Running the Race: Embracing God's Unique Purpose
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that our lives are akin to a race, a journey with a divine purpose and a unique path set before each of us. We began by reflecting on the awe-inspiring presence of God, who is with us wherever we gather in His name. This realization should fill us with wonder and gratitude, reminding us of the incredible privilege we have to worship and serve a God who became flesh and dwelt among us, not as a mighty warrior, but as a humble child. This humility and love are what make our faith truly remarkable.
We delved into the teachings of Paul, particularly his exhortation in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, where he encourages us to run our race with the intention to win. This race is not a competition against others but a personal journey to fulfill God's unique purpose for our lives. Paul emphasizes the need for self-discipline, focus, and commitment, likening our spiritual journey to that of an athlete training for a championship. We are called to redefine ourselves, not by our physical attributes or worldly status, but by our spiritual identity in Christ.
The essence of our journey is commitment. Just as an airplane reaches a point of no return during takeoff, we must reach a point in our faith where there are no other options but to trust and follow God wholeheartedly. This level of commitment is often lacking because we have too many alternatives, but true faith requires us to eliminate these escape clauses and fully rely on God.
We also discussed the importance of intentionality in our walk with God. Life is not a series of reactions to circumstances but a purposeful pursuit of God's calling. We must train like champions, eliminating excuses and distractions, and keeping our eyes fixed on the prize that God has set before us. Our value lies in our originality and the unique path God has designed for us, not in mimicking others.
As we run this race, we are encouraged to let go of past wounds and sins, focusing instead on the joy set before us, just as Jesus did. Our journey is not without challenges, but with clarity, focus, and God-sized dreams, we can overcome and achieve the greatness for which we were created. Let us commit to running our race with passion and determination, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- The Presence of God: Embrace the awe of God's presence in our lives, recognizing that He is with us wherever we gather in His name. This should fill us with wonder and gratitude, reminding us of the privilege to worship a God who became flesh and dwelt among us. [37:07]
- Run Your Race: Our lives are a race with a unique purpose set by God. We are called to run with the intention to win, not competing against others but fulfilling God's purpose for us. This requires self-discipline, focus, and commitment. [01:01:18]
- Commitment Without Options: True faith requires reaching a point of no return, where we have no other options but to trust and follow God wholeheartedly. This level of commitment is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's promises. [01:05:47]
- Intentional Living: Life is not a series of reactions but a purposeful pursuit of God's calling. We must train like champions, eliminating excuses and distractions, and keeping our eyes fixed on the prize God has set before us. [01:13:42]
- Letting Go and Moving Forward: To run our race effectively, we must let go of past wounds and sins, focusing on the joy set before us. Our journey is not without challenges, but with clarity, focus, and God-sized dreams, we can overcome and achieve greatness. [01:34:21]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[37:07] - The Awe of God's Presence
[38:12] - The Remarkable Humility of God
[39:04] - The Word Became Flesh
[40:22] - Who is Jesus to You?
[51:04] - A Giving Church
[53:54] - The Race of Life
[01:01:18] - Redefining Ourselves
[01:02:16] - Living by the Spirit
[01:05:47] - Commitment Without Options
[01:09:25] - Your Unique Race
[01:13:42] - Intentional Living
[01:18:02] - Overcoming Challenges
[01:27:09] - Training Like a Champion
[01:34:21] - Letting Go and Moving Forward
[01:37:03] - Run to Win
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- John 1:1-5, 12-13
- Hebrews 12:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, what qualities does Paul say are necessary for running the race of life effectively? How does he compare this to an athlete's training? [01:01:18]
2. In John 1:1-5, 12-13, what is the significance of the Word becoming flesh, and how does this relate to our understanding of Jesus' humility and love? [39:04]
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to let go of certain things to run the race effectively. What are these things, and why are they important to release? [01:34:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the presence of God in our lives, and what should our response be to this presence? [37:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to run your race with the intention to win, as described in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27? How does this apply to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives? [01:01:18]
2. The sermon mentions the need for commitment without options. How does this concept challenge the way we typically approach our faith and decisions? [01:05:47]
3. How does the idea of intentional living, as discussed in the sermon, contrast with a reactionary lifestyle? What are the implications of living intentionally for a believer? [01:13:42]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest we redefine our identity in Christ, and why is this redefinition crucial for our spiritual journey? [01:01:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel you are not running with the intention to win? What steps can you take to change this? [01:01:18]
2. Consider the concept of commitment without options. Are there areas in your life where you have left room for escape clauses? How can you eliminate these to deepen your faith? [01:05:47]
3. Identify a past wound or sin that you need to let go of to run your race more effectively. What practical steps can you take this week to release it? [01:34:21]
4. How can you incorporate more intentionality into your daily life to align with God's calling? What specific actions can you take to eliminate distractions and excuses? [01:13:42]
5. Think about your spiritual identity. How do you currently define yourself, and how does this align with your identity in Christ? What changes can you make to better reflect your spiritual identity? [01:01:18]
6. Reflect on the presence of God in your life. How can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and gratitude for His presence in your daily routine? [37:07]
7. What is one God-sized dream you have for your life? How can you take a step towards pursuing it with clarity and focus this week? [01:34:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Awe of God's Presence
In the journey of life, recognizing the presence of God is foundational. Wherever believers gather in His name, God is there, offering His awe-inspiring presence. This realization should fill hearts with wonder and gratitude, as it is a profound privilege to worship a God who chose to become flesh and dwell among humanity. Unlike the expectations of a mighty warrior, God came as a humble child, embodying humility and love. This humility is what makes the Christian faith truly remarkable, inviting believers to reflect on the nature of God and the incredible opportunity to serve Him. [37:07]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of awe and gratitude for God's presence in your daily life, especially in moments of routine or busyness?
