RUN BABY RUN!
Heb 12:1-2(KJV)
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.
In the gospel in hymns, published in 1950, is a story about Philip Brooks, author of “O Little Town of Bethlehem”: One April fools day, Brooks saw a boy on Boylston Street in Boston trying to reach a doorbell. Brooks walked up the steps and said, “Let me help you, my little man!” He pushed the button; the boy scampered down the steps, saying, “Now run like crazy!”
We are not running wildly in every direction. However,
THROUGH: THE BIBLE SAYS THAT WE ARE IN A RACE OF FAITH!
I. WE ARE IN A RACE
A. THE RACE IS BEFORE US (NOT BEYOND US) APOSTLE PAUL
A. WE MUST RUN
Phil 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
B. WE MUST RUN WITH PATIENCE/ PERSEVERANCE (OBSTICALES)
Lack of tenacity (toughness -fortitude) size of the fight in the dog
1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some-coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through-with many sorrows.
1 Tim 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after-righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto-thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many-witnesses.
Loss of Passion
Gal 5:7(KJV)
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
Allurement of temptation
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word-with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of-temptation fall away.
FALLING DOWN/FAILURE (TWO KENTUCKY FARMERS/RACING STABLES/RIVALRY/STEEPLECHASE/PROFESSIONAL CRACK JOCKEY/
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth-in his way.
Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD-upholdeth him with his hand.
Because the program has a backup plan for those who fail/ fall short at-times.
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.-And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the-righteous:
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but-also for the sins of the whole world.
By Admitting/ acknowledging your weak areas (import. of confession)
C. WE MUST RUN WITH FAITH (LOOKING BEHIND)(LOTS WIFE)
Luke 9:62(KJV)
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
D. WE ARE IN COMPETITION AGAINST OURSELVES & THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS. WE ARE NOT STRIVING AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD!
II. WE ARE SURROUNDED BY A LARGE CROWD OF WITNESSES
A. PEOPLE OF GOD CHEERING US ON
B. LOST PEOPLE WHO ARE WAITING FOR US TO FALL
FARMER/MUDDY HOLE/$5 DOLLARS/ AT THAT PRICE… /CAN’T AT NIGHT/ I HAUL WATER TO THE HOLE!
C. WE MUST LAY DOWN EVERY SIN AND WEIGHT
III. WE MUST KEEP OUR EYES UPON JESUS (OUR TROPHY)
A. HE STIRS US TO RUN (ROLE MODEL)
B. HE STABILIZES US TO RUN
Ps 63:8
8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
C. HE STRENGTHENS US TO RUN
2 Cor 12:9(KJV)
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
D. HE SETS PRIZES BEFORE US (REFRESHMENT STANDS)
