Run the Race: Active Faith and Perseverance
Summary
### Summary
Welcome back on this beautiful Sunday morning. After a few nights of revival, we are grateful for the many who have come to know Jesus and the baptisms we've witnessed. Today, we delve into Hebrews 12, which speaks of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—those who have demonstrated great faith in God. This passage encourages us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that easily entangles, so we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, taking on the pain and suffering we deserved. This act of love and sacrifice should inspire us to run our race with the same perseverance and focus. The imagery here is powerful: we are not spectators in an arena but active participants on the field, running our individual races while being cheered on by those who have gone before us.
The message today is clear: "I'm not here to watch." We are here to worship God, welcome people home, be witnesses for what Jesus can do, do good work, and hear and do the Word. Worshiping God means fixing our eyes on Him, captivated by His beauty and majesty. Welcoming people home involves inviting others into the family of God, just as Christ welcomed us. Being a witness means sharing our personal stories of what Jesus has done in our lives. Doing good work involves using our God-given talents and opportunities to serve others. Finally, hearing and doing the Word means not just listening to God's teachings but putting them into practice in our daily lives.
We are called to follow the way of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. This journey is not about spectating but actively participating in the life God has planned for us. Jesus invites us to step into a relationship with Him, to run this race with perseverance, and to live a life that glorifies Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Throw Off Hindrances and Sin: Hebrews 12 encourages us to identify and discard anything that hinders our walk with God. Sin easily entangles us, often without our intention, leading us into regretful situations. By throwing off these hindrances, we can run our race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. [01:30]
2. Active Participation, Not Spectating: The imagery of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses reminds us that we are not here to watch but to run the race set before us. We are called to be proactive participants in God's plan, not mere spectators. This involves worshiping God, welcoming others, and being witnesses of what Jesus can do. [07:22]
3. Worship and Welcome: Worshiping God means fixing our eyes on His beauty and majesty, allowing His grace to captivate our hearts. Welcoming people home involves inviting others into the family of God, just as Christ welcomed us without requiring us to clean ourselves up first. This creates a hospitable environment where everyone feels valued and loved. [11:21]
4. Doing Good Work: We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. This means using our talents and opportunities to serve others, whether in our jobs, communities, or homes. Good work is not about pride but about being helpful and glorifying God through our actions. [23:52]
5. Hearing and Doing the Word: James 1:22 urges us to not merely listen to the Word but to do what it says. This involves being quick to listen, getting the Word into our hearts and minds, and putting it into practice. By doing so, we build our lives on a firm foundation that stands strong even in the storms of life. [29:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Throw Off Hindrances and Sin
[03:20] - Run with Perseverance
[05:16] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[07:22] - Active Participation, Not Spectating
[09:37] - Dormant Potential in God's People
[11:21] - Worship and Welcome
[13:08] - Personal Worship Journey
[14:37] - Welcoming People Home
[16:39] - Growth and Community
[18:19] - Creating a Welcoming Environment
[20:02] - Being a Witness for Jesus
[22:01] - Sharing Your Story
[23:52] - Doing Good Work
[25:43] - Excellence in Our Work
[27:41] - Hearing and Doing the Word
[29:18] - Building on a Firm Foundation
[31:28] - Following the Way of Jesus
[33:53] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[34:56] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 12:1-3
- James 1:22
- Ephesians 2:10
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 12:1, what are we encouraged to throw off, and why? [01:30]
