you become a Christian, life is easy and there are no struggles! The prize is theirs because they ran and they ran well. 12:2 Msg). We will be rewarded if we run the race God has set for us and not the race He has set for someone else. It would not be unusual if some who hear me today are on the verge of dropping out. YES! They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and So run, that ye may obtain. The one time you began a running program you ran down your driveway, onto the sidewalk in front of your house getting to the end of your yard only to turn around exhausted and panting barely making back to your La-z-boy. YES! {This Sermon Has been REVISED}, -----------------------------*The Book of Hebrews*------------------------------------------------------------------- The 12th Chapter------------------------------------- Nazarene. I do not know what you may be facing this evening as you run your race, but I do know doing the things revealed in these verses will help us all to be runners who are pleasing to the Lord God. In athletics, only one can win a race. 38:17-20), TRAVELING THE HEAVENLY HIGHWAY (Isaiah35:8-10), SOME TEARS OUR LORD WILL WIPE AWAY (Isaiah25:8-9), WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT? Have you ever watched the Olympics on TV? Please see below for details. Run to win. Hey, its all a matter of perspective anyway!). 2:13ff, 5. 12:1-2 on several occasions Paul likened the Christian life to a race.. **politics,religion,sportsthirst for sportswe are in a race.. not a rest,its a racenot a frolic,its a fightword race is the word we get our word agony from.the discipline of an athelete, and the determination of a championimportant You must arrange your life around certain practices that will enable you to do what you cannot do now by willpower alone. Jobs can be a distraction. 12:1-3 Seeking entertainment instead of fellow-shipping and communing with God. The one who selected unattractive, unlikable, and unreliable men to be his followers and loved them to the end. It is what gets you out of bed in the morning. Have you ever felt like no one understood what you were going through? Yes, difficulties will come and trials will cross our paths and often, we will be tempted to quit on God and drop out of the race. If God took care of them, honored their faith, sustained them, kept them, used them, blessed them, and got glory from their lives, then He will do the same in your life and mine! Whatever that sin is, it must be stripped off and avoided at all costs. I am convinced that the cause of Christ has been hindered by many who refuse to run in their own lane and they end up hindering everyone around them. Family can be a distraction. In fact, it is mandatory for any significant challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual champion. 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him This race becomes the great passion of your life. C. They Have Revealed That God Is Reliable The greatest encouragement that we can derive from these saints is the fact that they are proof positive of the reliability of the Lord. 2. We Must Make Proper Preparations when there is a race to be run, the wise runner must make careful preparations. Doing so will result in distraction and defeat. Liddell tangled feet with J. J. Gillies of England and tumbled to the track. Hebrews 12:1-2, Denomination: 17. Many things and people can be a distraction. 3 Tests Of Plagiarism: Do Your Sermons Pass Them. They stretch. 2 Kings 2:1-11, Joshua 4:1-20, Genesis 28:17-19, Genesis 35:1-15, 2 Timothy 4:6-7, Hebrews 11:6 The movie, Chariots of Fire, is the true story of Eric Liddell, a man who ran in the 1924 Olympics for Scotland, then went on to become a missionary. But, we must remain focused! The secret to winning the race, to truly live a Christlike life, is to order our lives around those activities, disciplines, and practices that were modeled by Christ, in order to accomplish through training what we cannot now do by trying. We may not be aware of it yet, or perhaps the race hasnt been revealed by God. Anything less will spell disaster for the Christian runner. Hebrews 12:1-3 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. Say this with me: Sometimes, I possessed pure motives and would end my prayer with wanting Gods will to be done more than mine even if that meant the dreadful loss. The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to This is one of the key messages of the book of Hebrews. They lift weights. 3. Runners not only properly nourish their body and recover well, but they also work hard to build endurance. Baptist. A spiritual champion is one sold out to Jesus, straining to become more like him everyday. He was betrayed by a close friend Mark 14:10-11; 18. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) The Race of Faith. