WebTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost. Our new Preaching Suite solution makes it easy to prepare, preach and archive your sermons. I pray that youll finish the race, and that youll finish well. (Ill. o you can break spiritual blockades that have been holding you back, so you can start living free. This sermon helps one to look at the good and bad and understand no matter what they go through in life they have to Stay in the Race. In the Bible, we can find many stories of those who have stayed the course during difficult times. They Have Run Their Race These were people who ran the race they had been given. If you have trusted in Jesus Christ God has done just that. We must run lawfully, i.e., according to the Scripture rules of the race. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 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. We will be rewarded if we run the race God has set for us and not the race He has set for someone else. We must not look at circumstances. We need perseverance as Christians. He took the burden of our sins and placed them on himself at the cross. It has been marked out especially for you. They could not be further from the truth! ( Philippians 3:14) Run the race that is set before you. We have witnesses (, , a witness for Jesus who dies because of that witness) to the life of faith. In fact, it is mandatory for any significant challenge in life - including becoming a spiritual champion. They have sore muscles and tired lungs. Get in the race. 3 Similarities between the Pace Car of the Indy 500 and the Holy Spirit. Like the marathon run, this race has no time outs, no breaks, no intermissions, and no halftimes. WebTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost. read more. You picture yourself mingling with the elite athletes of the world. He was tried before the high court of the land and tried with treason John 18:33. There was not a single trace When I boldly decided to enter in this race. 5. Galatians 5:25, Denomination: *Indicated Required Field See ourPrivacy Policy. They push through pain. 10:36 HCSB). When runners are in a relay race, each runner goes all the way around the track and then hands off a stick (or baton) Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng. ""To me, you won," his father said. He was executed as a common criminal by means of crucifixion John 19:16ff. Progress and coronation. The Olympic Committee enlisted you to run, not a sprint, but a 26.2-mile endurance competition. Victory necessitates that we run with undying persistence and steadfast endurance until we arrive at the finish line victorious. 2:13ff, 5. That is why we are told to compare our sufferings with His when we feel like giving up. He was hated and opposed by others Mark 14:1-2, 12. But many who compete are anything but serious runners. Tonight, I know that I am in no physical shape to run in a marathon, but I can be in the kind of spiritual shape it takes to run the Christian race. As you endure day after day, Satan will whisper to you as he did to Job: "The righteous don't suffer. In short, this refers to anything that does not build us up in or make us stronger in the Lord. Get in the race. That seems to be the idea in the book of Hebrews. Running Gods Race. Vision for the Nation The FightingMagpies, C1. Therefore, let us run with patience the race that is set before us! Every believer is in a race. Yes, difficulties will come and trials will cross our paths and often, we will be tempted to quit on God and drop out of the race. Run to win. Say: Today is a different kind of day in our church - we have always been in transition, well, ever since I arrived as the new pastor and that was expected. A daily regimen of prayer, worship, reading Gods Word and examining our lives for impediments will help. Will you get off the pew and get in the race? Endurance refers to patience, steadfastness, perseverance. D.H. Groberg in his poem "The Race" describes a young boy who ran a race, falling many times, yet finishing. Foursquare, On Elijah's final day on Earth, he and Elisha go on one last road trip together and it's a journey we can all learn from, (Note for readers: There is a short Childrens Message at the beginning, followed by the sermon for an adult audience) Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore 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,Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. If you have not experienced the rescuing grace of God, run to the cross. The race gives purpose to life, hope for the future, and a reward in glory. D. Consider His Resolve Verse 3 tells us that Jesus endured must to finish His race. Your girlfriend can be a distraction. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! I felt strong and energetic and my pace was quick and light. Keep going. There are sins that do not tempt you at all, but there are others that are a constant source of temptation. After many weeks of chariot lessons he told the director, "I think I can drive the chariot all right, but I'm not at all sure I can actually win the race." Never give up. You will run the race. Step 2: Consider Self, (As we run this race and look to Jesus, the author goes onto tell us several things about His race that we are to look to that will help us as we run the race we have been assigned.). Whatever that sin is, it must be stripped off and avoided at all costs. Charles Jr. Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida. They did not quit until the race was finished. Were on a mission to change that. We must welcome rebuke and embrace trials. We must run lawfully, i.e., according to the Scripture rules of the race. When trials come, there may be the temptation to drop out for a while and let others do the running. Seven times in the book of Hebrews, the author captures the heart of Christianity in a simple, wonderful command: draw near. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. The first one is at the beginning. It would not be unusual if some who hear me today are on the verge of dropping out. This need for training is not only for athletes; it is required for playing a musical instrument, learning a new language, or acquiring a new skill. If you have tripped and fallen, don't stay there. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and Bible. Imagine the thrill if an Olympic committee knocked on your door selecting you to represent our country? We dont strive for the crown that only one can receive. None of these were extraordinary people, Ill. Elijah James 5:17-18. Yes, difficulties will come and trials will cross our paths and often, we will be tempted to quit on God and drop out of the race. Now that I belong to Jesus, what do I do about my struggles? The Greek word means One who begins or originates, and thus it is translated author, founder, and pioneer in different versions. ( Philippians 3:14) Run the race that is set before you. Never give up. Maybe in your race you've been knocked off your feet a few times. The race is a contest in daily progress toward Christ-likeness. 3. Your family. INTRODUCTION The movie, Chariots of Fire, is the true story of Eric Liddell, a man who ran in the 1924 Olympics for Scotland, then went on to become a missionary. Races are not always won by the fastest. He was able to think beyond everything He would be called upon to face in this world and He was able to see you. It would not be unusual if some who hear me today are on the verge of dropping out. 3:1-9), WHY TRUE BELIEVERS CAN REJOICE Romans5:1-5, LAZARUS FROM THE DEATHBED TO THE MASTERS TABLE John 11:32-44;12:1, SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE Heb. That made it a little easier to run the race. Thus, we all win God by persevering in faith and getting to the finish line. A. 4:7, (As the author begins this chapter, he draws our attention back to chapter 11, where he mentioned many of the great heroes and heroines of the faith. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Solomon was a good man. Service: How are you using your gifts to serve God and his people? Every ounce counts in a foot race. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you run a race. What it means is that they ran their race and so can you! Stay in the Race! Hebrews 12:1-4, Hebrews 12:1. Do you ever feel like no one understands? Understanding the ANOINTING by Kenneth E Hagin(PDF), D2. Seeing that the race God set out for us is a lifelong marathon, we must commit ourselves to run to the very end. 12:2 Msg). You begin to feel a rush of emotion. Ultimately, He will bring us to our long-awaited reward: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. The best thing we can do is run our race to the best of our God-given ability. The same is true in the Christian life. Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Our natural bent is toward sinfulness and laziness. A sermon of encouragement to those who may be going through unforeseen trials and other life challenges. We must be temperate in all things. Hesitation or fear? He finished the course that was laid out for Him and now He stands as the supreme champion in the race of life. The first few steps felt easy, and my way was clear and bright. But run it with the hope that God wants you to have in Christ. We Must Run With Patience Here the picture is of a runner settling in for the long haul. b. Sermons on Staying the Course. In many respects we race not against opponents, but against ourselves. Family can be a distraction. By focusing on that joy we can endure. Family can be a distraction. They Have Received Their Reward These people ran their race and now they are able to rest in the Fathers presence. He took the burden of our sins and placed them on himself at the cross. read more, Scripture: Isnt it great that when you become a Christian, life is easy and there are no struggles! As a former collegiate distance runner, I understand what it takes to win a race. (Isaiah21:6-10), WHAT WE NEED IN THE DOWN TIMES (Isaiah6:1-8), THE INVITATION TO CLEANSING (Isaiah1:18), FREE TO HELP, NOT FREE TO HINDER (Romans14:13-23), DISCHARGING YOUR CHRISTIAN DUTY (Romans13:11-14), THE BELIEVERS SPIRITUAL DUTY (Romans13:11-14), THE BELIEVERS SECULAR DUTY (Romans13:1-10), THINKING ABOUT THE BRETHREN (Romans12:9-21), JESUS CHRIST : THE BEST FRIEND WEVE EVER HAD (John15:12-17), JESUS CHRIST : THE TRUE VINE (John15:1-11), HELP FOR THE TROUBLED HEART (John14:1-6), BIBLICAL FACTS ABOUT A PLACE CALLED HEAVEN (John14:1-6), JESUS CHRIST : THE GREAT ENCOURAGER (John14:1-31), THE SECRET OF HOLY LIVING (Romans12:1-2), GODS PLAN FOR THE JEW, AND FOR YOU AND ME (Romans11:1-36), BOUND BY THE LORDS PURPOSES (Romans9:6-33), BURDENED FOR A LOST PEOPLE (Romans9:1-5), ABSOLUTE SECURITY IN CHRIST JESUS (Rom. Behold, I am coming quickly! Cake and late-night slumber parties were not the only thing I needed to lay aside. Don't compare your track to someone else's track. YES! It is amazing how we can think that we are alone in the Christian journey. Please see below for details. o Strongholds are birthed and