Nelson Chapel Church of Christ

Running the RACE The Christian Race

Hebrews 11 “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,” Heb.12:1

Too Many Irons In the fire Lay aside every weight Too Many Irons In the fire

Procrastination Lay aside every weight “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecl.9:10

Social Climbing Lay aside every weight “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals..” 1 Cor.15:33 asv 6

Dishonesty Lay aside every weight “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” 2 Cor.8:21 7

Love of Money Lay aside every weight “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows..” 1 Tim. 6:10 asv 8

Entertainment Lay aside every weight “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” 2 Tim. 3:4 9

“the sin which so easily ensnares us” Lay aside every weight Besetting sin “the sin which so easily ensnares us” “entangles” “trips us” 10

The Christian Race Requires Patience Persistence - stamina Endurance - stability, durability

Patience Provides Regularity Every day, month, year Provides Strength Rev. 2:2 - Ephesus

Formula for Spiritual Success Patience Keep our eyes on Jesus “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” Heb.12:2 Formula for Spiritual Success

The Christian Race Requires Speed Run - not crawl, stand still Run as if your life depended upon it, and it does.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:31

Return to the land Trust God Soar over problems

Running the RACE Some have not started Others have quit Some are faithful runners

Running the RACE Negative – lay aside Positive – focus on Jesus

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org Feb. 26, 2017 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com