Running The Race

Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1-2

Intro.

I used to be a runner.

- Cross Country

- Not anymore

Paul illustrates the Christian life as a race. Vs. 1

I. The participants

A. Those watching

1. I don’t think I remember anyone watching me

2. However, in our Christian walk there is “a great cloud of

witnesses”.

3. They are those who have been in the race before us.

a. Hebrews 11

b. They ran by faith.

c. Many were successful

d. Many suffered. Vs. 32-40

B. Those running - us

1. “Let us”

2. So, are you in the race?

3. Believers, those who are saved.

II. The preparation. Vs. 1

A. Lay aside weight — anything that holds you down.

1. Burdens

Psa. 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he

shall sustain thee:

1Pet. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth

for you.

2. Worries

1) Pray about them. Philippians 4:6-7

2) Leave them with the Lord.

3) Worries are at their basis - fears

3. Grudges

a. They distract us

b. Let it go! (Forgive)

4. Distractions

a. Things that demands attention

b. They are often not as important as we think

B. Lay aside (every) sin

a. Confess it. 1 John 1:9

b. Repent of it

c. STOP IT!

III. The perseverance — run with patience

A. RUN!

1. Don’t just idle -

2. Don’t try to fake it

B. Run forward

1. We are going somewhere

2. Not aimlessly (likeT-ball players that just run anywhere)

C. Run with “patience”

1. Endurance

2. When you get tired — keep going

3. When your side hurts (or anything else) Keep going

4. When you face obstacles - Keep going

a. Hills and valleys

b. Roadblocks

5. When you fall down - get up and keep going

Psa. 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

Psa. 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

IV. The plan.

A. The course is set

a. Sometimes a straight line (100 yard dash)

b. Sometimes it’s curved (like the 440)

c. Sometimes it’s through a wilderness.

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Prov. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

B. You can’t choose your own path is a race.

1. When you quit following the Lord is when you get off

the path.

2. Seek HIS direction every day

3. God has a plan — follow it.

IV. The (focal) Point — Looking unto Jesus. Vs. 12:2

A. A runner will focus on a distant point.

B. He does not look around.

Have you seen those guys who turn to look only to lose the

race.

1. Don’t look at the other runners.

2Cor. 10:12 ¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

3. Don’t look at the crowd

4. Don’t look back — you’re not going that way.

5. Don’t look down — Peter walking on water

C. Keep your attention on Jesus

1. “Consider attentively”

2. Follow his leading

3. The Devil will try to distract you

D. If you get off track…just look to Jesus

Conclusion

Are you in the race?

Are you prepared for the race?

Can you persevere in the race?

The key is to keep your eyes on Jesus.

After all He said “follow me”