dwell in deception (which are lies and false beliefs), so naturally the cure is to bring the truth in God's Word on the scene. We must run lawfully, i.e., according to the Scripture rules of the race. Baptist. The one who selected unattractive, unlikable, and unreliable men to be his followers and loved them to the end. God is absolutely dependable, Heb. For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. I Friends. Prayer: How often are you talking with the Father each day? Pentecostal. We must seek fellowship among other believers and let our fellow church members encourage us in the faith. Anything less will spell disaster for the Christian runner. In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado(PDF), D1. Imagine what would happen if we looked to Jesus every day. The man "who both began and finished this race we're in" (Heb. We arrange our life around certain disciplines that help us gain power and strength to become more like Jesus each day, to live a life as Jesus taught and modeled. More to the point, you cannot run a marathon even if you try really, really hard. The physical race became a real-life vision of the cross where I could in part identify with him. We lay aside every weight and clingy sin. When we set our eyes firmly on him, we will not grow weary in the fight against sin and in the race to persevere in faith. for all endurance and patience" (Col. 1:11 HCSB). WebHow To Stay In The Race? We are not alone. Hebrews 12:1-2, Denomination: "You rose each time you fell.". (1 Peter1:18-20), OBJECTIONS THAT DEMAND ANSWERS (Rom. He has a little grit. the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty, patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance, , having the same conflict which you saw in me a spiritual battle). The same question is apropos for the spiritual race: Will you engage in the training so that you will have the endurance to run the race? Seeing that the race God set out for us is a lifelong marathon, we must commit ourselves to run to the very end. He stands as our example. Glory to God, that will give you a second wind to be able to run your race with patience!). The Race of Faith 2:20-22, GERITOL, DIAPERS AND THE WORD OF GOD (Romans4:18-25), JESUS: THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE (John11:18-27), WHERE THE LAW FAILS, FAITH PREVAILS (Rom4:13-17), The Anatomy (Inner Workings) of Faith Heb11:1-2, HOW RIGHTEOUSNESS IS OBTAINED (Romans4:9-12), ILL TAKE WHATS BEHIND THAT DOOR (John10:1-11), A Y2K PLAN FOR THE FATHERS HOUSE (Heb. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. I would only be able compete in a triathlon by training for a triathlon. The race you are running has been prepared just for you. If God took care of them, honored their faith, sustained them, kept them, used them, blessed them, and got glory from their lives, then He will do the same in your life and mine! The man "who both began and finished this race we're in" (Heb. Are you more like Jesus today than you were yesterday? (REPEAT 3xs) That translates into more than 7,000 hours of training for an event that may last less than sixty seconds. He wrote in one stanza, And to his dad he sadly said,"I didn't do too well. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc. [2] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). WebTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost. Hebrews 12:1-3, Denomination: "Run in such a way that you may win" (1 Cor. Liddell tangled feet with J. J. Gillies of England and tumbled to the track. Worship: Are you praising the Father in regular times of worship? (Ill. Have any of you ever suffered to that degree? CHILDRENS MESSAGE 19. [6] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). We're sorry, an error occurred. 1 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 Runners call it "hitting the wall." The writer of this text uses the illustration of a race to I want to share some steps that are given in these verse that will help you and me run this race we are in this evening. (electronic ed.). His life was threatened as a baby Matt. Hebrews 12:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-2, The 4th part of a 5 part series on giving God room to work in our lives, When We Move Out, God Moves In Part 4 It occupies your waking moments. The one who holds the planets in orbit says something about his divine resilience. (Ill. However, I want to encourage you, my fellow believers, to keep at it; dont quit. If you have tripped and fallen, don't stay there. 3. February 25, 2021. Some runners carry kitchen sinks or push beds as they sprint down the street. The Hebrew writer gives us insight and direction of being a witness to others. A short list of things includes: 1. His was a race that lead Him around a track lined with hatred, bitterness, opposition and the desire to see Him dead. HOLY SPIRIT The Most Important Person on Earth by Dr Myles Munroe(PDF), C2. Keep going. The day when salvation would be ultimately completed, sin forever destroyed, Satan forever banished and perfect righteousness would rule in every heart. After the shock of being selected passes, you are gripped by the realization of what's happening in your life. Your past times can be a distraction. Salvation Plan of God ( In PowerPoint Format), A1.2 The STUDY BIBLE NKJV (Extreme Teen StudyBible), A1.3 The STUDY BIBLE NKJV Foundation StudyBible, A2. While we run, we must not look at the other runners. C. They Have Revealed That God Is Reliable The greatest encouragement that we can derive from these