2. What does Hebrews 12:2 say about Jesus' role in our faith journey? [03:20]
3. In James 1:22, what are we warned against, and what are we encouraged to do instead?
4. How does Ephesians 2:10 describe our identity and purpose in Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might be some examples of "hindrances" and "sins" that easily entangle us today? How can identifying these help us in our faith journey? [01:30]
2. How does the imagery of being surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" impact our understanding of community and accountability in our faith? [07:22]
3. What does it mean to be a "doer of the word" according to James 1:22, and how does this concept challenge our daily living? [29:18]
4. How can understanding that we are "God's handiwork" (Ephesians 2:10) influence our approach to serving others and doing good work? [23:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some specific hindrances or sins that you need to throw off to run your race with perseverance? How can you take steps to address these this week? [01:30]
2. The sermon emphasized active participation in God's plan rather than spectating. In what areas of your life have you been more of a spectator? How can you become a proactive participant? [07:22]
3. Worshiping God involves fixing our eyes on His beauty and majesty. What practical steps can you take to deepen your worship experience, both personally and in community? [11:21]
4. Welcoming people home is a key aspect of our faith. Think of someone in your life who feels distant from God. How can you extend a welcoming invitation to them this week? [16:39]
5. Being a witness for Jesus means sharing your story. What is one specific way you can share your testimony with someone this week? [22:01]
6. Doing good work is part of our calling. Identify one area in your life (work, community, home) where you can intentionally do good work this week. What steps will you take to ensure it glorifies God? [23:52]
7. Hearing and doing the Word is crucial. What is one specific teaching from the Bible that you have struggled to put into practice? How can you start applying it in your life this week? [29:18]
This guide is designed to help your small group engage deeply with the sermon and apply its teachings to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and support each other in taking tangible steps towards growth in faith.
Devotional
Day 1: Throw Off Hindrances and Sin
Description: Hebrews 12 encourages us to identify and discard anything that hinders our walk with God. Sin easily entangles us, often without our intention, leading us into regretful situations. By throwing off these hindrances, we can run our race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This act of shedding unnecessary burdens is not just a one-time event but a continuous process of self-examination and repentance. It requires us to be vigilant and proactive in recognizing the things that pull us away from our relationship with God. [01:30]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one specific hindrance or sin in your life that you need to throw off today? How can you take a concrete step to remove it and fix your eyes on Jesus?
Day 2: Active Participation, Not Spectating
Description: The imagery of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses reminds us that we are not here to watch but to run the race set before us. We are called to be proactive participants in God's plan, not mere spectators. This involves worshiping God, welcoming others, and being witnesses of what Jesus can do. Our faith journey is not a passive experience but an active engagement with God's mission for our lives. We are encouraged to take ownership of our spiritual growth and contribute to the community of believers. [07:22]
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in your faith journey today? How can you move from being a spectator to a participant in God's plan?
Day 3: Worship and Welcome
Description: Worshiping God means fixing our eyes on His beauty and majesty, allowing His grace to captivate our hearts. Welcoming people home involves inviting others into the family of God, just as Christ welcomed us without requiring us to clean ourselves up first. This creates a hospitable environment where everyone feels valued and loved. Worship and welcome go hand in hand, as our worship of God should naturally lead us to extend His love and grace to others. [11:21]
Romans 15:7 (ESV): "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."
Reflection: How can you create a welcoming environment for someone in your life today? What specific actions can you take to make them feel valued and loved?
Day 4: Doing Good Work
Description: We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. This means using our talents and opportunities to serve others, whether in our jobs, communities, or homes. Good work is not about pride but about being helpful and glorifying God through our actions. Our daily tasks and responsibilities become acts of worship when done with the intention of serving others and honoring God. [23:52]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What is one good work you can do today to serve someone in your community? How can you use your talents to glorify God through this action?
