The Intense Race Of Life

Title: The Race of Life

Theme: Showing how life is like a race.

Text: Hebrews 12:1 - 3

Introduction

Opened with Video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIFOG9CMr_E

Was that not cute or what? I had to play it because it is the cutest and funniest thing I have seen in a while. I like it because of the innocence. My favorite is when the middle baby makes it almost to the finish line but the stops, sets up and just starts dancing. Lol.

I also like this video because in it we see a few life lessons.

There are distractions all around you.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. You have to cross the finish line to win.

Amp 8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

Accept the help.

You have to cross the finish line to win. The finish line could be one move away

Matthew 24:13 he who endures to the end shall be saved.

The Greek word translated "saved" is sozo, a word that refers to the full orb of God's blessing. In other words, according to Mat_24:13, those who endure the marathon will experience the blessing of God upon themselves, their families, their ministries, their finances, and their vocations. They will experience the full orb of God's blessing in every area of their lives.

Life is not only a Race to finish but also a journey. Enjoy it while you can. Take in the moment.

Race

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

There are many people watching.

We must lay aside every weight (that which pulls us down) and sin (that which makes us feel guilty)

It ensnares (traps us)

Run with endurance the race that is set before us. Each one of us has a race that we must run. It has its own ups and downs. Its own trials and victories. We cannot look at someone elses race and say that have it better than us or God has blessed them more. It is our own race to win. Each race has its own issues.

The Goal is to not be distracted by the music, the people, the events but stay focused on Jesus.

Salvation

who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Joy – as settlement of spirit. James “have joy in trials and tribulation”

The cross and the resurrection.

This is what salvation is all about. Lead to the last image of salvation.