Run The Race

Scripture: Hebrews 12: 1-5

Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

1 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,

2 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.

Who are the major characters of the story?

Hebrews

Who are the minor character of the story?

None

Author:

The author is unknown.

What is a race?

Describe the preparation process of a runner.

Just as a runner prepares to run the race, we as the saints of God have to prepare ourselves. This isn’t a sprint. When you examine a sort distance race it last only a matter of seconds but this race that we are running is not a natural race but a spiritual race. This race requires us as believers to prepare ourselves for the journey. There is a quote that says that life is not a sprint but a marathon. Everything is not always going to happen overnight. In this race you are going to experience some challenges that are going to test your faith.

Point #1: It takes Endurance

There will be times were you will be weary

You will experience fatigue

At times you will even want to give up

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Point #2: It takes sustained commitment to fasting and prayer.

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

16 Rejoice always, 

17 pray without ceasing, 

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer is our communication to God. Just like a relationship with a friend the bond between you and God strengths the more you communicate with him. The more you spend time with him. Prayer is essential for the believer. Without prayer we are powerless. The older saints used to says you pray you going to say, but if fast you gone last. Fasting is one of the ultimate signs of submission to God.

When you examine the life of Jesus he had several great qualities. One quality that Jesus had was that before he went on went into his true purpose he prepared himself. Jesus the son of God who was the word made flesh did not rely on his status but he committed his life not only to fulfilled his purpose but to draw closer to the father. He fasted for 40 day s and nights before to began his ministry. He lived a life committed to prayer.

Point #3: You have to have a made up mind.

Scripture:

I can be all in on Sunday but not committed on Tuesday. I am all in or committed on Wednesday but on Friday I have a change of heart. God is calling for the people that are committed to kingdom business. We have to race run. Smokie Norful sang song named “Run Till Till I finish”. The simply says that

I have decided Determined, I'm committed That I'll run No matter the cost

And I have decided Determined, I'm committed That I'll run Even though at times I may get lost

I'm going to finish my race I'm going to take my proper place In the winning circle

I'm going to run anyway I don't know where or when or how But I know that I'm going to make it

The older saints used to sing a song that says I Lord I running trying to make a 100, 99 1/2 won’t do. When we are running this race we have to be committed to staying the course. Time make get hard, you may be low sometimes, but one thing that I know that there is a man who sits high and looks low and he will never leave. The bible says in

Romans 8:31-39 NLT Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 

32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?

 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 

34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[a])

 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.