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Journey
Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Aug 26, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: Using the acrostic R.A.C.E. - Reason, Avenue, Commitment, Expectation
Traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; a trip: a six-day journey across the desert.
- Our vacation to Canada via the long route
- A RACE explain it all
Hebrews 12:1-2KJV
1 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,
2 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.
RACE
Reason Avenue Commitment Expectation
Reason – More than a tour, a visit
– Making a connection
1 Peter 3:15KJV
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear
Hebrews 12:1-2KJV
1 …… 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,
- Run with patience
- Steadfastness, Constancy, Endurance
- Not swerving from a deliberate purpose
Avenue
- Often a broad road
- Way of access
- A channel for pursuing a desired objected
– Plan
– When & How long?
– How much will it cost?
– How will we travel?
– Which way will we go?
Hebrews 11:40KJV
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:40NIV
God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
- Our vision is often very narrow
Commitment
Just start
Gather a readiness
- Hebrews 12:1 … let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us …
Expectation
- Enjoy the ride
- Look for the expected end
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith
Titus 2:13KJV
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Reason
- PRIZE
Philippians 3:14KJV
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(press) to seek after eagerly,
(mark) goal
(prize) to value highly, spoils of war
1 Corinthians 9:24-27KJV
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: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Genesis 12:9KJV
And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
JOURNEYED – One place to another
GOING – Active
ON – Persistent
STILL – Committed
TOWARD THE SOUTH – Focused