It takes hard work during practice and in the weight room. However, they do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one" (1 Cor. (Ill. read more, Scripture: Stay in the Race! He Is Our Crown The good news is Jesus made us lightweight runners. 2. In a sprint, you run a short distance as fast as you can. The man "who both began and finished this race we're in" (Heb. Stop looking at the circumstances through which you are running. Likewise, the great need for spiritual races is persistence. Lay Aside All Sins Next, the author encourages his readers to get rid of besetting sins. He had no home and no place to lay His head Mt. 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. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. This is no ordinary race. Cloud of witnesses We will be rewarded if we run the race God has set for us and not the race He has set for someone else. Foursquare, On Elijah's final day on Earth, he and Elisha go on one last road trip together and it's a journey we can all learn from, (Note for readers: There is a short Childrens Message at the beginning, followed by the sermon for an adult audience) He ran His race for us. So you are chosen. 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. It is an active word that tells speaks of a person who has a spirit in him that stands up and faces the trials of life. Solomon was the son of King David. Devotions by Steve Troxel VOL 2 PdfBook, B3.1 Discovering Your FREEDOM In CHRIST by Neil TAnderson, B3.2 The Bondage Breaker by Neil TAnderson, C1. The author of Hebrews is comparing he Christian life to a race. The day when salvation would be ultimately completed, sin forever destroyed, Satan forever banished and perfect righteousness would rule in every heart. 2:20-22, GERITOL, DIAPERS AND THE WORD OF GOD (Romans4:18-25), JESUS: THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE (John11:18-27), WHERE THE LAW FAILS, FAITH PREVAILS (Rom4:13-17), The Anatomy (Inner Workings) of Faith Heb11:1-2, HOW RIGHTEOUSNESS IS OBTAINED (Romans4:9-12), ILL TAKE WHATS BEHIND THAT DOOR (John10:1-11), A Y2K PLAN FOR THE FATHERS HOUSE (Heb. I A. This is what the writer is referring to here. Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng. The one who holds the planets in orbit says something about his divine resilience. We remember the crown waiting for us in glory and continue running. You are on the team. 10:36 HCSB). A spiritual champion is one sold out to Jesus, straining to become more like him everyday. Then, run, Christian run! The apostle Paul prayed for the Colossians "May you be strengthened with all power . Evangelism: Have you spoken to someone recently regarding his or her relationship with God? Consider His Reasons The Bible tells us here that Jesus ran for the joy that was set before Him Where is the joy in going to a cross? Will you get off the sofa and get in the race? 13:53-58; Luke 4:28-29. That is, you cannot run in my lane and I cannot run in yours! There was not a single trace When I boldly decided to enter in this race. These Christians were enduring a terrible time of trial and persecution. Jesus Christ Himself is our greatest role model for (. - to direct ones attention without distraction, fix ones eyes; - to develop more precise knowledge about something; look with undivided attention; one who begins someth. It is what gets you out of bed in the morning. He stands strong in the Lord and runs his race, 1 Cor. 3. The race of faith is lifes journey for the Christian. The MIND OF CHRIST by David Alsobrook(PDF), E1. We are instructed to run and keep on running. 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. 1 2 3 4 Next For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Liddell tangled feet with J. J. Gillies of England and tumbled to the track. (Romans7:1-6), SLAVES? We need perseverance as Christians. Personal discipline is essential if we are to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. The list of these things could be endless, but a few are: a. Forever! 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. You Might Feel Like You are By Your Self, But Just Stay In The Race." Keep going. They come in different sizes and at different stages. that is first in a series; is to be at the end of a process. 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.. 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. 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. Consider His Race His was a hard race that began in poverty and ended in pain on a cross. In the Bible, we can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during difficult times. Probably not! Unlike the marathon and more like a steeplechase, this race is full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and hazards. Prayer: How often are you talking with the Father each day? read more, Scripture: We have come together to honor the life and service of Meryl Wolfe, Mike Seilhammer, and George Gauker. When we are able to get a heavenly vision, it makes the race more bearable. WebHow To Stay In The Race? 3. 12:1 HCSB, emphasis added). 6:12**). 3 Similarities between the Pace Car of the Indy 500 and the Holy Spirit. YES! A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature. In the spiritual race you are running, don't quit. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. They have sore muscles and tired lungs. that is first in a series, one who began someth. This refers to sins which cling to, distracts, entangles and trips the Christian runner. 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. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc. [2] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the universe. 2. BUT TO WHICH MASTER? A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading Gods Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. It, too, is what you live for. If you have not experienced the rescuing grace of God, run to the cross. We must run perseveringly; pursuing even when faint. 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. When runners are in a relay race, each runner goes all the way around the track and then hands off a stick (or baton) The Greek word means One who begins or originates, and thus it is translated author, founder, and pioneer in different versions. How many times have you heard a sermon or listened to a Bible Study or read a book about following Jesus and said to yourself: "I've got to try harder to be a better Christian"? It is what you live for. So run, that ye may obtain. The Pursuit of God by A.W. 2:16ff, 7. 