Running The Race With Endurance

INTRODUCTION

New theme for June: The Incredible Race

Today - Running THE Race with Endurance

Outline for today’s Message

Endurance Defined

How to Run with Endurance

The Race is Not Easy

The Prize is Worth It

1. Endurance Defined: The ability to continue doing something difficult over a long period of time.

Matthew 10:22 ESV

and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

2. How to Run With Endurance

We know the importance of training and preparation for physical races

Lay Aside Unnecessary Weight

Hebrews 12:1 ESV

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,

Religion is another from of chains to keep people in line and obedient

Don’t want to be obedient to God, but will be to Only Fans, Marijuana, alcohol, social media, politics, popularity, social acceptance, money

All are chains of sin that will slow you down or completely take you out of the race.

Keep your focus on Jesus

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

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.

Be Diligent in Prayer and Bible Study

Colossians 4:2 ESV

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Discipline Yourself

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Philippians 3:12–14 ESV

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

3. The Race is Not Easy

Running the right race will be like running an obstacle course, not a short run in the park

Challenges that Christians face in the race include persecution, trials doubt, and temptations

Romans 5:3–4 ESV

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

4. The Prize is Worth it

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Conclusion

Marathon runner runs 26.2 miles.

Fastest - 2 hrs, 1 min, 39 secs

Longest - 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 5 hrs, 32 min 20 sec

Endurance is not a sprint, but a marathon. As we run this race of life, let us keep our focus on Jesus, discipline ourselves, and persevere through trials and tribulations. Let us run with endurance, keeping in mind the crown of life that awaits us.