Running the Race of Faith Together

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of starting anew, especially in our youth. We are filled with zeal and passion, but as life progresses, responsibilities increase, and our willingness to take risks for the Kingdom diminishes. This pattern is not biblical. Instead, we should be growing in our faith, taking greater steps of faith as we age, not retreating into safety. The challenge is to live a life that sprints towards the finish line, growing stronger in faith with each passing year.

Marriage and family should not be seen as hindrances to our spiritual journey but as opportunities to run the race together. When we focus on the mission God has given us, rather than solely on family, we create a bond that is unbreakable. Our ultimate goal should be to stand before God with our loved ones, having lived a life of faith and sacrifice, knowing it was all worth it.

The story of Ray, a man struggling with his faith, highlights the importance of being secure in God's love. Many of us, like Ray, believe in the facts of the gospel but struggle to feel secure in God's love. This insecurity can lead to striving for something we already have—God's grace. We must rest in the assurance that God loves us deeply, not because of our works, but because of what Jesus did on the cross.

The scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prays in agony, is a profound demonstration of God's love. Despite Jesus' plea to avoid the cross, it was the Father's will to crush Him for our sake. This act of love is unparalleled and should be the foundation of our security in God's love.

We are called to live with the freedom that comes from knowing our debt is paid, and we have the riches of heaven. This freedom allows us to take risks for the Kingdom, knowing we are secure in Christ. Our lives should be a testament to the immeasurable riches of God's grace, living not out of insecurity but out of the joy and freedom of being loved by God.

Key Takeaways:

- Growing in Faith: Our faith journey should be one of continuous growth, taking greater risks for God as we age, rather than retreating into safety. This is a call to live a life that sprints towards the finish line, growing stronger in faith with each passing year. [02:38]

- Marriage and Mission: Marriage and family should be seen as opportunities to run the race of faith together, focusing on the mission God has given us. This creates a bond that is unbreakable and leads to a life of faith and sacrifice. [06:23]

- Security in God's Love: Like Ray, many of us struggle to feel secure in God's love, leading to unnecessary striving. We must rest in the assurance that God loves us deeply, not because of our works, but because of what Jesus did on the cross. [19:02]

- The Agony in the Garden: The scene in the Garden of Gethsemane is a profound demonstration of God's love. Despite Jesus' plea to avoid the cross, it was the Father's will to crush Him for our sake, showing unparalleled love. [32:12]

- Living with Freedom: We are called to live with the freedom that comes from knowing our debt is paid, and we have the riches of heaven. This freedom allows us to take risks for the Kingdom, living not out of insecurity but out of joy and freedom. [44:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Prayers for the Congregation
- [00:22] - Laying a Foundation
- [01:12] - Taking Risks for the Kingdom
- [02:01] - Growing in Faith
- [04:19] - Marriage as a Race
- [06:23] - Running Together
- [08:03] - Happily Ever After
- [10:01] - Vision of Standing Before God
- [12:40] - Praying for a Foundation
- [17:08] - Ray's Story
- [19:02] - Security in God's Love
- [27:11] - The Agony in the Garden
- [32:12] - The Father's Will
- [44:24] - Living with Freedom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 14:32-36
2. Isaiah 53:10
3. Ephesians 2:4-10

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 14:32-36, what emotions does Jesus express in the Garden of Gethsemane, and how does He address God in His prayer? How does this scene demonstrate His humanity and submission to the Father's will? [29:50]

2. According to Isaiah 53:10, what was the Father's will regarding Jesus, and what purpose did it serve? How does this passage highlight the depth of God's love for humanity? [32:12]

3. Ephesians 2:4-10 describes the transformation believers undergo through God's grace. What are the key elements of this transformation, and how does it contrast with our previous state? [40:33]

4. The sermon mentions Ray's struggle with feeling secure in God's love. What does this reveal about the common challenges believers face in understanding their identity in Christ? [19:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-36) illustrate the tension between human desire and divine will? What can believers learn from Jesus' example of submission? [29:50]