Day 2: Running Your Unique Race
Life is likened to a race, not in competition with others, but as a personal journey to fulfill God's unique purpose. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, encourages believers to run with the intention to win, emphasizing self-discipline, focus, and commitment. This race requires redefining oneself, not by physical attributes or worldly status, but by spiritual identity in Christ. The call is to pursue this race with intentionality, training like an athlete for a championship, and keeping eyes fixed on the prize set by God. [01:01:18]
"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." (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to focus on your unique race and eliminate distractions that hinder your spiritual growth?
Day 3: Commitment Without Options
True faith involves reaching a point of no return, where there are no other options but to trust and follow God wholeheartedly. This level of commitment is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's promises. Often, alternatives and escape clauses dilute faith, but believers are called to eliminate these and fully rely on God. Like an airplane reaching a point of no return during takeoff, faith requires a decisive commitment to trust in God's plan and purpose. [01:05:47]
"And Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.' And the people did not answer him a word." (1 Kings 18:21, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you have been holding back from fully committing to God. What steps can you take today to eliminate those escape clauses and trust Him completely?
Day 4: Intentional Living
Life is not merely a series of reactions to circumstances but a purposeful pursuit of God's calling. Believers are encouraged to live intentionally, training like champions by eliminating excuses and distractions. The focus should be on the prize that God has set before them, understanding that their value lies in their originality and the unique path God has designed. This intentionality requires clarity, focus, and a commitment to living out God's purpose with passion and determination. [01:13:42]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical change you can make in your daily routine to live more intentionally in alignment with God's calling for your life?
Day 5: Letting Go and Moving Forward
To run the race effectively, believers must let go of past wounds and sins, focusing on the joy set before them. The journey is not without challenges, but with clarity, focus, and God-sized dreams, they can overcome and achieve the greatness for which they were created. Just as Jesus focused on the joy set before Him, believers are encouraged to move forward with passion and determination, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. [01:34:21]
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What past wounds or sins are you holding onto that hinder your spiritual journey? How can you begin to let go and focus on the joy and purpose God has set before you today?
Quotes
"I recently read a story of a missionary serving in a Hindu nation. And his greatest foe was a man was the local Hindu scholar. And so this missionary, not knowing how to reach this man, gave him a challenge and offered him a New Testament with the challenge being just read it. Just read it. And the Hindu agreed to read it. And when he was done, he said, I find this story of truth remarkable. And the missionary said, the resurrection? No. The miracles? No. The missionary said, what is it that you find most remarkable? He said that your God would be born of flesh. And come into the earth, not as a reigning king, a warrior, but as a baby. He said that is truly remarkable. No God would do that." [00:37:58] (86 seconds)
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run but only one receives the prize so paul says actually the holy spirit says through paul run in such a way that you may win the holy spirit is instructing us don't just run give it everything you've got run in such a way that you are going to win this thing called life you're going to win this thing called your dream you're going to win this thing called your assignment verse 25 everyone who competes in the games exercises self -control in all things they then do it to receive a perishable wreath but we an imperishable verse 26 therefore i run in such a way as not without aim i box in such a way as not beating the air verse 27 but i discipline my body and make it my slave so that after i have preordained my life i will be able to run in such a way that i may not be able to run in such a way i preach to others i myself will not be disqualified" [00:54:26] (81 seconds)
"Most of the church sees themselves as natural people trying to be spiritual and we need to learn to redefine ourselves because you're not natural trying to be spiritual you are spiritual living in a natural world to impact it jesus said it this way he said that which is born of the flesh is and that which is born of the spirit is and we already read in the book of john that you're born not of the will of men not of the design of men but your birth the rebirth was a plan initiated by god and you and i those of us who have given our lives to christ we're not natural people but listen you ask most people who are you they're going to identify themselves either by their shape their gender their color or their net worth all of these are natural things" [00:58:27] (68 seconds)
"Because it's after we become fully committed and we are running in such a way as to win this thing that now suddenly we see him doing it. But we got to get to that place where there's no option. No plan B, no plan C, no plan D. I've had people ask me before, because my wife and I spent so many years as missionaries, why do I suppose you see miracles in places like Africa and India and other places? And an answer that's always really, really perturbed me, actually, it ticked me off, is when, without thinking about it, preachers will say, well, they got more faith. Really? I thought faith came by hearing. So how can somebody who's heard the gospel for the very first time have more faith than somebody who hears it? Every day of the week. I don't believe for a moment that it's because they have greater faith. I believe it's because they have less options." [01:07:33] (63 seconds)