saints is the fact that they are proof positive of the reliability of the Lord. WebRunning The Race Hebrews 12:1-3 Home Back to Sermon List Now there are some of the same things which are essential to being victorious in a race are also key to being given to someone else. For Jesus, the joy was in what would happen when He finished His race. In the spiritual race you are running, don't quit. WebWe need to run with endurance the race that is set before us. It dominates your mind. In the 440, he got off to a bad start. ", Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above we can ask or think; according to the power that works in us. It takes hard work during practice and in the weight room. Hebrews 12:13 says. As the Lord gives liberty, allow me to share with you these Steps For Staying In The Race. Stop looking at the other runners. I We will be rewarded if we run the race God has set for us and not the race He has set for someone else. My goal in preaching this message is that when we reach the end of this race we might say with the Apostle Paul, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim. You Might Feel Like You are By Your Self, But Just Stay In The Race." Hebrews 11:29-12:2. Every believer is in a race. There are so many things and people that try and take us from Gods purpose in our lives. Stay in the Race Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1, NAS). WebRunning the Race That Is Set Before Us Unleashing Gods Truth, One Verse at a Time Since 1969 Listen Now About Broadcasts Resources Store Apps Blog Devotionals Sermons Donate Search Play Add to Playlist Download MP3 Reset PDF Related Series: Also Available: Available to Purchase: Available Translations: Stand With Us You allow yourself to imagine that maybe you do have what it takes to run the race. Some runners carry kitchen sinks or push beds as they sprint down the street. His was a race that set the perfect example of how a race should be run. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. I pray that youll finish the race, and that youll finish well. 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. Have you ever watched the Olympics on TV? Tragically, Gabriel becomes a casualty of Solomon was a good man. For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. A Closer Walk with God. Lay Aside All Weights This refers to a runner making sure that all extra weights have been removed from his body. Evangelism: Have you spoken to someone recently regarding his or her relationship with God? Denomination: Lutheran JUST STAY IN THE RACE Charlton Heston had to learn how to drive a chariot with four horses for his part in the movie Ben Hur. Your past times can be a distraction. MOTIVATION FOR THE RACE Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [HEBREWS 12:1a]. He was left alone, rejected and forsaken by all of His friends Mark 14:50. CSB Experiencing God Bible, Hardcover, Jacketed. Second: He has all power to help us complete the race of faith. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Seeking entertainment instead of fellow-shipping and communing with God. 2. Runners not only properly nourish their body and recover well, but they also work hard to build endurance. The activities of prayer, Bible Study, worship, service, evangelism, stewardship are among the needed the disciplines for running the spiritual race. He sat there dazed for a moment, not knowing whether he could get up, when the official screamed, "Get up and run!" Your past times can be a distraction. Let me challenge you to get your eyes back on Jesus. Jobs can be a distraction. There is something noble and honorable about not quitting - about getting back up and dusting yourself off and continuing to compete. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, who stands at the finish line waiting for us to complete the race. 1 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 Verse 2 tells us He is the founder of our faith. in the Mexico City Olympics. Stay in the Race Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1, NAS). For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. Right at the tape he passed Gillies, stuck his chest out, won the race, and collapsed to the track in total exhaustion. Solomon was the son of King David. The Bay to Breakers footrace is an annual event in San Francisco. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. read more, Scripture: To make advance is reward enough to a true disciple; but to get to the goal and get the prize too that is heaven.Conclusion: 1. WebThe Christian race requires new life to participate. Our eyes are to be on the One who started us on this race, and the One who will greet us at the end of it. I felt strong and energetic and my pace was quick and light. WebThe aim of the message today is, God wants us to stay in the race! Introduction As a Christian, have you ever wanted to walk away from this whole Christian thing! 2 Kings 2:1-11, Joshua 4:1-20, Genesis 28:17-19, Genesis 35:1-15, 2 Timothy 4:6-7, Hebrews 11:6 1 Kings 11:4-11, 1 Kings 11:4, Denomination: BUT, TO WHICH HUSBAND? 1 2 3 4 Next For our lesson today, we are looking at the life of King Solomon. The persecution was too much, and they could retreat back to Judaism and escape much of the suffering it was costing to follow The Discipline of God Your girlfriend can be a distraction. 8:20; Luke 9:58, 11. Stay fit to win, May the peace of the Lord be with you. o Jesus is the starting line and the finishing line at the same time! Chicago: University of Chicago Press.