An Award Winning Finish Of The Christian Race Sunday, March 2, 2008 Pastor W.J. Jackson

Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:1, 2 (NIV); 2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV)

Hebrews 12:1, 2 (NIV) Vs. 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, 2 (NIV) Vs. 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.

2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV) Vs. 6 - For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.

2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV) Vs. 7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV) Vs. 8 - Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Introduction 2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV)

Paul’s reflection on his life while awaiting certain death. 2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV)

2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV) Vs. 6 - For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.

2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV) Vs. 7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:6 – 8 (NIV) Vs. 8 - Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

B. Paul characterizes the Christians’ journey of life, as a “race”. 2 Timothy 4: 7

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

C. Today’s compelling question: How do we run the Christian race with the kind of faithfulness that wins God’s approval?

I. Run Smart! Lessons from the Olympic Games. 1. Physical preparation. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) 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.

I Corinthians 9:24, 25 (NIV) Vs. 24 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

I Corinthians 9:24, 25 (NIV) Vs. 25 - Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT,2004) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

I. Run Smart! Lessons from the Olympic Games. 2. Mental preparation. I Corinthians 9:24 – 27 (NLT, 2004)

I Corinthians 9:24 – 27 (NLT,2004) Vs. 24 - Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

I Corinthians 9:24 – 27 (NLT,2004) Vs. 25 - All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

I Corinthians 9:24 – 27 (NLT,2004) Vs. 26 - So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

I Corinthians 9:24 – 27 (NLT,2004) Vs. 27 - I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

Run Patiently (with perseverance and endurance). Hebrew 12:1 (NIV) 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.

Run Patiently (with perseverance and endurance). Because each runner’s race is unique. 1. There is great variation in the length, difficulty, and required pace for each race. 2 Timothy 4:7b (KJV)

“I have finished my course”. 2 Timothy 4:7b (KJV) “I have finished my course”.

Run Patiently (with perseverance and endurance). B. Because God has carefully “marked out for us” a race that he has equipped us to run. Hebrew 12:1b (NLT)

Hebrew 12:1b (NLT) “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

Run Patiently (with perseverance and endurance). C. Because so many others, both past and present, bear witness of the fact that God will see you through. Hebrews 12:1 (NLT,2004)

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT,2004) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

III. Run Focused. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) 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.

III. Run Focused. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) A. A fixed focus on Jesus will reveal: 1. An example of enduring faith

Hebrews 12:3 (NLT) Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Hebrews 4:15 (KJV) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

John 19:30 (KJV) When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

III. Run Focused. A. A fixed focus on Jesus will reveal: 2. The encouragement that Jesus used to remain energized Hebrew 12:2 – 4 (NLT)

Hebrew 12:2 – 4 (NLT,2004) Vs. 2 - We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrew 12:2 – 4 (NLT,2004) Vs. 3 - Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Vs. 4 - After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

Psalm 16:7 – 11 (NIV) Vs. 7 - I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. Vs. 8 - I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:7 – 11 (NIV) Vs. 9 - Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, Vs. 10 - because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

Psalm 16:7 – 11 (NIV) Vs. 11 - You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

III. Run Focused. A. A fixed focus on Jesus will reveal: 3. The Spirit of Christ, our champion, who perfects our faith Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT, 2004) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

An Award Winning Finish Of The Christian Race