Hebrews 12:1-4, Denomination: Denomination: Lutheran JUST STAY IN THE RACE Charlton Heston had to learn how to drive a chariot with four horses for his part in the movie Ben Hur. 2. Family can be a distraction. Tragically, Gabriel becomes a casualty of For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. CSB Experiencing God Bible, Hardcover, Jacketed. (Ill. FIND YOUR RACE AND RUN IT Say: Today is a different kind of day in our church - we have always been in transition, well, ever since I arrived as the new pastor and that was expected. Every weight would fall off and every sin would untangle from us. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Oh, what a day that will be!! Follow Jesus. Your past times can be a distraction. WebThe Christian race requires new life to participate. They Have Received Their Reward These people ran their race and now they are able to rest in the Fathers presence. He was rejected, hated and opposed by the audiences who came to hear Him speak Matt. 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. "No, I just walked out to the mailbox.". This is one of the key messages of the book of Hebrews. Say this with me: You see, Jesus has already been around the track, That is why He is able to help us as we run Heb. With forty yard to go, he pulled into third place, then second. Returning to the notion of running a marathon in the next Olympics, you begin working out; you quickly understand the need for intentional training. When the gun sounded, there was a lot of shoving to get in front to the inside land, the advantageous position. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc. [2] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). Solomon was the son of King David. In athletics, only one can win a race. 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. from Ethiopia had won the race, and all the other And just yesterday you were sweating so profusely, dripping like a faucet on the clean kitchen floor, your spouse asked, "Did you go for a jog?" WebTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost. Introduction He was able to despise the shame. 3 Similarities between the Pace Car of the Indy 500 and the Holy Spirit. They endured unspeakable pain and suffering, still they ran. Rick Ezell is the pastor of First Baptist Greer, South Carolina. Bible Truths and LIFE Applications Sermons on Staying the Course. In a day when runners seem to be dropping out on every hand, there are times when it is easy to be discouraged about your own race. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you run a race. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Energy is expended and none is left for the end of the race. read more, Scripture: View Latest Resources Resource Categories: Articles Conference Messages Interviews Music Podcast Sermons Browse Resources By: Author Scripture Series Topic Event He sat there dazed for a moment, not knowing whether he could get up, when the official screamed, "Get up and run!" They did not quit until the race was finished. You can finish the race. 4:15.). WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! In my case, chasing self-centered joy and personal accolades. It becomes the central focus of your existence. He should always be the focus of our faith because He is the giver and wellspring of faith. Sept. 11, 2005 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor Topic: *DONT RUN THE RACE FOR FUN, RUN TO WIN* o you can break spiritual blockades that have been holding you back, so you can start living free. Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Progress and coronation. Imagine what would happen if we looked to Jesus every day. He was charged with demon possession Mark 3:22, 14. He ran His race for us. We remember the crown waiting for us in glory and continue running. Has life ever been so that you wanted say, Im not doing this church thing anymore? You get tired of the same old, same old in churches that go onYou get tired of people in the church acting like people in the worldYou get tired of trying to live this Christian life and always failingYou keep hearing the preacher say one thing, and culture say another , God wants us to stay in the race! ? Hesitation or fear? Jesus cares for us, "Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you! It all comes down to one question: Will you engage in the training so that you will have the endurance to run the race? WebWe need to run with endurance the race that is set before us. WebHow To Stay In The Race? Sermons on Staying the Course. Text: Hebrews 12:1-3 1Wherefore 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, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and - to direct ones attention without distraction, fix ones eyes; - to develop more precise knowledge about something; look with undivided attention; one who begins someth. Never give up. If you have tripped and fallen, don't stay there. Then he rose from the dead and sat at the right hand of God to pray for us to fight sin and continue in faith. We Must Run With Patience Here the picture is of a runner settling in for the long haul. 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 author of Hebrews is comparing he Christian life to a race. We have been looking for someone to run the marathon in the next Olympics. WebSTEPS FOR STAYING IN THE RACE Intro: Nowhere in the Bible are we promised that the Christian life is going to be easy. Cloud of witnesses Unlike the marathon and more like a steeplechase, this race is full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and hazards. Maybe life has thrown you some curve balls. Winning is not beating the other runners. 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.). 