RUN THE RACE WITH PERSVERENCE (HEB 12:1)
Blog 3 is entitled: “Running to Win.”
How many of you like to watch the Superbowl? Did the two teams that play in the
Superbowl make it by chance? Accident? Because it was their right? No! They made it to the Superbowl because of hard work, strict training, and commitment. Their reward is a trophy, a place in history, and a parade. Five Hundred years from now who’s going to care? Who is going to even know? I want us to think for a moment about the reward promised to faithful Christians. At the end of our lives God’s Word says we will receive: 1) The “Crown of Life.” 2) An eternal reward. 3) A place in heaven. How hard do you strive for these eternal rewards compared to how hard the football teams strive for theirs? (I’m not talking about salvation, but rewards). If their reward is temporary and they strive very hard to get it, how much more should you and I strive for our eternal/heavenly rewards?
Let’s look at a passage of Scripture today that talks exactly about this:1 Cor 9:24-27,
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. 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. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Understand, godliness and holiness will not just happen by hanging around a church, learning a few verses of scripture, having lofty thoughts 3 or 4 times a day. We must renew our minds, focus our thinking heavenward and to the things of Christ. We need to know at least “5” truths about running the spiritual race.
The 1st truth that we need to know is how to go into strict training. (v.25). God’s Word says in 1Timonty 4:7, “Train yourself to be godly” (it just won’t happen). Just as the football teams must go into “strict training” by diet and exercise, so we must go into “strict training” by spending time with God in prayer, His Word, and seeking His face. If you are too busy to spend time with God, then you are too busy. Busier than God ever intended you to be. Don’t mistake “activity” for “achievement.” Jesus had a daily quiet time with the Lord, how much more should we?
The Second truth to go into strict training is through Bible study. Have a plan with your Bible study. Perhaps read a paragraph a day of “John” or “Romans.” Or a Proverb a day for a month. I do not recommend haphazard approach to reading your Bible when you ask God to speak to you through His word. Remember, we are to be in “strict training” not haphazard training.
The 3rd truth you need to know about running the race is how to persevere. You need to persevere in God’s strength. Many may start the race, but not all will finish it to claim their prize. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). I’m sure you know of some who started the race with much enthusiasm but fizzled out and are not even running anymore. They did not make it because they were trying to run in their own strength. Paul knew very well to rely on God’s strength! God didn’t leave us to ourselves to Run the Race!
The 4th truth you need to know about running the race is to know which crown you’re running for. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, God’s Words states that “Everyone who competes in the game 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.” So, there are two crowns you could run for, so you must choose because you can’t run for both. One is the “temporary” crown of this world. An example of temporary crown is what I talked about in the beginning – the Superbowl trophy. The temporary crown is anything you are running for besides what God wants you to run for.
Which leads me to the 2nd crown you could be running for, the “eternal” crown of Heaven. It is an awesome privilege to receive the “eternal crown of life”. We will be crowned with righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). We will be crowned with eternal life (James 1:12). If football teams work/train as hard as they do for their temporary crown, how much should we strive for our eternal ones? Our eternal crown is worth so much mor than temporary/worldly ones. The temporary crown of this world pales in comparison.
The 5th truth you need to know about running race is to know the purpose of your run.
As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:26 “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly.” Paul gives us two reasons for his running. In v.27 he says: “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached it to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” So, the reason Paul gives us is so that he can preach gospel to others. Paul didn’t run the race aimlessly. He ran the race so that he could tell others about Jesus Christ and fulfill the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to run the race with the same purpose in mind. I would like for us to make a commitment to the Lord that we are all going to run this race together. We will watch out and care for each other. We will pray for each other, encourage each other, and help each other. Are you going into strict training? What is your heart’s desire? What treasure or crown are you seeking?