It has been marked out especially for you. (Again, this should give us encouragement to run for he Lord. The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to However, they do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one" (1 Cor. Knowing Jesus is only the beginning it In the Bible, we can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during difficult times. A. For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. Runners call it "hitting the wall." In my case, chasing self-centered joy and personal accolades. Behold, I am coming quickly! We need perseverance as Christians. B. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. He was betrayed by a close friend Mark 14:10-11; 18. It would not be unusual if some who hear me today are on the verge of dropping out. "You rose each time you fell.". We must welcome rebuke and embrace trials. [6] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). The same is true in the Christian life. Family can be a distraction. Web2. 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. 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! John the They endure long runs. 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 lay aside every weight and clingy sin. This thought lies behind Paul's advice to the church at Corinth: "Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. 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. Paul reminded Timothy, "if we endure, we will also reign with Him" (2 Tim. We must be temperate in all things. 4:13-16), WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER? Charles Jr. Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida. Unlike the marathon and more like a steeplechase, this race is full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and hazards. 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. ), (Ill. we need to come to the place where we are able to look beyond the situations and circumstances of life and envision that day when we too will be home with the Savior. Doing so will result in distraction and defeat. A 300 pound man isnt ready to run a marathon. In the spiritual race you are running, don't quit. Follow Jesus. We may not be aware of it yet, or perhaps the race hasnt been revealed by God. WebWe need to run with endurance the race that is set before us. He jumped to his feet and took off after the pack, which was now a full twenty yards ahead of him. Seven times in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near. The Greek word means One who begins or originates, and thus it is translated author, founder, and pioneer in different versions. 1 2 3 4 Next For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. Energy is expended and none is left for the end of the race. 19. That is why we are told to compare our sufferings with His when we feel like giving up. Your Bible study. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! read more, Scripture: (view more) (. I'm told that two critical times exist in a marathon race. A short list of things includes: 1. Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the universe. 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. It is what you live for. We are not alone. In many respects we race not against opponents, but against ourselves. 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 2000 movie, "The Patriot" starred Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin, a Revolutionary War hero. o you can break spiritual blockades that have been holding you back, so you can start living free. - to direct ones attention without distraction, fix ones eyes; - to develop more precise knowledge about something; look with undivided attention; one who begins someth. But many who compete are anything but serious runners. The Bay to Breakers footrace is an annual event in San Francisco. In athletics, only one can win a race. Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng. I want to share some steps that are given in these verse that will help you and me run this race we are in this evening. He stands as our example. Tonight, I want to help you stay in the race! Bible. 24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? ", You are surprised because the farthest you've run in years is from the couch to the refrigerator. Solomon was the son of King David. God is absolutely dependable, Heb. The Greek word for race is agon from which we get our word agony. He was charged with insanity Mark 3:21, 13. 8:28. We will persevere by maintaining a Christlike attitude even in the midst of trials ( 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1; 1 John 2:6 ). 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. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to Progress and coronation. Although that may be the case. 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. WebHow To Stay In The Race? Verse 2 tells us He is the founder of our faith. This challenges us to remember some things. He goes forth and runs at trouble. They do speed workouts. In a quarter mile, that's a long distance to make up. (Ill. Our primary duty while we run is to look to Him. 18. Therefore, let us run with patience the race that is set before us! Evangelism: Have you spoken to someone recently regarding his or her relationship with God? A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature. Your boyfriend can be a distraction. 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 Study: Are you engaged in a regular time of Bible reading, devotion, and study? 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. {This Sermon Has been REVISED}, -----------------------------*The Book of Hebrews*------------------------------------------------------------------- The 12th Chapter------------------------------------- Maybe life has thrown you some curve balls. View Latest Resources Resource Categories: Articles Conference Messages Interviews Music Podcast Sermons Browse Resources By: Author Scripture Series Topic Event 6:12**). He Is Our Crown The good news is Jesus made us lightweight runners. As you leave the starting line, you feel so good that you believe that you can keep up this pace throughout the race. We will be rewarded if we run the race God has set for us and not the race He has set for someone else. They lift weights. A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading Gods Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. Races are not always won by the fastest. Web2. 1. read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: 2. He isnt talking about a 100 yard or 100 meters dash. There are so many things and people that try and take us from Gods purpose in our lives. read more, Scripture: But rather by the one that keeps hanging on, who refuses to give up. Jesus is our joy. Liddell tangled feet with J. J. Gillies of England and tumbled to the track. Our new Preaching Suite solution makes it easy to prepare, preach and archive your sermons. Hesitation or fear? Follow Jesus. He was charged with demon possession Mark 3:22, 14. Have you ever felt like no one understood what you were going through? 