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Charismatic. II. The list of these things could be endless, but a few are: a. (LogOut/ But we cant make it to the finish line without looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. read more, Scripture: Yes, difficulties will come and trials will cross our paths and often, we will be tempted to quit on God and drop out of the race. We must run lawfully, i.e., according to the Scripture rules of the race. There was not a single trace When I boldly decided to enter in this race. WebRunning the Race That Is Set Before Us Unleashing Gods Truth, One Verse at a Time Since 1969 Listen Now About Broadcasts Resources Store Apps Blog Devotionals Sermons Donate Search Play Add to Playlist Download MP3 Reset PDF Related Series: Also Available: Available to Purchase: Available Translations: Stand With Us WebThe Christian race requires new life to participate. It, too, is the race of a lifetime. For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. (Ill. Every ounce counts in a foot race. We looked together are two primary passages, Psalm 61:1-3 and Psalm 62:5-8. We're sorry, an error occurred. Jesus understands because (v. 3 says) He endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself, (v. 2 says) He endured the cross, and (v. 3 says) He despised the shame! 2:16ff, 7. read more, Scripture: While the destination is the same for everyone - a life like Jesus, the journey that gets us there is different for everyone. Solomon was the son of King David. It does mean that they are witnesses to the faithfulness of God. Step 2: Consider Self, (As we run this race and look to Jesus, the author goes onto tell us several things about His race that we are to look to that will help us as we run the race we have been assigned.). Maybe life has thrown you some curve balls. Ultimately, He will bring us to our long-awaited reward: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.. When runners are in a relay race, each runner goes all the way around the track and then hands off a stick (or baton) Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the universe. In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado(PDF), D1. Hebrews 11:29-12:2. o Jesus is the starting line and the finishing line at the same time! Every believer is in a race. The one who holds the planets in orbit says something about his divine resilience. (3rd ed.) As you endure day after day, Satan will whisper to you as he did to Job: "The righteous don't suffer. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Seeing that the race God set out for us is a lifelong marathon, we must commit ourselves to run to the very end. To make advance is reward enough to a true disciple; but to get to the goal and get the prize too that is heaven.Conclusion: 1. But run it with the hope that God wants you to have in Christ. God makes us all winners when we cross the line. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. ? The Greek word means One who begins or originates, and thus it is translated author, founder, and pioneer in different versions. I. A. Rick has earned a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Theology in preaching from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 8:33-39), THE DISTINCTION OF THE SPIRIT LIFE (Romans8:31-39), THE DETERMINATION OF THE SPIRIT LIFE (Romans8:28-30), THE DILIGENCE OF THE SPIRIT LIFE (Romans8:18-27), THE DELIGHTS OF THE SPIRIT LIFE (Romans8:14-17), THE DIFFERENCES OF THE SPIRIT LIFE (Romans8:5-13), THE DELIVERANCE OF THE SPIRIT LIFE (Romans8:1-4), PAULS SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY PART 2 (Romans7:14-25), PAULS SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY: PART 1 (Romans7:7-13), MARRIED? 11:32-40;23-29, HOW TO BE SURE YOU HAVE ETERNAL SECURITY #2 2 Pet. Sept. 11, 2005 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor 3. After many weeks of chariot lessons he told the director, "I think I can drive the chariot all right, but I'm not at all sure I can actually win the race." The man "who both began and finished this race we're in" (Heb. Get in the race. Everyone runs; one wins. We have come together to honor the life and service of Meryl Wolfe, Mike Seilhammer, and George Gauker. It dawns on you: You cannot run a marathon. Endurance refers to patience, steadfastness, perseverance. 2:17-29), GODS JUDGMENT OF THE HYPOCRITE (Rom. They did not quit until the race was finished. Both of these passages speak of We will persevere by maintaining a Christlike attitude even in the midst of trials ( 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1; 1 John 2:6 ). Our eyes are to be on the One who started us on this race, and the One who will greet us at the end of it. I prayed that God would enable me to win so I might have the opportunity to praise him for the victory. When we set our eyes firmly on him, we will not grow weary in the fight against sin and in the race to persevere in faith. My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). Likewise, the great need for spiritual races is persistence. c. Giving our attention to things like music, television shows, movies, etc that do not focus our minds on the Lord. You allow yourself to imagine that maybe you do have what it takes to run the race. If you have tripped and fallen, don't stay there. Like the Scripture Introduction We have witnesses (, , a witness for Jesus who dies because of that witness) to the life of faith. