INTRODUCTION
“The Bible tells us of “faith-chasers” who surround us like a cloud. So let us lay aside any weight that slows us down, and any sin that entangles us, so we can run with endurance as “faith-chasers” the race before us, looking to Jesus our pace-setter who first gave us faith and perfects our faith. He endured the cross before Him, disregarded its shame and He is now seated in the place of honor at the right hand of the Heavenly Father … so we shouldn’t get weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:1-3, ELT
1. The last section of the faith chapter is studied first to make sure we focus on our goal. “Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (11:2).
2. The faith secret of heroes. “The source of faith … Jesus.”
3. Seven steps to victory: (1) the race before you, (2) the people around you, (3) the conditions within you, (4) the track challenging you, (5) the competition against you, (6) the coach for you, (7) the prize waiting for you.
A. THE RACE BEFORE YOU: “SET BEFORE US”
1. Ancient huge arena. Today your crowd is family, church, work.
2. Our race is not against others, but sin, self, life.
3. Race Greek: agron is agony, i.e., grueling marathon.
B. THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU: “SURROUNDED WITH A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES”
1. Who? (a) heroes are examples of Old Testament faith, (b) today’s fellow travelers.
2. Example, Paul. “I have finished my course” (2 Timothy 4:7).
C. THE CONDITIONS WITHIN YOU: “RUN WITH ENDURANCE”
1. Discipline. “Lay aside every weight and the sin that ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV).
2. Running is a choice. Good things are bad things if they keep us from the best things. “All things are lawful … but all things are not expedient” (1 Corinthians 6:12, KJV).
D. THE TRACK CHALLENGING YOU: “THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US”
1. God’s race for you is unique, not anyone else. “Before us.” “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are for good and not for disaster” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).
2. Your goal. “I have finished my course” (2 Timothy 4:7).
E. THE COMPETITION AGAINST YOU: “SIN WHICH ENTANGLES US”
1. Your competition is “the world, the flesh and the devil.”
2. The world are the people and environment, the flesh is your “lust of the flesh, lust of eyes, and pride of life.” The devil will trick you, discourage you, and/or destroy you.
F. THE COACH FOR YOU: “LOOKING UNTO JESUS”
1. “The Creator of our faith.” Our faith comes from Him and His Word (Romans 10:17).
2. Finisher. “It is not your great faith in God, it is your faith in a great God.
3. Look not to satan, or ourselves, or others, or our past.
G. THE PRIZE WAITING FOR YOU: “JESUS”
1. “Our ... crown of exaltation that we will receive when Jesus returns” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, ELT). Converts.
2. Our eyes are on Jesus, i.e., run worthy. “Only one receives the prize, run in such a way that you may win” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