2. Isaiah 53:10 states that it was the Father's will to crush Jesus. How does this act of sacrifice redefine our understanding of love and justice in the context of the gospel? [32:12]

3. Ephesians 2:4-10 emphasizes salvation by grace through faith. How does this passage challenge the notion of earning God's favor through works, and what implications does it have for a believer's daily life? [41:02]

4. The sermon discusses the importance of growing in faith and taking risks for the Kingdom. How does this concept align with the biblical call to live by faith and not by sight? [02:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current stage in life. Are you taking fewer risks for the Kingdom as you age, or are you growing in faith and boldness? What steps can you take to ensure your faith journey is one of continuous growth? [02:38]

2. In what ways can you view your marriage or family as a partnership in running the race of faith together? How can you shift your focus from family as a hindrance to family as a mission? [06:23]

3. Like Ray, do you struggle with feeling secure in God's love? What practical steps can you take to rest in the assurance of God's grace and love for you? [19:02]

4. How does the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane impact your understanding of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice? How can this understanding deepen your relationship with God? [32:12]

5. Ephesians 2:4-10 speaks of living with the freedom that comes from knowing our debt is paid. How can you apply this freedom in your daily life, especially in taking risks for the Kingdom? [44:24]

6. Consider the concept of "playing with house money" as described in the sermon. How can this mindset of security in Christ influence your decisions and actions in your faith journey? [44:24]

7. Identify one area in your life where you feel insecure or strive for approval. How can you surrender this area to God and trust in His love and grace? [49:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Growth in Faith
Our journey of faith is not meant to be static or regressive. As we age, we should be taking greater steps of faith, not retreating into safety. This is a call to live a life that sprints towards the finish line, growing stronger in faith with each passing year. The zeal and passion of youth should mature into a deeper, more courageous faith that is willing to take risks for the Kingdom. This growth is not just about personal development but about trusting God more fully and stepping out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. [02:38]

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a greater step of faith? How can you begin to act on this today?


Day 2: Marriage and Family as a Mission
Marriage and family should be seen as opportunities to run the race of faith together, focusing on the mission God has given us. When we prioritize the mission over the family, we create a bond that is unbreakable, leading to a life of faith and sacrifice. This perspective shifts the focus from merely maintaining family life to actively engaging in God's work together. It encourages couples and families to see their relationships as a platform for ministry and service, strengthening their bond as they pursue God's purposes together. [06:23]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you and your family or spouse intentionally pursue God's mission together this week? What practical steps can you take to align your family life with God's purposes?


Day 3: Resting in God's Love
Many of us, like Ray, struggle to feel secure in God's love, leading to unnecessary striving. We must rest in the assurance that God loves us deeply, not because of our works, but because of what Jesus did on the cross. This security in God's love frees us from the need to earn His grace and allows us to live in the joy and freedom of being loved by God. It is a call to stop striving for what we already have and to embrace the peace that comes from knowing we are fully accepted and loved by our Creator. [19:02]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself striving for God's love and acceptance? How can you remind yourself of the truth of God's unconditional love for you today?


Day 4: The Agony in the Garden
The scene in the Garden of Gethsemane is a profound demonstration of God's love. Despite Jesus' plea to avoid the cross, it was the Father's will to crush Him for our sake, showing unparalleled love. This act of sacrifice is the foundation of our security in God's love and should be the basis of our faith. It reminds us of the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to redeem us. Understanding this love compels us to live lives that reflect the sacrificial love of Christ. [32:12]

"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'" (Matthew 26:39, ESV)

Reflection: How does the knowledge of Jesus' sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane impact your understanding of God's love for you? How can you live out this sacrificial love in your relationships today?


Day 5: Living with Freedom
We are called to live with the freedom that comes from knowing our debt is paid, and we have the riches of heaven. This freedom allows us to take risks for the Kingdom, living not out of insecurity but out of joy and freedom. It is an invitation to live boldly, knowing that our identity and worth are secure in Christ. This freedom is not just for our benefit but is meant to be a testament to the immeasurable riches of God's grace, drawing others to the love and freedom found in Him. [44:24]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are not living in the freedom Christ has given you? What steps can you take to embrace this freedom and live boldly for the Kingdom today?

