Run the Race

We are like runners in a race.

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; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Christian race calls for...

1. DETERMINATION
Let us Run with patience - with perseverance and determination.
This race is by faith. Be a steady Christian.
Don’t be put off. Don’t let discomfort take away your hope and trust.
Our race may mean pain, bruises, hurts, strains, disappointments and challenges along the way.
Our race calls for stamina – grit – determination – character.
Get up when you fall. Keep trusting.
It will cost sacrifice and time. It will bring honour and glory to God.

Also, we need:
2. DIRECTION
This race calls for a purposeful stride. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Have a singleness of mind. Focus on Jesus alone.
At the end of this Christian race we can expect to hear the author and finisher of our faith. To some He’ll say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).

We want to make sure we are running in the right direction.
Look to Jesus. It is present tense – it is a constant attention. Focus continually upon Him. Fix your eyes on Him
Keep the focus.

Run with determination. With direction. And… with
3. DISCIPLINE
Hebrews 12:1: “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us”

There are some Banned substances for runners in this race.
Let us lay aside every weight.
Those hang-ups we cherish
Things that can hinder us – weigh us down.
All of us have our own particular weights to lay aside.
There are some things in my life that are not sinful, but my race forbids me from doing them.
Weights are things that may not be wrong within themselves but may stand in the way of our faithful service to God.
What things are hindering our spiritual progress? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them.
Let’s get rid of anything that is cluttering our life. Burdens, worry, unforgiveness, fear of others, fear of failure, selfishness, use of drugs, immorality, love of the world, pressures...
Get rid of everything that hinders. Lay them aside. Throw them off.
It tells of SIN that entangles. It will mar your performance and cause you to trip up and fall.

Lay aside besetting sin- sin that so easily entangles. Be careful not to get tangled up and trapped.

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
What is your life?
James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (14) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (15) For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

What is your life? Are you making it count?
You’re going to leave something behind.
Make your mark
Make your life count
Run the race with patience.