Run the Race and Go the Distance with Jesus Hour 1

2011 Spring Conference Hour 1

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb.12:1).

Session 1: Let Us Run the Race (Heb.12:1-3)
Scroll to bottom for outline

Part One

Part Two

Part Three
 

The Context of the Race

1. The Cloud of witnesses, the heroes of faith (Ch.11). We belong to the noble company of God’s people living for God’s glory and doing exploits through faith. Though we live in a postmodern world, our race is not controlled by its values and ideologies.

2. Our past context (1Jn.2:15) – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. But it has dramatically changed in Christ.

3. Conceive your life in the new context in Christ. We run the race in this new context.

The Calling to the Race

1. “The race that is set before us.” God has already marked out a race for us. We do not have to figure it out.

2. “Race” (agon). It is not a passing luxury, but a very demanding exercise, requiring our utmost discipline, determination and perseverance. It can be agonizing and grueling at times. “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1).

3. Run with endurance. It is a steady determination to keep going in the race when everything in you wants to slow down or give up.

4. Unnecessary encumbrances or “weight” and “the sin that easily entangles” can hinder the race. “Weight” need not be a bad thing or a sin in itself, but it can weigh us down spiritually. Sin entangles our feet, and can possibly bring us down. We take sin lightly to our peril.

The Consolation (Encouragement) of the Race

1. Fix our eyes on Jesus, focus on Him. He is our example and our goal.

2. Jesus is the “author” (archegos), better translated “pioneer” or “forerunner.” Jesus has gone ahead to blaze the trail and overcome barriers.

3. He is also the “perfecter” (teleiotes) of faith. Jesus is the supreme example of faith. He is the one who carries it through completion. It was His absolute faith in His Father’s will that enabled Him to go to the cross – and left Him perfect in faith. He endured everything by faith.

4. “Consider Him.” Contemplate on Him. He is the cure for weary hearts. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…..” How do we consider Him? By consulting what the Bible says about Him.

The Confidence of the Race

1. If you do not have something important to look forward to at the end of the race, you more than likely will not start it and certainly will not finish it. Jesus ran for the joy that was set before Him. His great joy was that of submitting unreservedly to the will of His Father. His joy sprang from His obedience. Therefore he was exalted to the place of highest honor (Philippians 2:9-11).

2. We also run for the same reason. We anticipate the heavenly reward for faithful service. By enduring the agony of the race, we gain the crown that waits beyond the cross.