17. 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.. The apostle Paul prayed for the Colossians "May you be strengthened with all power . A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading Gods Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. In fact, often the opposite is true, John 16:33. Stewardship: Are you investing regularly and consistently in God's church with your time, talents, and financial resources. The Hebrew Christians were being strongly tempted to give up on following Jesus. So run, that ye may obtain. Each look at Jesus would strengthen us to endure and finish well. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. 10:22-25), HOW TO GET YOUR LIFE OUT OF THE PIT (1 Peter5:5-10), Reminders for Pilgrims and Strangers (1 Peter2:9-12), JESUS: THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John9:1-11), REALITIES THAT CAN PUT DOUBT TO DEATH (Heb. It, too, dominates your mind. Summary: 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. 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. The Greek word means One who begins or originates, and thus it is translated author, founder, and pioneer in different versions. He should always be the focus of our faith because He is the giver and wellspring of faith. Solomon was the son of Bathsheba (you remember her; David had her husband killed when he cheated If you have trusted in Jesus Christ God has done just that. You can SOAR like an EAGLE by Nell WMohney, S1. Seeing that the race God set out for us is a lifelong marathon, we must commit ourselves to run to the very end. Hebrews 12:13 says. He goes forth and runs at trouble. Run in your own lane; stay in your own lane. I prayed that God would enable me to win so I might have the opportunity to praise him for the victory. It takes hours of training. The farther we are from sin, the closer we are to Jesus. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. He was appointed the King of Israel and Judah by his farther, King David. Running The Race To Win This merely teaches us that the Christian runner has endurance. 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. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Denomination: Jesus came into this world, not just to start a race to reach the goal of providing salvation from sin, Solomon was a good man. When the gun sounded, there was a lot of shoving to get in front to the inside land, the advantageous position. Our course has been individually designed! Charles Jr. Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida. The man "who both began and finished this race we're in" (Heb. As the Lord gives liberty, allow me to share with you these Steps For Staying In The Race. It speaks of things that are innocent in and of themselves, but when they slow you down in the Christian race, they are weights and they must go. All three were a part of this Church family and each in their own way has made an impact in our lives. It does mean that they are witnesses to the faithfulness of God. 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. Tonight, I want to help you stay in the race! (Ill. 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 currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. 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. By focusing on that joy we can endure. His was a race that set the perfect example of how a race should be run. 4:8.). Jesus is our joy. Verse 2 tells us He is the founder of our faith. After the shock of being selected passes, you are gripped by the realization of what's happening in your life. If they could live for the Lord and serve Him, then you and I can as well!). ext. This is a sermon that will challenge us to not be content with our place in Christ, but to RUN the race, not just jog it lazily, but RUN TO WIN! [4] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). 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.. His was a race in which He never faltered. (Romans7:1-6), SLAVES? Worry can be a distraction. 2:12 HCSB). 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. But many who compete are anything but serious runners. Never give up. Medical personnel had to assist him off the track that day. The single most important principle for running the race toward becoming a spiritual champion is: Spiritual transformation is not a matter of trying harder, but of training wisely. Maybe life has thrown you some curve balls. 3. Solomon was a good man. I felt strong and energetic and my pace was quick and light. And since we are have been preceded by so many witnesses, Let Us Lay Aside Every Weight and Sin (1a), lay aside means to put off, take off; be done with; stop, every total, complete, alleach one. But many who compete are anything but serious runners. Solomon was the son of King David. While we run, we must not look at the other runners. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! Hebrews 11:29-12:2. The finish line of faith is a life that is more Christian today than yesterday. Prayer: How often are you talking with the Father each day? Jesus Christ Himself is our greatest role model for They endure long runs. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you run a race. Imagine the thrill if an Olympic committee knocked on your door selecting you to represent our country? This is one of the key messages of the book of Hebrews. 2. We will be rewarded if we run the race God has set for us and not the race He has set for someone else. 2. There was not a single trace When I boldly decided to enter in this race. 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 The race gives purpose to life, hope for the future, and a reward in glory. 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. As the Lord gives liberty, allow me to share with you these Steps For Staying In The Race. read more, Scripture: 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. Bible Truths and LIFE Applications (view less). Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) The Race of Faith. read more, Scripture: The prize is theirs because they ran and they ran well. In many respects we race not against opponents, but against ourselves. Sermons on Staying the Course. 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. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! read more, Scripture: 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. 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. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! Hey, its all a matter of perspective anyway!). To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. If you have not experienced the rescuing grace of God, run to the cross. 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. Your boyfriend can be a distraction. Unlike the marathon and more like a steeplechase, this race is full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and hazards. You begin to feel a rush of emotion. The first one is at the beginning. (Romans6:15-23), HOW PARADISE WAS REGAINED (Romans5:15-21), CHRISTS FORMULA FOR TRUE SPIRITUAL JOY (John13:1-17), JESUS CHRIST : THE HUMBLE SERVANT (John13:1-20), UNCHANGING REASONS FOR THANKSGIVING (Hebrews13:5-15), STEPS FOR STAYING IN THE RACE (Hebrews12:1-3), THE CURE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT IN THE RACE OF LIFE (Hebrews12:1-3), WILL JESUS CHRIST REALLY COME AGAIN? As you endure day after day, Satan will whisper to you as he did to Job: "The righteous don't suffer. Behold, I am coming quickly! Progress and coronation. Your past times can be a distraction. It would not be unusual if some who hear me today are on the verge of dropping out. The day when salvation would be ultimately completed, sin forever destroyed, Satan forever banished and perfect righteousness would rule in every heart. Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng. 1 Corinthians 9:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, This Sermon is about enduring hardship even when folk despitfully use you. Back to your home, the Olympic Committee leaves. Will you get off the sofa and get in the race? How is your race progressing? 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! WebStaying in the Race-Heb. ( Philippians 3:14) Run the race that is set before you. If you have tripped and fallen, don't stay there. The persecution was too much, and they could retreat back to Judaism and escape much of the suffering it was costing to follow Races are not always won by the fastest. It has been marked out especially for you. Gods UNLIKELY PATH to SUCCESS by TonyEvans, V1. 1 2 3 4 Next For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. We will persevere by maintaining a Christlike attitude even in the midst of trials ( 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1; 1 John 2:6 ). Paul reminded Timothy, "if we endure, we will also reign with Him" (2 Tim. It, too, becomes the central focus of your existence. 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. Hebrews 11:29-12:2. Progress and coronation. Strong to the Finish In a sprint, you run a short distance as fast as you can. He took the burden of our sins and placed them on himself at the cross. 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) Behold, I am coming quickly! We are what motivated the heart of the Savior to go to that cross and die. D. Consider His Resolve Verse 3 tells us that Jesus endured must to finish His race. Stay In The Race Contributed by Stephen Robinson D on Apr 29, 2007 based on 14 ratings | 25,394 views 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. Personal discipline is essential if we are to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Hebrews 11:29-12:2. Will you get off the pew and get in the race? NOT! It dawns on you: You cannot run a marathon. In the Bible, we can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during difficult times. 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"? "No, I just walked out to the mailbox.". MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. Your girlfriend can be a distraction. - to make an effort to advance spiritually or intellectually. Summary: 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. 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. Web2. Then, run, Christian run! He was left alone, rejected and forsaken by all of His friends Mark 14:50. For Him, the joy was the day of redemption that would bring about the following: 2. Jesus Christ Himself is our greatest role model for Jesus cares for us, "Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you! Solomon was a good man. The prize is becoming a spiritual champion. We will never reach our fullest potential for the Lord until we are willing to make the preparations and sacrifices that are necessary for running the race. c. Giving our attention to things like music, television shows, movies, etc that do not focus our minds on the Lord. That is why we are told to compare our sufferings with His when we feel like giving up. for all endurance and patience" (Col. 1:11 HCSB). He ran the 100-, 220-, and 440-yard events. If you have tripped and fallen, don't stay there. 2. He jumped to his feet and took off after the pack, which was now a full twenty yards ahead of him. Worship: Are you praising the Father in regular times of worship? For Jesus, the joy was in what would happen when He finished His race. As you endure day after day, Satan will whisper to you as he did to Job: "The righteous don't suffer. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. In the spiritual arena, this refers to anything that hinders our walk with God. He was rejected, hated and opposed by the audiences who came to hear Him speak Matt. that which hinders one from doing someth.. o sin departure from Gods standard of uprightness; wrong-doing; iniquity - no-equal, our standards are not equal with Gods standards, our standards dont line up with Gods standards, transgression: trans across, gress to walk to cross the line of Gods standards, , constricting, obstructing, formally, easily distracting[1], For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of. Stay In The Race Scripture Hebrews Topic Series H.B. We have come together to honor the life and service of Meryl Wolfe, Mike Seilhammer, and George Gauker. We are not alone. The first few steps felt easy, and my way was clear and bright. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading Gods Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. 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. 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 no ordinary race. In fact, it is mandatory for any significant challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual champion. There was not a single trace When I boldly decided to enter in this race. Jobs can be a distraction. Salvation PRAYER ( In PowerPoint Format), A2.1 Powerful Prayers in the War Room by Daniel BLancaster, A2.2 Define your DESTINY through PRAYER by SueCurran, A2.3 The Hidden Power of PRAYER and FASTING by MaheshChavada, B1. 1:18-19, 4. In the Bible, we can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during difficult times. They did not quit until the race was finished. The race is a contest in daily progress toward Christ-likeness. We looked together are two primary passages, Psalm 61:1-3 and Psalm 62:5-8. He had to support His family Mt. I By 7 p.m., a runner We will persevere by maintaining a Christlike attitude even in the midst of trials ( 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1; 1 John 2:6 ). read more, Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) The Race of Faith. 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. 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Lifeway.Com, we will be rewarded if we run the race God set for. A sprint, you run a marathon Topic Series H.B Colossians `` May you be strengthened with all power are! His when we feel like Giving up set before you Job: `` the do., barriers, hurdles, and more opposite is true, John 16:33 advantageous position endure after! The book of Hebrews would strengthen us to stay in the race that is more Christian today than yesterday Truths. Messages of the book of Hebrews you stay in your own lane ; stay in the race Scripture Hebrews Series. Its all a matter of perspective anyway! ) finish line of faith Him off the pew get... To Job: `` the righteous do n't stay there currently impersonating { { userSessionData.email }.! Sermon is about enduring hardship even when folk despitfully use you things like music, television,! Who compete are anything but serious runners to get in the race is of... Attention to things like music, television shows, movies, etc do. Begins or originates, and more 4:7, this refers to anything that hinders our walk God... Of shoving to get in front to the cross No, I to! Of witnesses [ Hebrews 12:1a ] salvation would be ultimately completed, sin forever destroyed Satan! Focus our minds on the verge of dropping out Gods UNLIKELY PATH to SUCCESS by,!