Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1–3 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Introduction – Setting the Scene

The Witnesses

Our possessions motivate our obedience

A promise to enter his rest

Hebrews 4:1 “1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.”

A priest

Hebrews 4:14–16 “14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Confidence to enter the sanctuary

Hebrews 10:19–25 “19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

A Kingdom

Hebrews 12:28 “28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”

What we have in this text is a great cloud of witnesses

Several uses of the word witness tied together

Martyr

Watching as a spectator

Bearing witness to a truth (faith) – the primary idea

The Race

Other uses of the idea

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Galatians 2:2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

The implications of being in a race

The Christian life is hard

The Christian life is long

The Christian life demands action

The Christian life must be finished

Three characteristics of the faithful runner

Run Without Burdens

Hebrews 12:1 “1 […] let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

Unburdened from Hindrances

Distractions weigh us down

Some things are not inherently sinful, but hinder us from following Christ

Good things in the wrong place and the wrong priority handicap us

Walter’s chair

Unburdened from Sin

Sin entangles us

It traps us and turns our focus away from Christ

Run with Endurance

Hebrews 12:1 “[…] And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”

Our race is hard

Suffering

Surprises

Doubt

We will be tempted to quit

Our race has been planned

Run with Focus

This is the key section. It tells us how we can run with endurance

Hebrews 12:2–3 “2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Focused on Jesus’s Example of Faith

There are witnesses but their job is to focus us not on them but on Jesus

Consider the race he ran (his humanity)

Jesus demonstrates perfect faith

Matthew 4:8–11 NIV

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Matthew 16:23 NIV

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Luke 22:42 NIV

42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Luke 23:46 NIV

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

John 19:28–30 NIV

28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus recognizes coming joy and obeys because of it

For the joy

Endures the cross

Despises the shame

Focused on Jesus’s Exaltation as Lord (his deity)

He completed his work and sat in his exalted place at the right hand of God’s throne

When we focus on him, we will not grow weary and lose heart

Conclusion

Running the race requires you to leave things behind because the joy ahead is greater

Acclaim

Comfort

Consumption

Running the race requires our present endurance

Running the race requires us to look ahead to the future

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,   Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.