Are You Running The Right Race Or The Rat Race?

Running requires you to draw from an inner strength. You have to reach down deep inside of you and find a power that is not of the body. The same is true when you run the Spiritual race. You must allow God to renew - to help you mount up - to keep you from being weary - to keep you from fainting.

You can’t listen to the flesh nature when you run. It will say, "Hey, this is hurting - you need to stop - What’s wrong with you - can’t you feel your muscle aching? You are breathing to hard - Listen stupid - You know that you can’t run for a solid hour with stopping. But, after about a mile (the second wind) you begin to relax and enjoy the run and you quit hurting. The first time I run a mile, I was so excited – I had ran a whole mile.

It is true about running the race that God has called us to run. The flesh nature will tell you. You can’t run this race! What’s wrong with you?

VI. RUN WITH ENDURANCE. (with patience)

This is not a sprint that God has called you to run. It is a marathon. You must keep running until you finish the goal line. I think the Special Olympics are wonderful. They have it set up that if they finish the race - THEY WIN. That is what kind of race God has each of us in - it is a Special Olympic. We must race until we cross the finish line.

You are not running against others - you are racing with yourself and for God. If you keep running until you finish the course you will win the race.

Paul said it best:

2 Tim. 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

VII. RUN TO WIN. (let us (individually

All of you run so as to win). You will say, That is impossible. Only one can win a race. No, No all can win who runs with patience.

1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

ECC. 9:11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and opportunity overtake them all.

VIII. RUN FOR THE GOAL. (looking unto Jesus)

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CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH

PASTOR: Larry Jacobs

email: LarryJ713@aol.com