Our Christian Life By: Bill Hemphill

One Amazing Race The “Amazing Race” TV show is one of my favorites Contestants embark upon a race around the world. Speed is important, but the racers face various obstacles and frustrations daily While they are in a competition, a level of cooperation is required to finish the race Our life is like that

Another Amazing Race The Summer Olympics will soon start Athletes from all over the world are coming to compete for a short time, after years of training The key to success is not the “Will to Win”, it is the “Will to prepare to Win.” Our life is also like that.

My favorite Olympics moment In the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Ahkwari was the last runner in the marathon. He came in about an hour and a half after the winner, practically carrying his leg, as it was so bloodied and bandaged. Film Director Bud Greenspan asked him, “Why did you keep going?” He said, “You don’t understand. My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start a race, they sent me to finish it.”

Hebrews 12:1 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.

What does our Christian Race Look Like? Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual [a] act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)a

Our Race is a Daily Effort Our Worship is something we do everyday The Christian Life involves sacrifice The Christian Life does not conform to the world

Galatians 5:22-26 Athletes must have speed and endurance to complete their race. We must also have specific attributes. 2 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Getting more specific 11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thess 4:11-12)

Romans 12 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. [a] Do not be conceited.a

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” [b] says the Lord.b

20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [c]c 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Observations The characteristics of the Christian Life are the natural result of the Life in the Spirit Living the Christian Life requires a conscious decision to live this way Even after committing to the Christian Life, Satan will continue to attack us through the attack of envy, conceit and provocation

Our Race is Different Our Race is not a competition with each other, it is a “Race” against Satan. 7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7) 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

Our Priorities are Critical Mark 10: As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ [a] ”a

Our Priorities are Critical 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

We may get weary and begin to fail It is important to stay the course 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. (Phil 3:13)

God Helps those who persevere but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

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