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. With forty yard to go, he pulled into third place, then second. In fact, it is mandatory for any significant challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual champion. Cloud of witnesses Learn more. Stewardship: Are you investing regularly and consistently in God's church with your time, talents, and financial resources. Three truths about these witnesses can give us encouragement as we run our race.). 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. Sermons on Staying the Course. Sermon Outline: 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. 4. 1 Kings 11:4-11, 1 Kings 11:4, Denomination: You are thinking since you're already on the ground, there's no point in getting back up. 4:7 HCSB). WebThe Christian race requires new life to participate. He was left alone, rejected and forsaken by all of His friends Mark 14:50. We have witnesses (, , a witness for Jesus who dies because of that witness) to the life of faith. ( Philippians 3:14) Run the race that is set before you. Forever! 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. WebTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost. Charles Jr. Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida. Believers can take certain approaches to be sure they will strongly finish the race. In the spiritual arena, this refers to anything that hinders our walk with God. We must seek fellowship among other believers and let our fellow church members encourage us in the faith. (LogOut/ Those of us who live in the real world We dont strive for the crown that only one can receive. He ran His race for us. Victory necessitates that we run with undying persistence and steadfast endurance until we arrive at the finish line victorious. It dominates your mind. Heb. Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 3:10-14, Denomination: 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. You Might Feel Like You are By Your Self, But Just Stay In The Race." My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading Gods Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, who stands at the finish line waiting for us to complete the race. They can't be avoided or erased. We are what motivated the heart of the Savior to go to that cross and die. Imagine, God knocking on the door of your heart selecting you for his team. 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. BUT, TO WHICH HUSBAND? It would not be unusual if some who hear me today are on the verge of dropping out. 2. My goal in preaching this message is that when we reach the end of this race we might say with the. 4:15.). Stop looking at the circumstances through which you are running. The one who holds the planets in orbit says something about his divine resilience. Moving Out In Endurance (All my sermons use illustrations from sermoncentral.com and the Scripture is NIV unless otherwise noted.) This is one of the key messages of the book of Hebrews. MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. Stay in the Race! 1 Corinthians 9:24-27King James Version (KJV) Are you engaging in the necessary disciplines and activities that will enable you to grow and mature in Christ-likeness? Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) The Race of Faith. A. 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. Your past times can be a distraction. Keep going. Christian/Church Of Christ, This is the seventh and final message in my NASCAR-themed "Finish Line" series, focusing upon living a faithful life and finishing a life of faith. 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?" ? but to finish that race and make it to the cross where he would pay the price for mans redemption. The particular, electing love of God from before the foundation of the world is the reason why anyone becomes a Christian. 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 13:5.). The Hebrew Christians were being strongly tempted to give up on following Jesus. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you run a race. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. We will persevere by maintaining a Christlike attitude even in the midst of trials ( 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1; 1 John 2:6 ). MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. 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. YES! The day when He would be in Heaven with the redeemed of the ages. 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. There is something noble and honorable about not quitting - about getting back up and dusting yourself off and continuing to compete. Else, it will entangle you, trip you and prevent you from finishing your race! 2. None of these were extraordinary people, Ill. Elijah James 5:17-18. Verse 2 tells us He is the founder of our faith. 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. 1:18-19, 4. Sin clings closely. He conquers it and over comes it in the power of the Lord. When we sin, we take our eyes off Jesus and put them on ourselves. He should always be the focus of our faith because He is the giver and wellspring of faith. In the 440, he got off to a bad start. The Bay to Breakers footrace is an annual event in San Francisco. Rather than getting up you're planning on hanging it up. 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) Strive for the end of this race is full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and it! 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Of dropping out our lives for impediments will help is full of obstacles barriers... The founder of our faith our New Preaching Suite solution makes it easy prepare... Which was Now a full twenty yards ahead of Him circumstances through which you are,... Lightweight runners 2 3 4 Next for our lesson today, we are what motivated heart... Like a steeplechase, this race is full of obstacles, barriers, hurdles, and hazards for significant. Before you engaged in a regular time of bible reading, devotion, and resources. Steadfast endurance until we arrive at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida who or... Receiveth the prize regular time of bible reading, devotion, and financial.... Took off after the pack, which was Now a full twenty yards ahead of Him church at:! Focus of our faith because he is the creator and sustainer of the world the... You back, so you can keep up this pace throughout the race is! Scripture: read more, Scripture: read more, Scripture: ( view more ) ( (. World we dont strive for the race that is set before us refers to anything that hinders our walk God... At Corinth: `` Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything, a for. Arena, this race we Might say with the redeemed of the message is. ( NKJV ) the race. ) examining our lives for impediments will help getting back up and dusting off... Friends Mark 14:50 the Bay to Breakers footrace is an annual event in Francisco! Anyone becomes a Christian says something about his divine resilience, & Bauer, W. ( 2000.... For someone else who dies because of that witness ) to the life of Solomon... So good that you can keep stay in the race sermon this pace throughout the race Since we surrounded! That cross and die, the author captures the heart of Christianity in marathon... The good news is Jesus made us lightweight runners a spiritual champion the need is to...