The Christian Race

THE CHRISTIAN RACE

Hebrews 12

1Wherefore 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,

2Looking 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.

The flag goes down the very moment we are saved, and from that glorious moment forward, until the flag falls at the finish line when our journey is over ,we are in a Christian race run the very best you can.

1. THE CONTEST AND THE RULES.

Hebrews 12

1Wherefore 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,

2Looking 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.

Called by the father

Commissioned by the Lord

Committed by the Holy Spirit

2. THE CONTENDERS IN THE RACE

1st Cor. 9: 24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Cloud of Heavenly witnesses looking on

Crowd of earthly watchers expecting our best

Cross of Christ our vision before us

3. THE CHALLENGE OF THE RULES

1ST Cor.9: 25And 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.

Outlined by our Savior

Ordered by the scriptures

Opposed by the power of Satan

4. THE CHARGE WE RECEIVE

1st Cor.9: 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

Looking to our commander Jesus Christ

Listening as he speaks to us

Living under the commissioned

5. WE REPRESENT A GREAT CAUSE

We represent Christ as our Lord

We represent the church we are suppose to Love

We represent and show the world a Christian so the lost can see

6. THE COURSE TO BE RUN

2nd Tim.4: 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

A padded path----- a straight course

The proven promises ------those who went before

The pleasant people ------ servant’s of Christ

7. THE REWARDS AHEAD

2nd Tim 4: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Crown of righteousness

Presented by the Lord himself

All who will be faithful unto the Lord

Only cost is total surrender