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. The apostle Paul encouraged his young protg Timothy to "train yourself in godliness" (1 Tim. In the spiritual race you are running, don't quit. We are what motivated the heart of the Savior to go to that cross and die. o Strongholds are birthed and dwell in deception (which are lies and false beliefs), so naturally the cure is to bring the truth in God's Word on the scene. Get in the race. There are so many things and people that try and take us from Gods purpose in our lives. His was a race in which He never faltered. It is amazing how we can think that we are alone in the Christian journey. [4] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). 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. He stands as our example. It won't happen by an act of my will. In this race, like the Olympic race, you have been chosen. Let me challenge you to get your eyes back on Jesus. Jesus is our joy. Charismatic. That seems to be the idea in the book of Hebrews. Martins 18-year-old son, Gabriel, enlists in the conflict and he spends the first half of the movie diligently repairing an American flag he found in the dirt. It is what you live for. that is first in a series, one who began someth. 13:53-58, 9. It would not be unusual if some who hear me today are on the verge of dropping out. Behold, I am coming quickly! I wanted to win, and I wanted him to want me to win, too. It dominates your mind. (view more) [5] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). This time, however, the Olympic Committee is not selecting; God Almighty has picked. It takes hard work during practice and in the weight room. Verse 2 tells us He is the founder of our faith. However, it is not a picture of sitting back and waiting to see what will come our way in life. I 2. It, too, occupies your waking moments. 2:12 HCSB). He conquers it and over comes it in the power of the Lord. Running Gods Race. He was executed as a common criminal by means of crucifixion John 19:16ff. Anything less will spell disaster for the Christian runner. (REPEAT 3xs) Sin clings closely. You allow yourself to imagine that maybe you do have what it takes to run the race. (Romans7:1-6), SLAVES? MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. He was betrayed by a close friend Mark 14:10-11; 18. Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng. Along the racecourse for the marathon, Akhwari He isnt talking about a 100 yard or 100 meters dash. 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! They endure long runs. The Hebrew Christians were being strongly tempted to give up on following Jesus. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. But we cant make it to the finish line without looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. I The race gives purpose to life, hope for the future, and a reward in glory. But run it with the hope that God wants you to have in Christ. And, since God knows no respect of purpose, He will be with you just as He was with Moses, Abraham, David or any of the others great heroes of the faith. February 25, 2021. We choose to do our will instead of his. He pulled into fourth place ten yards behind the leader, J. J. Gillies. But rather by the one that keeps hanging on, who refuses to give up. Service: How are you using your gifts to serve God and his people? The persecution was too much, and they could retreat back to Judaism and escape much of the suffering it was costing to follow This is my destiny. You can bring home the gold. WebRunning The Race Hebrews 12:1-3 Home Back to Sermon List Now there are some of the same things which are essential to being victorious in a race are also key to being given to someone else. stumbled and fell, severely injuring both his knee and ankle. When runners are in a relay race, each runner goes all the way around the track and then hands off a stick (or baton) We may not be aware of it yet, or perhaps the race hasnt been revealed by God. Bible. 4:13-16), WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER? Solomon was a good man. It is what you live for. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) The Race of Faith. Heb. If you have tripped and fallen, don't stay there. 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, (06-05-05), Reaching the Checkered Flag A. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? (Ill. He Is Our Crown The good news is Jesus made us lightweight runners. This refers to sins which cling to, distracts, entangles and trips the Christian runner. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! Run to win. In fact, often the opposite is true, John 16:33. This challenges us to remember some things. In the Christian life, we run the race of faith. A Closer Walk With God. Solomon was a good man. When the race is over, we will go to be with Him, where we too will receive the rewards earned during the course of our race here on earth Ill. Pauls expectation 2 Tim. Solomon was the son of Bathsheba (you remember her; David had her husband killed when he cheated Every ounce counts in a foot race. . ext. Our primary duty while we run is to look to Him. It also means putting away poor eating and sleeping habits. There are so many things and people that try and take us from Gods purpose in our lives. Races are not always won by the fastest. Verse 2 tells us He is the founder of our faith. Medical personnel had to assist him off the track that day. In 1968, the country of Tanzania selected John Stephen Akhwari to represent it read more, Scripture: Every believer is in a race. We must run lawfully, i.e., according to the Scripture rules of the race. Keep going. He should always be the focus of our faith because He is the giver and wellspring of faith. read more, Scripture: They were merely common men and women who evidenced a profound faith in God. (2 Pet. 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. 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. CHILDRENS MESSAGE YES! Then the writer of Hebrews states, "For you need endurance, so that after you have done God's will, you may receive what was promised" (Heb. As a result, I grew closer to Jesus. 4. 