Running the Christian Race MENTOR. MOBILIZE. MULTIPLY. Course 1.4.1. Running the Christian Race

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1-3

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-3

3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

QUALIFYING. TRAINING. RUNNING. FINISHING.

QUALIFYING.

21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21-23

22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Matthew 7:21-23

23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:21-23

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Moses Abel David Isaac Noah Barak Jacob Rahab Abraham Samson Enoch Cloud of Witnesses Noah Barak Jacob Rahab Abraham How did they qualify? Samson Enoch Samuel Jephthah “By faith…” Joseph Gideon

6 And without faith, it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6

2 Kinds of Faith Simple Faith Saving Faith

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? James 2:14-24

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? James 2:14-24

17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-24

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:14-24

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! James 2:14-24

20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? James 2:14-24

22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? James 2:14-24

23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. James 2:14-24

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:14-24

2 Kinds of Faith Simple Faith Saving Faith Produces good works Produces nothing Affects intellect alone Affects intellect & will

38 Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:38-38

2 Kinds of Faith Simple Faith Saving Faith Produces good works Produces nothing Affects intellect alone Affects intellect & will “Draws back” “Endures”

Which Type of Faith am I Relying on? Am I a true son of God? Am I relying on someone else’s qualification? Does my faith reflect a genuine life-change? What am I going to do about it?

TRAINING.

2 Essential Components of Training 1. Discipline by your coach / trainer 2. Self-Discipline

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:4-11

5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Hebrews 12:4-11

6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:4-11

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? Hebrews 12:4-11

8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Hebrews 12:4-11

9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! Hebrews 12:4-11

10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:4-11

11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:4-11

I. Discipline by coach / trainer A. Our trainer is God - Our heavenly Father. B. The goal is holiness. C. It is painfully hard. D. The pain is temporary. E. It produces a harvest of righteousness.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:12-13

II. Self-Discipline A. Find your weakness. B. Develop a training exercise.

Examples Patience Choose the longest line at the grocery store.

Examples Love Do something kind for someone you can't stand.

Examples Generosity Pay the toll for the guy behind you.

Examples Selfishness Always take the least desirable portion.

Examples Self-Control Make a budget and stick to it.

Examples Laziness Volunteer.

Let’s Practice!

RUNNING.

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

I. Throwing Off A. SIN Any violation of God’s command or order. B. WEIGHT. That which hinders our spiritual progress.

Questions for Personal Reflection 1. Am I tangled up in any sinful habits? 2. Are there hobbies that take up too much of my time? 3. Are there friendships that bring me down spiritually? 4. Are there habits that hinder my walk with God? 5. Are there personal goals that slow me down spiritually? 6. Are there any fears that keep me from obeying God?

II. Running w/ Perseverance The Principle Weight and perseverance are inversely proportional.

Weight Perseverance The higher the level of excess weight… …the lower the perseverance.

Weight Perseverance The lower the level of excess weight… …the higher the perseverance.

III. Staying on the Course The Principle We should avoid all shortcuts and detours.

Potential Shortcuts or Detours Examples Potential Shortcuts or Detours Desirable End

FINISHING.

Finishing the Race The Goal Christ-likeness The Process Overcoming sin (to be more like Christ) The Problem How do we do it?

Finishing the Race Character Thoughts 1. Our character controls our thoughts.

Finishing the Race Character Thoughts Actions 2. Our thoughts determine our actions.

Finishing the Race Character Habits Thoughts Actions 3. Our actions become habits.

Finishing the Race Character Habits Thoughts Actions 4. Our habits build character.

Question Where do we break into the cycle to make it work for us, instead of against us?

Finishing the Race Character Habits Thoughts Actions Option A:

Do not deceive yourselves Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. I Corinthians 3:18

Finishing the Race Character Habits Thoughts Actions Option B: HABITS

Your boasting is not good Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? I Corinthians 5:6

Finishing the Race Character Habits Thoughts Actions Option C: ACTIONS

Finishing the Race Character Habits Thoughts Actions Option D:

17 So I tell you this and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4:17-24

19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Ephesians 4:17-24

21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; Ephesians 4:17-24

23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:17-24

Finishing the Race Character Habits Thoughts Actions Key: RENOVATION of the mind!

Finishing the Race Step #1: Put off Step #2: Put on Step #3: Renew your mind

So what from here? From here, we will focus on three things: 1. Discipline from our Trainer, God. - Prayer - Fasting - Bible Memorization 2. Self-Discipline (Fruit of the Spirit) - Love - Joy - Peace - Forbearance - etc. 3. Renovation of the Mind (Overcoming sin) - Put off - Put on - Renew your mind

MULTIPLY.