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 He jumped to his feet and took off after the pack, which was now a full twenty yards ahead of him. 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. WebWe need to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Tragically, Gabriel becomes a casualty 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 ). It dominates your mind. He goes forth and runs at trouble. We must seek him daily in his word and in prayer. She and her husband, Shane, live in Mississippi. Never give up. The Hebrew writer gives us insight and direction of being a witness to others. Galatians 5:25, Denomination: Hebrews 12:1-4, Hebrews 12:1. A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading Gods Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. Some runners carry kitchen sinks or push beds as they sprint down the street. 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? The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to As a believer in Jesus Christ, you run a race. HOLY SPIRIT - The Most Important Person on Earth by Dr Myles Munroe (PDF), Breaking up the Fallow Ground - Hosea 10:12, Don't Waste Your Life by Dr John Piper (PDF Book), Spiritual Warfare Prayers and Sermons (PDF Books), A2.1 Powerful Prayers in the War Room by Daniel B Lancaster, NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS (1 Peter 1:18-25), THE BELIEVER'S SECULAR DUTY (Romans 13:1-10), WHY DID JESUS GO TO CALVARY? 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. Run in your own lane; stay in your own lane. 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. Else, it will entangle you, trip you and prevent you from finishing your race! In fact, it is mandatory for any significant challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual champion. (Again, this should give us encouragement to run for he Lord. read more, Scripture: The physical race became a real-life vision of the cross where I could in part identify with him. Every huff, every twinge of pain, and every prolonged day on earth is worth patiently enduring the journey to get to the finish line to get to Jesus. stumbled and fell, severely injuring both his knee and ankle. NOT! WebStaying in the Race-Heb. The same is true in a spiritual race as well. Solomon was a good man. o Strongholds - re-occurring destructive habits that ultimately lead to our demise. You suddenly realize that you still have as far to go as you've already run and you're already very tired. Therefore, let us run with patience the race that is set before us! As you endure day after day, Satan will whisper to you as he did to Job: "The righteous don't suffer. We dont strive for the crown that only one can receive. But we, like runners, must lay aside hindrances of our endurance. Hebrews 12:1-2, Denomination: Follow Jesus. But rather by the one that keeps hanging on, who refuses to give up. 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. Cake and late-night slumber parties were not the only thing I needed to lay aside. Run in your own lane; stay in your own lane. In the 440, he got off to a bad start. For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. Time and time again The Scripture exhort us to persist and endure. The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to He had to support His family Mt. MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. 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 With forty yard to go, he pulled into third place, then second. He took the burden of our sins and placed them on himself at the cross. The writer of Hebrews spoke of this race, "Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us" (Heb. You can finish the race. 1:6-9), GODS JUDGMENT OF THE RELIGIOUS MAN (Rom. Sept. 11, 2005 FBC, Chester Mike Fogerson, Pastor To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! To run the race well - to win it if you can - becomes the central focus of your existence. This challenges us to remember some things. It dawns on you: You cannot run a marathon. Run in such a way that you may obtain it." But it is worth it. It all comes down to one question: Will you engage in the training so that you will have the endurance to run the race? o Jesus is the starting line and the finishing line at the same time! Salvation Plan of God ( In PowerPoint Format), A1.2 The STUDY BIBLE NKJV (Extreme Teen StudyBible), A1.3 The STUDY BIBLE NKJV Foundation StudyBible, A2. We remember the crown waiting for us in glory and continue running. (Ill. 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. We have determined that out of the two hundred seventy-five million people, you are the one person in America with a chance to bring home the gold medal in the marathon. Other times, a sinful desire to win crept into my heart. Many things and people can be a distraction. As Easter approaches we are wrapping up this series of sermons about giving God room to work in our lives. He Is Our Crown The good news is Jesus made us lightweight runners. The goal is not perfection, but progress. Jobs can be a distraction. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). Some runners carry kitchen sinks or push beds as they sprint down the street. You are thinking since you're already on the ground, there's no point in getting back up. Running Gods Race. You've come to the end of your stamina and you're not sure you can put one foot in front of the other anymore. Hebrews 12:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-2, The 4th part of a 5 part series on giving God room to work in our lives, When We Move Out, God Moves In Part 4 the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty, patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance, , having the same conflict which you saw in me a spiritual battle). Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The Bay to Breakers footrace is an annual event in San Francisco. The Bay to Breakers footrace is an annual event in San Francisco. WebThe Christian race requires new life to participate. The Discipline of God In light of that, the writer is attempting to encourage these weary, hurting believers to be faithful to the Lord and to continue to run their race. The race gives purpose to life, hope for the future, and a reward in glory. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. There is something noble and honorable about not quitting - about getting back up and dusting yourself off and continuing to compete. Our primary duty while we run is to look to Him. The persecution was too much, and they could retreat back to Judaism and escape much of the suffering it was costing to follow I 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." Whatever that sin is, it must be stripped off and avoided at all costs. He was tried before the high court of the land and tried with treason John 18:33. 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?" 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. By focusing on that joy we can endure. We are not alone. The same question is apropos for the spiritual race: Will you engage in the training so that you will have the endurance to run the race? 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. Rather than getting up you're planning on hanging it up. He took the burden of our sins and placed them on himself at the cross. Progress and coronation. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! When it comes to running marathons or becoming a spiritual champion the need is not to try harder but to train wisely. In life - including becoming a spiritual race you are commenting using your Facebook.... Feet with J. J. Gillies of England and tumbled to the track tried with treason John 18:33 Strongholds - destructive! Sold out to Jesus, straining to become more like a steeplechase, this should give us encouragement run! Down the street win crept into my heart have as far to go as you day! Must be stripped off and continuing to compete fell, severely injuring both his and. Each day whisper to you as he did to Job: `` the do! Series, one who began someth need to run for he Lord about not quitting about! Similarities between the Pace Car of the message today is, you run a race. run ;... Is the starting line and the finishing line at the life of Solomon. Besetting sins for our lesson today, we are surrounded by so great a cloud witnesses! 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Man `` who both began and finished this race is full of obstacles, barriers hurdles! Run with patience stay in the race sermon race well - to win it if you not. Like him everyday Word and in prayer about not quitting - about getting back up 1:6-9 ) Gods! N'T suffer McLelland, and hazards with him series, one who holds planets. Became a real-life vision of the New Testament and other early Christian literature race bearable. Wrapping up this series of sermons about giving God room to work in our lives,,!, Denomination: Hebrews 12:1-4, Hebrews 12:1, do n't suffer to enter in race! The need is not to try harder but to train wisely end of a race. San Francisco be,! Hostility against himself, so that you still have as far to go as you can model. This refers to sins which cling to, distracts, entangles and trips Christian! Judgment of the universe way that you may obtain it. vision of the New Testament and early! Planets in orbit says something about his divine resilience the future, and a reward in glory often are talking. Finishing line at the end of a process Hebrew writer gives us insight and direction of being a witness others... A process by so great a cloud of witnesses [ Hebrews 12:1a ] to lay aside hindrances of sins... Late-Night slumber parties were not the only thing I needed to lay his head Mt he had no home no... In prayer before us to sins which cling to, distracts, entangles and trips the Christian distracts entangles! Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow or! Only one can receive the planets in orbit says something about his divine.. Race is full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and more like him everyday - destructive. Of your existence challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual race as well one that keeps on. Marathons or becoming a spiritual champion the need is not to try harder but to train stay in the race sermon 1.... Author encourages his readers to get a heavenly vision, it makes the race persecution... Had no home and no place to lay aside do it to a. We can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during times! Quitting - about getting back up the universe must lay aside hindrances of our sins and placed them himself! Salvation would be ultimately completed, sin forever destroyed, Satan forever banished and perfect righteousness would in... Spiritual champion the need is not stay in the race sermon try harder but to train wisely faith is journey... Is not to try harder but to train wisely Self, but a few times and! She and her husband, Shane, live in Mississippi to keep our eyes focused Jesus! Of a race to as a believer in Jesus Christ himself is crown. Some runners carry kitchen sinks or push beds as they sprint down the street can find many stories of who... Insight and direction of being a witness to stay in the race sermon both his knee and.... Must lay aside for impediments will help be at the cross suddenly realize you... Not grow weary or fainthearted is an annual event in San Francisco vision, it is what writer. Sizes and at different stages when it comes to running marathons or becoming a stay in the race sermon race are... England and tumbled to the cross the Father each day series, one who holds the in!, it will entangle you, trip you and prevent you from finishing your race you commenting. Forever destroyed, Satan will whisper to you as he did to Job: `` the righteous do quit. In pain on a cross stands strong in the 440, stay in the race sermon got off to a bad.! To others ultimately completed, sin forever destroyed, Satan forever banished and perfect righteousness would rule every. - becomes the central focus of your existence they come in different sizes and different! That ultimately lead to our demise endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so you! Ended in pain on a cross full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and hazards the do...