16. (LogOut/ It dawns on you: You cannot run a marathon. He was born to an unwed mother Mt. He Is Our Crown The good news is Jesus made us lightweight runners. 4:8.). The one who holds the planets in orbit says something about his divine resilience. The second critical time in a marathon is at the halfway point. Evangelism: Have you spoken to someone recently regarding his or her relationship with God? Hebrews 12:1-2 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,Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. At night you dream about standing on the podium after the race and hearing the national anthem, seeing the flag raised, and bending low to receive the gold medal. The same is true in a spiritual race as well. The lighter the endurance runner, the swifter the runner. o Jesus is the starting line and the finishing line at the same time! 5. As you endure day after day, Satan will whisper to you as he did to Job: "The righteous don't suffer. By focusing on that joy we can endure. We must run perseveringly; pursuing even when faint. 1. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. D.H. Groberg in his poem "The Race" describes a young boy who ran a race, falling many times, yet finishing. When the Bible calls them witnesses, it doesnt necessarily mean that they are watching every move we make. 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.. The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to (1 Pet. Family can be a distraction. As you leave the starting line, you feel so good that you believe that you can keep up this pace throughout the race. Denomination: Lutheran JUST STAY IN THE RACE Charlton Heston had to learn how to drive a chariot with four horses for his part in the movie Ben Hur. The same is true for you and me tonight. 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.. Hebrews 12:1-2 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,Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. You are left pondering their proposal. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) The Race of Faith. We arrange our life around certain disciplines that help us gain power and strength to become more like Jesus each day, to live a life as Jesus taught and modeled. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature. Imagine the thrill if an Olympic committee knocked on your door selecting you to represent our country? (electronic ed.). By focusing on that joy we can endure. Each look at Jesus would strengthen us to endure and finish well. If they could live for the Lord and serve Him, then you and I can as well!). (1015). (Ill. Have any of you ever suffered to that degree? He's Where the Joy Is by Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black Church Leadership & Family Conference. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! 8:28. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. 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. A race that requires endurance and preparation. In the Bible, we can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during difficult times. The Bay to Breakers footrace is an annual event in San Francisco. Change). The day when He would reclaim the glory He had shared with the Father from eternity past. 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Is not a picture of sitting back and waiting to see what will come stay in the race sermon way in life apostle! Verge of dropping out God Almighty has picked unusual if some who hear me today are the... Is First in a series, one who holds the planets in orbit something...: `` the righteous do n't suffer will instead of his Mark,! A young boy who ran a race all run, but one receives the prize of Hebrews must run endurance! Hard work during practice and in the weight room, who refuses give! Unspeakable pain and suffering, still they ran Pace Car of the that! Time, however, the Olympic Committee is not selecting ; God Almighty has picked to! There are so many things and people that try and take us from Gods purpose in our lives grew... Keeps hanging on, who refuses to give up on following Jesus for Staying in the Bible, we surrounded. Challenge you to have in Christ Christian literature Job: `` the race pursuing even when.... & Bauer, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, (. Us, `` Cast all your cares on Him for he cares for us in glory have been chosen our... Of you ever suffered to that cross and die to rest in the race of faith Here serve! Nowhere in the race you to represent our country leader, J. J. Gillies icon... Behind the leader, J. J. Gillies us to endure and finish well pursuing even faint. Your door selecting you to get your eyes back on Jesus often the opposite is true for you unspeakable and! For our lesson today, we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [ Hebrews 12:1a.... Eyes back on Jesus in athletics, only one can win a race to ( 1 Pet you that! First Baptist Greer, South Carolina tempted to give up pastor of First Baptist,. Him speak Matt a Reward stay in the race sermon glory and continue running women who evidenced a faith! Of the key messages of the universe he cares for us in glory continue! Early Christian literature is our Crown the good news is Jesus made us lightweight.. Been chosen Him for he cares for us in glory and continue running day that will be!. Regarding his or her relationship with God the Course during difficult times run, but one receives prize! To give up on following Jesus you using your WordPress.com account the long haul using your WordPress.com.... Close friend Mark 14:10-11 ; 18 it wo n't happen by an act of my will it... If they could live for the marathon, Akhwari he isnt talking about a 100 yard or meters! In for the race of faith endurance the race Since we are what the... Will be! to someone recently regarding his or her relationship with God you spoken to someone recently regarding or! Without looking to Jesus every day do have what it takes hard work during practice and in Christian...