Quotes

We should be growing in every area of our faith I hear about what you're doing right now and I hear some stories about what's going on these campuses and what I began to pray for you tonight during worship was like oh god would this be the generation that does not go backwards could this be the first generation a long time that actually grows in their faith and takes bigger steps of faith every year. [00:02:40]

I mean why is it that we take fewer risks the older we get don't you see I'm 46 years old and I'm thinking man I'm getting closer to seeing the face of god so if there's a time to get radical and make some insane choices it would be now my faith after seeing god work over the years should be greater now to where I can take greater risks. [00:02:09]

I have this vision of one day like standing before god and seeing my wife and seeing my five kids I have this vision of us standing before god and they're not going to be my wife and my kids anymore but now I'll know them I'll probably even know them deeper because I'll no longer have my sin it'll be a closer relationship but it's no longer father daughter son or anything it's just all of us before god. [00:09:50]

I want you to have that picture in your mind because some of you are making decisions in the next couple of years of who you're going to run this race with and not everyone has that mindset not everyone's thinking about that finish line not everyone's looking at life as this race and that there's actually something we're supposed to do on the earth. [00:06:16]

I know you go to our worship services I know you sing I know you pray and but and don't give me the answer you think I want to hear right now please I've always been real with you be real with me do you at the core of your being do you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of god that he died on the cross for you to pay for your sins that true belief in him will give you this eternity that he rose from the grave and he will put his spirit in you. [00:19:02]

I had a feeling that you weren't really secure in your relationship with god because when you are so secure that the god of the universe is looking at you and going I love you then all these little things they're not going to bother you so much you put up with it when there's a security but you don't have that because no I don't and I'm going to pray for you because it's a gift from god this kind of faith the bible says is a gift from god a free gift from god. [00:19:44]

The scene in the Garden of Gethsemane is a profound demonstration of God's love. Despite Jesus' plea to avoid the cross, it was the Father's will to crush Him for our sake, showing unparalleled love. This act of love is unparalleled and should be the foundation of our security in God's love. [00:32:12]

I believe that that's the way god wants us to live our lives like you know what you're just playing with house money now you have no debt he paid it off you've got all the riches in heaven right you got everything going and so now life is you know what I'm going to try to start this bible study on campus ah no one came all the way it doesn't matter we just take risks and sometimes it hits and it's just like wow look at this revival's happening I just let it go to the lord. [00:44:24]

I want you to talk to them in the right spirit of man you'll never believe what god did for me you'll never believe how he changed my heart and now I have these desires that come from him and it's from the inside out because I'm so loved by god and filled with him and you I want this for you so badly rather than going back with some sort of insecurity like you're trying to make up for something you did in the past and you're earning something that gives you the glory rather than him. [00:47:17]

I am so sorry I am so sorry there I go again running after something pursuing something like that prodigal son thinking well maybe if I'm a slave for a while and and I'll earn his grace back it's like are you kidding me you can't earn this it's something god gives to you and he wants us tonight to just rest in that and go god you really went through all that for me I'm not going to try to add anything to that I don't want to be found in my own righteousness. [00:38:10]

I pray that a spirit of rest would just fall on this room humble us god get us out of this arrogant earning striving and help us to believe your love help us to rest and just taste it right now and we taste your gospel the god of the universe it was your will to crush him as a guilt offering just so that you could blow us away by your graciousness. [00:52:50]

I pray that they keep running two days ago I was in my office and uh I get a text and it says uh come downstairs we need your help and I I work um I we started this discipleship home for guys that have come out of rehab and guys are coming out of prison where they bunk up with mentors and they live like a family because I believe some of the greatest leaders are coming out of prison right now and some of the greatest leaders have hit rock bottom and they're just hungry and they're going man I'll do anything and I'm seeing it. [00:15:32]

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Transcript
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