Day 5: Hearing and Doing the Word
Description: James 1:22 urges us to not merely listen to the Word but to do what it says. This involves being quick to listen, getting the Word into our hearts and minds, and putting it into practice. By doing so, we build our lives on a firm foundation that stands strong even in the storms of life. Hearing and doing the Word requires intentionality and commitment, as it is through our actions that our faith is truly demonstrated. [29:18]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: What is one specific teaching from the Bible that you can put into practice today? How can you be a doer of the Word in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "How many things right now in your life have you been kind of playing games with a little bit? You've got some pets that really you could throw off some little pet sins, you know, some, some little things that you've been identifying for a long time. You know, this really doesn't help me in my relationship with God. In fact, it hinders me and only you know about it, but it says, Hey, you know, eventually we get to a place in point where it's like, if you want to move forward, we got to, throw some things off." [01:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He says, let us run with perseverance. The race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer or the author, the pioneer and perfecter, of our faith for the joy set before him. This is why we fix our eyes on Jesus. This is why we look to Jesus in every moment and situation of life on this journey is because he is the author and the finisher, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith and who, for the joy set before him, what did he do? He endured the cross." [03:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I am not here to be a spectator of life I am here to run the intentional race that God has set before me I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am here to run as a proactive participant in the plan and purposes of God I am know we're missing out on four out of five that's right right that's that's the right fraction right" [07:22] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I'm here to worship God to fix my eyes on God on Jesus because of his beauty his majesty his grace that captivates my mind and imagination and captures my heart and affections that I do not want to look off to the side at any other because of how great and mighty he is I'm here to worship God now what I also want to do in the context of this sermon today is take just a hair of liberty not as though that I'm preaching something that is heretical but this is not all in Hebrews chapter 12 in these first three verses but I also want for us to understand this in the context of when we gather I'm here to worship God" [11:21] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm here to welcome people home when we meet Jesus when he welcomes us in to the family of God the rest of our race running is about us welcoming people who are outside outside of the arena and bringing them in letting them know there is room here in fact look at what the Bible says in Romans chapter 15 verse seven says therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you how are you to welcome or invite other people in the way that Christ welcomed you in how did he welcome you in did he require you to clean yourself up pick yourself up change everything about you before he would welcome you in no does anybody know him in the building he didn't require that of me he's just like I'm gonna take you as you are I'm going to forgive you I'm going to make you new it's not left up to you to fix it and forgive yourself thank God he welcomed us in as we are I'm here to welcome people home" [14:37] (96 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I'm here to be a witness for what Jesus can do look at Acts chapter 1 verse 8 what Jesus says just before he ascends but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth I'm here you're here to be a witness for what Jesus can do the word of witness here is not of the spectator variety it is of the variety of being called into a courtroom to be able to testify on account of what it is that you have seen and heard that's what a witness is and to be a witness of Jesus is to be a walking breathing living testimony of this is what I have seen Jesus do in my life this is what I have heard from him I am going to tell you through my life through my words and my actions of the goodness of God I'm here to be a witness of what it is that Jesus can do and you have if you know Jesus you have a beautiful story of what it is that he has done in your life you have a beautiful story I know that you can have the tendency to think because it's your story that it's a boring story or it's a common story but there's nothing common about the salvation that Jesus has brought" [22:01] (103 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I'm here to do good work Paul writes this in Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10 he says for we are God's handiwork I love that we're God's handiwork you are God's masterpiece you are God's masterpiece his workmanship he has carefully crafted you meticulously made you recreated you in Christ Jesus you are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus for what to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do I need for you to understand that when God gets his hands on a person when God gets his hands on a person who receives Jesus and he becomes the potter and we become the clay and he starts to work on us shaping us and forming us more into the image and likeness of Jesus he prepares you for a good work and he prepares a good work for" [23:52] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I'm here to hear and do the word James in chapter 1 says be quick to listen to the word of God and then he says a few verses later in James 1 22 do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves do what it says and the way James 1 22 do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves do what it says and the way works is I like to reverse engineer stuff so I'm like okay I need to be a doer of the word I think is how the KJV says it and how I memorize it because at that church I went to when I was in high school that's the first Bible that they gave me and I looked at it and I thought dear God following you is going to be harder than I thought because I don't know who thou is I'm several chapters in like who is thou thou I've never heard of thou thou shall thou who is thou that sometimes it's God and sometimes it's me thou I'm so confused anyway some of you are like I have no idea what you're talking about church problems you know if you if you've grown up in those environments a lot to sort through sometimes I am here to ultimately become a doer of the word but in order for me to be a doer of the word reverse engineer it I must first be a listener to the word I must first hear it I'm around people so often who want to put into practice" [29:18] (97 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I'm here to follow the way John's Gospel, chapter 14, verse 6. Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I'm the way. I'm the way. Jesus says, I'm the way. He lays out for us that on this journey, on this race that we run, He is the one that we fix our eyes on. Yes, He is the one who outlines the path for us. In which even when we do not know where to go. And sometimes even lose sight of where He is and feeling close to Him. He's the way. He is the way." [32:46] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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