Title: Running for the Prize
Text: Heb. 12:1-3 (against background of Heb. 11)
Tracing: Preached at PM Service at SDCC on 5/27/90.
Topic: Faithfulness
Theme: Help in running the race of faith
Nutshell:
Objectives:
Prim Goal :
Intnd Aud.:
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Intro.:
Nice ÿto ÿbe recognized for things you have done ÿ-- ÿÿgraduation,
military ÿservice, ÿÿhonors (Jeremy & Wendy in ÿoration ÿcontests,
Robert in Graphic Arts), etc.
Heb. 11 is like a plaque on the wall honoring those who made a
contribution or who deserve to be recognized. ÿBut Heb. 12 ÿopens
by reminding us that the plaque is not full -- there is still a
place on it for your name!
Just as they ran the race (and ran it well), we also ought to
run the race of faith.
Body:
There are three keys to running the race well.
I. Be Encouraged by the "Witnesses".
Two interpretations:
1) ÿWitnesses as in courtroom - since so many have told us and
shown us of God's faithfulness, ÿwe ought to heed them and imitate
by being faithful as they were.
2) ÿWitnesses as spectators - since so many great people ÿare
watching ÿand ÿcheering us on, ÿwe ought to be ÿmotivated ÿnot ÿto
embarrass ourselves by giving up. ÿWe've all seen races where one
competitor was impossibly behind yet refused to quit -- isn't that
more honorable?
This is encouraging to those with loved ones who have gone ÿon
and ÿis ÿgiven credibility by the writer's use of ÿ"cloud" ÿrather
than "crowd".
II. Be Unencumbered by Sin and Distractions.
1st century garments were long and flowing - unsuited for
athletic activity - original olympic athletes were unclothed (not
for titilation but to allow the best performance).
Illus.- Racquetball -- blue jeans not appropriate for a
SERIOUS game.
WHEN PLAYING FOR LIFE OR DEATH, WE SHOULD LAY DOWN OUR
BURDENS!
Two types of burdens: encumbrances - major problems,
alcoholism, etc. and easily besetting sin - the "little" sins
and habits.
III. Be Inspired by the Pioneer.
Illus- ÿFour-minute mile seemed the upper limit of man's speed
until broken, then everyone seemed to be breaking it.
Pioneer and Finisher of faith - Jesus, ÿin order to obtain the
joy ÿset before Him (that having accomplished salvation ÿfor ÿus),
endured ÿthe ÿcross ÿin faithfulness and was ÿrewarded. ÿÿLet ÿus
imitate ÿhim ÿin seeing the reward available for us ÿand ÿenduring
anything in order to receive it.
Conc.:
Are the "witnesses" proud of your race? Are you running freely,
with no encumbrances or do you have your pockets filled with your
favorite distractions? How close to Jesus' model are you getting?
Comments:
Prepared by Scott L. Purcell
Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church
1501 Stokelan Drive
Malden, MO 63863
(314) 276-2343
Reproduce, modify, and use freely
for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!
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