Running Life’s Race
Hebrews 12:1-2
Introduction: Have you ever watched a foot race, not a sprint like the 50 or 100 yard dash but a marathon or a cross country event, those who run these events are amazing. I know this first hand because my youngest daughter Jessica ran for a local cross country team when she was in school and I attended several of her events. They don’t start running with all their might; instead they pace themselves and use persistence along with patience and planning to finish the course. The apostle Paul and the writer of the book of Hebrews both use the analogy of distance running to illustrate how we should run life’s race. Just like a cross country event life has its mountains and valleys, with them come hidden holes, and things to trip us up along the way. In life they are placed there by the devil himself to intentionally make us fall and discourage us in the race of life. This morning we are going to look at God’s word and let it speak to us as we run life’s race.
Humans are creatures of motivation. We need a reason to do things and more so we need encouragement to keep doing them. In Chapter 11 of Hebrews we have a long list of encouragers, those who have faithfully served God. The word of God refers to them as “a cloud of witnesses” and this cloud surrounds us.
These folks new how to run the race of life; they opposed the Pharaoh, they forsook the pleasures and prerogatives of his court, they passed through the red sea, they shouted down the walls of Jericho, conquered kingdoms, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, received their dead by resurrection, they were mocked, tortured, scourged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in half, dressed in animal skins and even made destitute – all for their faith.
The life of a believer is a race that must be run by encouragement, God doesn’t expect you and I to do this alone, that is why He has provided for us the witness of those who have run the race of life and won.
Just as there is encouragement to get us through the race there are things that hold us back, these are known as encumbrance’s, the King James calls them “weight.” To a runner weight is critical, if they weigh too much they will tire and not finish the race. As you and I run the race of life we are responsible for shedding weight that will hinder our performance and prevent us from finishing the race.
Each one of us have certain things in our life that may not be sinful in and of themselves but when not kept in check they will weigh us down, divert our attention and sap our energy. Men and women everyday are so focused on things of this world that they have no time for God. Oh they may attend Church on a regular basis but when it comes to serving God they have no time for Him. There is always something taking their time, something more important than reading the Bible, praying, calling on those who do not know the Lord and seeking God’s will for their life.
We are told in our passage today to seek out these things ourselves and get rid of this excessive weight. For most of us it means a change of priorities, for some it would mean actually stopping or changing a part of our life.
What about sin in our life? “The sin which so easily beset us;” the most significant hindrance to running the race of life is the hindrance of sin. In our passage the word sin is speaking to a specific sin that is so influential in our life that it can actually sit us down and take us out of life’s race. What is this sin you may ask, and I am glad you did. It is different for each one of us, to some it is ungodly desires, to others it is envy and to someone else it may be immorality; to you it may be entirely different but understand this you do have a sin that can and will push your buttons. The devil knows what it is and he enjoys pushing that button.
Illus. Think of this entanglement this way, you are standing on a street corner. One street is named desire and the other is named opportunity. When opportunity meets desire you must either get onboard or walk away. What is your decision? Too often we want to jump onboard and use the excuse “the devil made me do it” or “I couldn’t help myself” for the Christian these excuses just don’t cut it.
Fortunately for you and I we have an example, Jesus the “author and finisher of our faith.” Instead of being preoccupied with ourselves we have a savior to follow, we are supposed to be disciples, so why don’t we behave like a disciple, why don’t we follow Christ. Jesus saw the Joy of eternal life set before Him and because of this He endured the cross until the very end. You and only have to endure this life until the end and for some reason Christians just will not do it. We will not focus on the joy of eternal life over the temporary pleasure and pain of this life. What a difference it would make in our life if we would just follow Jesus.
What an end Jesus had, He didn’t just finish He finished first, He sat down at the right had of God where He is today making intercession for us, the Christian. Likewise you and I can anticipate a heavenly reward for faithful service, Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Paul reminded the Thessalonians they had a present joy because of a future promise. Even through difficult times we are told, Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. Through sacrifice and service there is joy if we look ahead to the end of the race. Christian men and women keep looking up your redemption draweth nigh.
Conclusion: Whether you want to admit or not you are running a race and depending upon your attitude you are in one of two situations, running or resting. I say this based upon what we have read this morning. According to Gods word you and I entered a race the moment we were born into this world and the race will not end until we enter eternity. What about your life today, are you running a race that is pleasing to God? Are you resting and watching others, its not too late to jump in all it takes is knowing Jesus as Lord and savior. Christian has your life become so cluttered with the things of this world that you have lost track of the race and of godly priorities? All of us do and have fell victim to the weight of this world and the temptations of sin. The Bible tells us we are not to stay in that condition, we are told to set aside this lifestyle, it will hinder our walk with God. Close as the Lord leads.