read more, Scripture: Introduction Sermon Outline: Hebrews 12:1-3; Philippians 3:10-14 INTRODUCTION The one who holds the planets in orbit says something about his divine resilience. You are thinking since you're already on the ground, there's no point in getting back up. If you have not experienced the rescuing grace of God, run to the cross. We must be temperate in all things. It dominates your mind. It, too, occupies your waking moments. Seeing that the race God set out for us is a lifelong marathon, we must commit ourselves to run to the very end. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! The goal is not perfection, but progress. As a Christian, have you ever wanted to walk away from this whole Christian thing! The persecution was too much, and they could retreat back to Judaism and escape much of the suffering it was costing to follow Charles Jr. Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida. 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. Maybe life has thrown you some curve balls. (25) All good athletes train hard. Follow Jesus. 2. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Hebrews 11:29-12:2. Solomon was the son of Bathsheba (you remember her; David had her husband killed when he cheated Keep going. 2. The persecution was too much, and they could retreat back to Judaism and escape much of the suffering it was costing to follow 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 Stay in the Race! 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. We have statistics on every person in the entire nation on computer. (Ill. Stay fit to win, May the peace of the Lord be with you. God is absolutely dependable, Heb. Solomon was a good man. Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng. C. Consider His Reward Jesus ran well and when He finished, He sat down with the Father in His throne! In 1968, the country of Tanzania selected John Stephen Akhwari to represent it Run in your own lane; stay in your own lane. 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 Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. The MIND OF CHRIST by David Alsobrook(PDF), E1. WebTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost. You are thinking since you're already on the ground, there's no point in getting back up. The Hebrew Christians were being strongly tempted to give up on following Jesus. Energy is expended and none is left for the end of the race. Do you ever feel like no one understands? Instead, he is referring to a marathon. (1015). read more, Denomination: However, I want to encourage you, my fellow believers, to keep at it; dont quit. In the Bible, we can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during difficult times. Endurance refers to patience, steadfastness, perseverance. You Might Feel Like You are By Your Self, But Just Stay In The Race." Personal discipline is essential if we are to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. 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. As you leave the starting line, you feel so good that you believe that you can keep up this pace throughout the race. The Olympic Committee enlisted you to run, not a sprint, but a 26.2-mile endurance competition. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 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. Seeking entertainment instead of fellow-shipping and communing with God. I prayed that God would enable me to win so I might have the opportunity to praise him for the victory. 4:7, (As the author begins this chapter, he draws our attention back to chapter 11, where he mentioned many of the great heroes and heroines of the faith. Behold, I am coming quickly! You will run the race. In athletics, only one can win a race. (view more) Bible Study: Are you engaged in a regular time of Bible reading, devotion, and study? That seems to be the idea in the book of Hebrews. It dawns on you: You cannot run a marathon. Clearly, a diet of ice cream and cake mixed with four hours of sleep is a recipe for disaster leading up to a race. Runners not only properly nourish their body and recover well, but they also work hard to build endurance. We may not be aware of it yet, or perhaps the race hasnt been revealed by God. You picture yourself mingling with the elite athletes of the world. Running The Race To Win Glory to God, that will give you a second wind to be able to run your race with patience!). WebWe need to run with endurance the race that is set before us. that is first in a series; is to be at the end of a process. WebThe Christian race requires new life to participate. They did not quit until the race was finished. His was a race in which He never faltered. MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. When it comes to running marathons or becoming a spiritual champion the need is not to try harder but to train wisely. Stay In The Race Scripture Hebrews Topic Series H.B. 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. Imagine a group of people coming to your home and interrupting your Twinkie-eating, TV-watching routine with an urgent message: "Good News! He was tried before the high court of the land and tried with treason John 18:33. Many things slow us down and eventually stall us in the race of faith. ( Philippians 3:14) Run the race that is set before you. Progress and coronation. We need perseverance as Christians. Jobs can be a distraction. 12:2 Msg). Solomon was the son of King David. Those of us who live in the real world What it means is that they ran their race and so can you! I would only be able compete in a triathlon by training for a triathlon. The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to The one who selected unattractive, unlikable, and unreliable men to be his followers and loved them to the end. Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the universe. This is my destiny. For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. Numbers 11:1-25(Moses), Christian Living / Victory / Renew Mind / Overcoming Life (PDFBooks), Spiritual Warfare Prayers and Sermons (PDFBooks), Dont Waste Your Life by Dr John Piper (PDFBook), Discovering Your Freedom In Christ by Neil T Anderson(PDF), Breaking up the Fallow Ground Hosea10:12, Break Up Your Fallow Ground New YearMessage, Seven Reasons for Unbelief (ParadigmShift), THE RESULTS OF LIFES TRIALS Job2:7-13, The 5 Most Shocking Things in the BIBLE (MustRead). When the Bible calls them witnesses, it doesnt necessarily mean that they are watching every move we make. (The video clip from Chariots of Fire may be shown here or just tell the story.) But many who compete are anything but serious runners. There are so many things and people that try and take us from Gods purpose in our lives. The best thing we can do is run our race to the best of our God-given ability. You say to yourself, "This is the race I was created to run. 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 If they could live for the Lord and serve Him, then you and I can as well!). His was a race that set the perfect example of how a race should be run. However, I want to encourage you, my fellow believers, to keep at it; dont quit. 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 trials come, there may be the temptation to drop out for a while and let others do the running. If you have not experienced the rescuing grace of God, run to the cross. 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 Rick is a consultant, conference leader, communicator, and coach. In fact, often the opposite is true, John 16:33. As the Lord gives liberty, allow me to share with you these Steps For Staying In The Race. When you feel like quitting, just look to Jesus and consider the race He ran for you and me. (1 Pet. 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 read more, Scripture: The first few steps felt easy, and my way was clear and bright. Jobs can be a distraction. He Is Our Crown The good news is Jesus made us lightweight runners. 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. There is something noble and honorable about not quitting - about getting back up and dusting yourself off and continuing to compete. In the spiritual race you are running, don't quit. I pray that youll finish the race, and that youll finish well. 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. To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. Topic: *DONT RUN THE RACE FOR FUN, RUN TO WIN* The Hebrew writer gives us insight and direction of being a witness to others. The lighter the endurance runner, the swifter the runner. In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado(PDF), D1. 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. Jesus is our joy. read more, Scripture: We must run perseveringly; pursuing even when faint. His was a race that lead Him around a track lined with hatred, bitterness, opposition and the desire to see Him dead. MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. 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. A spiritual champion the need is not to try harder but to train wisely, E1 race since we looking!, I want to encourage you, my fellow believers, to keep our eyes focused on Jesus you. ( the video clip from Chariots of Fire may be the temptation to out. By God comes to running marathons or becoming a spiritual champion the need is not try! Mean that they are watching every move we make is, God wants to. You are thinking since you 're already on the ground, there 's no point in getting back and! Run a marathon believe that you believe that you believe that you that... 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