The Great Race

THE GREAT RACE

HEB 12:1-4 4 FEB 2015 DR. M POPE

INTRO: There’s an old movie The Great Race with Tony Curtis

1. v 1 PATIENCE IS REQUIRED FOR ANY RACE

a. Exhortation of the Holy Spirit

b. Example of Those Who Have Won the Race

2. v 1 PERSEVERANCE – ENSURES YOU RUN WELL

a. Free Yourself of Worldly Pitfalls (weights)

b. Guard Yourself Against the Perils that can Ensnare you (Sins)

3. v 2 PERCEPTION – KEEP LOOKING TO THE END

a. Press Forward: Phil 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the Prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

b. Picture the Prize at the End: 2 Tim 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth 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.”

4. v 3 PERSISTENCE – ENDURANCE TO REACH THE END

a. Avoid the Temptation to Quit (the Critics will Boo you)

b. Be Assured, the Strength of your Faith will be Tested

5 v 4 PERFECT YOUR TRNG ROUTINE

a. Personal Discipline

b. Practice Your Christian Disciplines

c. Protect Yourself From Senseless Distractions