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) The Race of Faith. This sermon helps one to look at the good and bad and understand no matter what they go through in life they have to Stay in the Race. David Wilkerson (1931-2011) September 28, 2017 Your ongoing trial may involve physical suffering, unemployment, children who rebel, faithless friends, mental distress, turmoil or pain. He pulled into fourth place ten yards behind the leader, J. J. Gillies. 2:12 HCSB). [6] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). They have sore muscles and tired lungs. For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. You see, Jesus has already been around the track, That is why He is able to help us as we run Heb. Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before His presence in glory with exceeding great joy; to the only wise God, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. John the The goal is not perfection, but progress. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, When I have closed my eyes in death, and my voice has been hushed by the great equalizer known as death; when I will have song my last song on this side, prayed my last prayer, put up my hymn book and bible, stuck my sword in the sands of time to study war no more, I can say like the Old Apostle Paul in. Where is the joy in dying like a common criminal? In Hebrews, the writer reminds Christians to run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith.. We are what motivated the heart of the Savior to go to that cross and die. Like the orange cones on the roadway that indicate the path of a long distant race, God has marked out a race distinctive for you that will take you on an adventure. You picture yourself mingling with the elite athletes of the world. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. Worry can be a distraction. In my own experience, a diet of lean protein with fruits and vegetables proved more successful along with going to bed earlier than my socially active peers. Hebrews 12:1-3, Denomination: The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to These Christians were enduring a terrible time of trial and persecution. But in a long distance contest such as a marathon, endurance is the key. My goal in preaching this message is that when we reach the end of this race we might say with the Apostle Paul, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim. The best thing we can do is run our race to the best of our God-given ability. When we are able to get a heavenly vision, it makes the race more bearable. (John3:16-17), Please Hold for an Important Message of God (John3:16), JESUS : The Divine Teacher (John 3:1-21Nicodemus), JESUS : The Son Of Man (John 2:1-11 CanaWedding), The Traits of a Successful SOUL Winner (John 1:35-42 FirstDisciples), JESUS The Word of God (John 1: 1-15 In theBeginning), Can God Really Use Your Life? Your boyfriend can be a distraction. We must be temperate in all things. Solomon was the son of King David. The same is true in a spiritual race as well. Acts 9:1-16(Paul), From Here to ETERNITY The Rich Man andLazarus, How to Overcome Obstacles Joshua 6 (Destruction ofJericho), Thats It, I QUIT! Stay In The Race Scripture Hebrews Topic Series H.B. But it is worth it. She and her husband, Shane, live in Mississippi. We have statistics on every person in the entire nation on computer. Sin clings closely. Devotions by Steve Troxel Vol 1 PDFBook, B2. Hey folks, He suffered more than you or I can grasp. He was able to think beyond everything He would be called upon to face in this world and He was able to see you. Winning is not beating the other runners. You suddenly realize that you still have as far to go as you've already run and you're already very tired. We are not alone. I read more, Scripture: My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). (3rd ed.) 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Do you realize the number of hours an Olympian trains? 3:1-8), JESUS: THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER (John7:37-39), WHY JESUS IS WORTHY OF YOUR FAITH (Heb. It is our personal responsibility to discover, discern, and develop it. Looked together are two primary passages, Psalm 61:1-3 and Psalm 62:5-8 trace when I boldly decided to enter this... Loved them to the faithfulness of God make Proper Preparations when there is a lifelong marathon, we able... 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And finisher of our faith without looking to Jesus, straining to become more like everyday! Beyond everything He would be called upon to face in this race your souls Plagiarism do. Any significant challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual race as well or click an to! Fellow-Shipping and communing with God are witnesses to the Scripture rules of the God. With J. J. Gillies has set for us and not the race God set out for us is a marathon. Any significant challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual champion is sold! By God been knocked off your feet a few times 11:32-40 ; 23-29, to... Less will spell disaster for the Christian runner Jesus has already been around the....
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