"Everyone say, commit. We've got to be committed to whatever it is, whatever you put your hand to do, you do with some of your might. All of your might. Let's look at this next verse. Proverbs chapter 16, verse 3. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established. Commit to it. No turning back. I want to make four points on this. Number one, your race is real. Your race is real. Verse 26 of 1 Corinthians 9, out of the Passion Translation, Paul said, for that reason, I don't just run for exercise or box like one throwing aimless punches. Paul's saying, I just ain't out for a jog. I'm out to win this thing." [01:08:36] (57 seconds)
"Everyone is called to run. Every one of us. But the goal isn't to compete against others. It's to fulfill God's unique purpose for your life. And I can't stress this enough. Too many times we compare ourselves among ourselves and we begin to feel either superior or inferior based upon a position in the church. You're somehow more important if you stand on the stage behind the pulpit. Says who? Right? I mean, I read somewhere that Paul, in order to explain the body, looked at the physical body. And he said, you know, we got one body, but we got a lot of different body parts and thank God for it. Because if the whole body, if the whole body was a mouth. If the whole body was an eye, if the whole body was an ear. And Paul even went on to say, he said the parts that we really consider of less honor, we give them more honor. We clothe them. We decorate them." [01:09:44] (67 seconds)
"Run in such a way. Give it everything you've got. Be intentional that when you set out, you're going to run in such a way that your intention is to win this thing. And you know, winners are not those who started out the best. Winners are those who finished the best. But listen to this. Listen to this. Most of us have lived our lives not with intentionality, but by being reactionary. We adjust to whatever it is that happens. I've known preachers who would preach divine healing until a loved one died of a disease. And then suddenly they changed their whole theology, their whole approach. I've known people that believed God was good until something bad happened to someone that was good. And then suddenly they changed their whole theology, and then they changed what they believe in order to fit what happened. That's not commitment. That's being a reactionary." [01:12:51] (66 seconds)
"Peter Daniels, I don't want to, you've heard me talk about him before, an illiterate Australian who gave his life to Christ at a Billy Graham crusade and eventually became the wealthiest person in Australia. But he was a man of commitment. And one of the commitments he made is that he would run every day. I don't know how long, I want to say it was like 5 kilometers, 5K. I don't know for sure. But he made a commitment that he would run every day until his 80th birthday. And one day when he was sharing that, someone raised their hand and said, now Peter, what do you do if the weather's not nice? What do you do if it's raining? And from the stage, Peter scolded him and said, I made a commitment to run every day till I'm 80. What type of commitment would it be if I waited until the weather was right? What type of commitment would it be if I waited until the sun was shining?" [01:15:19] (62 seconds)
"Paul wrote these words, the Passion Translation. Though we experience every kind of pressure, we're not crushed. Hmm? At times, we don't know what to do. But quitting is not an option. Why? Because we're running this thing to win it. It doesn't mean we're never going to encounter something. There are going to be times you feel like you got kicked in the gutter. Someone promises you something and they don't come through for whatever reason. But what I'm trying to tell you is you don't change your prize. You don't change the goal because they failed. Peter, what do you do if it's raining out? I win. I run." [01:20:59] (46 seconds)
"Let us all advance together to reach this victory prize following one path with one passion. And now go with me to the book of Hebrews. Hebrews chapter 12. Verse 1. As for us, we have all these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound. Selah. There are some saints, they are still tied to the pain of that moment. The person that inflicted the pain has done moved on and forgot all about them because they've done hurt. Heard another hundred people since you. But we can't get past what they said. If we're going to run, we got to let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life's marathon race with passion and determination. For the path has already been marked out before us." [01:33:28] (76 seconds)
"Am I running my race with all my heart? Am I running my race with all my heart? With all my heart. What distractions are slowing me down? Eliminate the distractions. God hasn't called you to do a million things. He's called you to do one thing. How can I train better spiritually and emotionally? And then our call to action is this. Commit to running your race with passion this week. Just give it a try. Give it a week. You can do anything one step at a time. Just say this week, no distractions and I'm going to give it everything I've got. And then when the week is over, rinse and repeat. And pretty soon you will have two weeks of unbridled passion pursuing God, achieving what he birthed you to do. Then three, then four, then pretty soon you've got a year behind you where you have grown and you've grown and you've grown. In ways that blow people's minds. Amen?" [01:36:47] (76 seconds)
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