Running the Race

Running the Race

Hebrews 12:1-3

August 18, 2019

Running the Race
Hebrews 12:1-3
Speaker Paul Hoemann (Elder)

Hebrews 12:1-3
“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, ² 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. ³Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

Hebrews 12 uses the analogy of

a

.
• Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. ²⁵ Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. 1 Cor. 9:24-25

• I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2Timothy 4:7-8

• But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 AMP

How do we run the race of faith?
• Remember the

of God’s absolute faithfulness.

• Strip off every unnecessary

or distraction. What are some of these weights?
1.

“And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” John 6:27
2.

or cares of this world. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:33-34 NLT
3.

of the world around us. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

• Strip off

that easily and cleverly entangles us

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41NLT
“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” Matthew 3:8 NLT

• Run with endurance and

the race that is set before us.
1. Realize that we are running a

, not a short sprint.
2.

is important. We train through God’s Word and by His Grace.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Titus 2:11-12

• Keep our eyes on

.
o “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2-3 NLT

Why is this important?
1. He is the

of our faith.
“In him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28
2. He is the

of our faith.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
3. If we look elsewhere, we

God’s faithfulness.
“And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:28-31

How do we keep our eyes on Jesus?
• Get to

him better.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

•

to Him.
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” Ps. 104:33.
“I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Ps. 13:6

• Surround yourself with spiritual

.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

• Prayer
“Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 AMP
“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 3:16-18 AMP

•

and devoted.
• Delight in your faith
• Stay

and alert to hear from God
• Rejoice and be

“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. ³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:2-3

So remember this from “He-brooms” 12.

• Our mission impossible in life becomes mission possible only by God’s

.

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe”. Hebrews 12:28

• Our mission is to

to God’s grace and faithfulness.