Running The Race Set Before Us

Running The Race Set Before Us
Hebrews 12:1-4
Leone Fuahala
- The writer of Hebrews assumes that all believers are running a race—not some but ALL!
- Christian life is likened to a race—a spiritual one.
- Paul used this figure of speech in many of his letters 1 Cor. 9:24, 26, Phil. 3:14, 2 Tim: 4:7.
- As Christians, our aim is to finish the race and get the prize.
- Who set this race for us?—Not Paul nor anyone else, but God.
- God set this race and predetermined its rules, promised to reward us when we get to the finish line.
- The writer always goes back to the phrase "hold fast to the hope set before us (Hebrews 6:18).
- We take courage knowing for sure that God cannot lie and that He will fulfill His promises.
- He took an oath when Christ died on the cross—herein is the guarantee and assurance for us.
- God is also the one who keeps and sustains us throughout this race (perseverance of saints).
I. The Runners' Encouragement
- "Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses"—these are the believers (heroes of faith) witnessing to us through their lives as narrated in the Bible.
II. The Runners' Responsibility
a. Lay aside every weight (e.g. worries, legalistic Do's & Don't's, etc) & sin which clings so closely.
- Paul would discipline his body and bring it into subjection (1 Cor. 9:27).
b. Run this race with endurance: This is not passive endurance but an active act. This endurance is the determination to go on despite the temptation to back out or slow down. "but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).
c. Looking to Jesus - the Founder and Perfecter of our faith.
- We look to Him with spiritual eyes for in Him is everything we need.
- The only way we can strip off every sin and unnecessary weight is when we fix our eyes on Him (Phil. 4:13, Romans 8:37).
III. The Runners' Example
- We have a great Example in Jesus!
- He had been through this race and finished it well and so we follow Him.
- He endured the cross in obedience to the Father.
- His motivation was the joy set before Him -- doing His Father's will.
Our aim in life is to please Christ. (2 Cor. 5:9).
We press on and finish, because Christ is our Reward. (Phil. 3:13-14; 2 Tim. 4:7).
We long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:23).
Not only is Christ our goal, but He is also our example of courage (Hebrews 12:4).
Whenever you go through something difficult, remember Jesus.