RUNNING THE RACE SET BEFORE US

Heb. 12:1-2

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. The N.T. uses many illustrations and comparisons to teach
      important lessons on living the Christian life: builder,       
      soldier, wrestler, boxer.
   B. Definitely, one of the best comparisons is that of the runners 
      in the races.
      1. The runners create great excitement.
         a. One can feel the tension as contestants await the        
            starting signal.
         b. They put forth every ounce of energy as multitudes
            cheer them on.
   C. The Christian runs the race of life that he might receive the  
      glory and honor which comes from God. 1 Cor. 9:24-25; 1 Pet.   
      5:4

I. THE RACE WE ARE TO RUN IS "THE RACE SET BEFORE US."
   A. We need not think we can run a race which men have set before
      us and be crowned by the Lord. 2 Tim. 2:5
      1. Rules are important in any contest.
         a. Athletes often lose because of violating the rules.
   B. The rules of the heavenly race are not designed by man.
      1. God's rules are enforced impartially upon all. Acts 10:34-35
      2. Those who do not contend lawfully are practicing iniquity
         and will be rejected. Matt. 7:21; 2 Thess. 2:7-10

II. ONE MUST MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS TO ENTER THE RACE.
   A. To run in the Olympics, one must first qualify. He qualifies by
      winning in the qualifying trials.
   B. All must know how to qualify in running the Christian race.
   C. One begins by becoming a new creature in Christ. Gal. 3:26-27; 
      2 Cor. 5:17
      1. Only after entering Christ, is it possible to live the new  
         life. Rom. 6:4
         a. It is not a matter of "turning over a new leaf,"
            "reformation of life," but of a change in relationship.
         b. No matter what potential one might have in running the
            race, unless he qualifies on God's terms, he is not in   
            the race.
      2. Let us emphasize again, baptism is the act by which man's
         relation to God is changed. Col. 2:11-12

III. DILIGENT TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO WIN.
   A. An athlete spends a great amount of time in dedicated training,
      self-denial, in putting forth every effort to win.
      1. We, too, must diligently strive to win the crown. 1 Cor.
         9:24-27
      2. "Agonizomai" is the Greek word translated "competes,"
         "striveth."
         a. The same word is translated "strive" in Luke 13:24.
         b. There are many stories of those who have made great
            comebacks to win gold metals.
      3. Use rigid discipline. 1 Cor. 9:27 
   B. We must run as though the prize is attainable.
      1. None of us are trying out for the Olympics because we know
         we can't win.
      2. However, all of us can win the heavenly race. There are far
         more than one who will win that golden crown.

IV. DETERMINATION OR THE RIGHT MINDSET IS THE KEY.
   A. We must be determined to put forth constant, diligent effort. 1
      Cor. 15:58
   B. There is no time to slack off; to sit down on the job. Progress
      must be made.
      1. We need the steadfastness and determination of Ruth. Ruth
         1:16-18
   C. Consider these "mindset" passages. Col. 3:2; 1 Pet. 1:13
      1. The losers set their minds on earthly things. They will not
         experience the joy of victory, but, indeed, the agony of
         defeat. Rom. 8:5-8; Phil. 3:19
   D. Many are waiting for better circumstances, a better season, to 
      live the Christian life.
      1. There is no better time than now, no better day than today.
      2. To reap in eternity, we must be sowing in the present. Gal.
         6:7-9

V. THERE WILL BE HINDRANCES. 
   A. Jesus was busy preparing his disciples for difficulties. Matt.
      10:16-18; John 16:1-2
      1. The modern televangelist preaches a gospel of "join and be
         blessed."
         a. Those who think that being a Christian brings only
            blessings and happiness will be disappointed.
   B. Satan will do all in his power to prevent running successfully.
      1. Every weight must be put side. Heb. 12:1
         a. This is an allusion to the athletes who trained by
            wearing weights on their legs.
         b. On the day of the race they would lay aside their
            weights.
      2. Every sin must be laid aside. Any besetting sin or any sin  
         that easily ensnares us must be laid aside.
         a. A clean break with sin must be made. We cannot put
            our hearts into the race unless the love for sin is
            destroyed. Gal. 5:24

VI. WE MUST RUN WITH PATIENCE OR ENDURANCE.
   A. We are running a marathon, not the one-hundred meters or two-
      hundred meters. Heb. 10:36; James 1:4; 5:7-8
   B. Faithfulness to end of the race required. Ezek. 18:24
   C. Patience develops strength, the power to resist temptation, to
      overcome obstacles.
      1. The race cannot be won unless we persevere. There is no
         place for the fainthearted. Deut. 20:8

VII. THE RACE IS COMPLETED ONLY BY LOOKING TO JESUS. Heb. 12:2-3
   A. To "look to Jesus" must turn from other objects of interest.
      1. "Look to" involves trusting, depending on, obedience to.
      2. Look to His example of endurance, self-denial, the reproach
         He suffered. We will run the race successfully only if we
         follow in His steps. He is the only perfect copy.
      3. Look to His example of sacrificing for the reward. "...Who
         for the joy set before Him."
   B. We can win through Christ. 1 Cor. 15:57; John 16:33; Rom. 8:37
      1. Our sufficiency is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Cor. 3:4-
         5

VIII. OUR GOAL IS TO CROSS THAT FINISH LINE TO ETERNAL LIFE.
   A. We want to be like Paul who finished the race. 2 Tim. 4:7-8
      1. We, too, have loved what the Lord has done by His
         appearance into this world.

Concl.
   A. Consider the reward to those who run successfully.
      1. There is nothing in the world as valuable. No other crown
         compares. No praise, honor, or glory compares.  Rom. 2:10
   B. Have you accepted the challenge to run the race set before us?
         a. If you are not a Christian, qualify yourself by obeying
            the gospel. Acts 2:39
         b. If you have fallen out of the race, put yourself back in 
            by again qualifying yourself. Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9
   C. Let us all run with patience the race that is set before us    
      looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith that we
      might win the incorruptible crown which the Lord Himself will  
      give in that day.

Chart:
RUNNING THE RACE SET BEFORE US

1. THE RACE WE ARE TO RUN IS "THE RACE SET BEFORE US."

2. ONE MUST MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS TO ENTER THE RACE.

3. DILIGENT TRAINING IS REQUIRED.

4. DETERMINATION OR THE RIGHT MINDSET IS THE KEY.

5. THERE WILL BE HINDRANCES.

6. WE MUST RUN WITH PATIENCE OR ENDURANCE.

7. THE RACE IS COMPLETED ONLY BY LOOKING TO JESUS. 

8. OUR GOAL IS TO CROSS THAT FINISH LINE TO ETERNAL LIFE.