Training for the Race of Faith
Summary
In our lives, we often find ourselves caught in the cycle of trying and failing, trying and failing. But today, I want to shift our focus from trying to training. Training implies a partnership with God, where we rely on His strength to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. It's about choosing what we want most over what we want now, and it requires discipline—a word that may seem daunting, but it's essential for growth and success in our spiritual journey.
We are all running a race, but not just any race—the race of faith. And in this race, it's not enough to simply sign up and stand on the sidelines. We must actively participate, train, and run according to the guidelines set before us by God. This means establishing a habit of applying God's Word daily to our lives, which will change not only how we live but also our very lives themselves.
To effectively train in the Word of God, we need to set a priority, find a place, and have a plan. Priority means making our time with God non-negotiable, placing it above all else. Our place is that specific spot where we meet with God without distractions, and our plan is the strategy we use to engage with Scripture—whether it's a reading plan, a devotional, or simply meditating on a single verse.
As we embark on this journey of training, we must also remember that our habits today are shaping our tomorrow. If we're not content with where we are, we must look at the habits that brought us here and make the necessary changes. This involves stopping certain habits that are hindering us and starting new ones that will propel us forward in our race.
Let us not be content with merely believing in Jesus but strive to follow Him, running the race according to His guidebook and plans. And for those who have not yet started this race, know that Jesus has already paid the entry fee for you. All that's left is for you to decide to run with Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Training in the Word of God is not optional for a follower of Jesus; it is essential. It is the guidebook for life, and without it, we navigate unnecessary pain. We must become disciplined in setting a priority, finding a place, and having a plan to study the Word of God. This discipline will lead to a life that is aligned with God's will and purpose. [01:07:37]
- Trying on our own strength is a form of denying God access to our lives. Training, on the other hand, is a partnership with God where we acknowledge our weakness and rely on His strength. This shift from trying to training is crucial for growth and success in our spiritual lives. [54:52]
- Our habits today are determining our tomorrow. If we are dissatisfied with where we are, we must examine our habits and make the necessary changes. This may involve stopping harmful habits and starting new, beneficial ones. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's plan and move towards a better future. [01:07:37]
- Everyone is running a race, but there are two finish lines: heaven and hell. It's not about how good we are, but whether we have surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ. We must choose to run the race that leads to eternal life with God. [01:18:33]
- The goal of our race is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. As followers of Jesus, this is our primary aim, and all our training should be directed towards this end. We must discipline ourselves and train to be effective witnesses of God's grace and love. [52:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
> "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 someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
2. Acts 20:24 (NIV)
> "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
> "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Run in such a way as to get the prize" in 1 Corinthians 9:24?
2. According to Acts 20:24, what is Paul's primary aim in life?
3. In Hebrews 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do in order to run the race marked out for them?
4. What are the three basic practices mentioned in the sermon that can help us apply God's Word daily? [01:00:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of running a race help us understand the Christian life and the need for discipline? [49:33]
2. What might it look like to "strike a blow to my body and make it my slave" in a spiritual context? [51:00]
3. Why is it important to have a specific place and plan for studying the Word of God, according to the sermon? [01:08:00]
4. How does the concept of training with God's strength differ from trying on our own strength? [54:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual habits. Are there any that you need to stop because they are hindering your growth? What new habits could you start to help you run your race more effectively? [01:16:02]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of having a priority, place, and plan for studying God's Word. What specific steps can you take this week to establish these in your daily routine? [01:00:55]
3. Think about a time when you tried to accomplish something on your own strength and failed. How can you shift from trying to training in partnership with God in that area of your life? [54:39]
4. The sermon mentioned that our habits today are shaping our tomorrow. What is one habit you can change today to align more closely with God's will for your life? [01:07:37]
5. How can you ensure that your spiritual training includes sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others? What practical steps can you take to be a more effective witness of God's grace and love? [52:17]
6. Identify a specific distraction that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What action can you take this week to minimize that distraction and fix your eyes on Him? [01:00:55]
7. The sermon mentioned that Jesus has already paid the entry fee for us to run the race. How does this truth impact your motivation and commitment to follow Him? [01:18:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Discipline Shapes Divine Alignment
Discipline in spiritual practice is not merely a suggestion; it is a cornerstone of a life lived in harmony with God's will. It is through the consistent and prioritized engagement with the Word of God that one's path aligns with divine purpose. Setting a priority means that time with God is not just another item on the to-do list; it is the list's foundation. Finding a place signifies creating a sacred space, free from the noise and distractions of the world, where one can commune with the Divine. Having a plan is about intentional engagement with Scripture, whether through structured reading plans or focused meditation on specific passages. This disciplined approach is not about legalism but about fostering a relationship with God that guides every aspect of life. [07:40]
"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
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside each day to prioritize your spiritual discipline, and what plan will you follow to engage with God's Word?
Day 2: Embracing Weakness to Harness Strength
The journey of faith is not a testament to human strength but a surrender to divine power. Acknowledging one's weakness is the first step in forming a partnership with God, where His strength becomes the driving force. This shift from trying to training is not about giving up effort but about redirecting it so that it is fueled by God's limitless energy rather than one's finite reserves. Training in this context is about spiritual exercises that build endurance and character, not to showcase one's prowess but to deepen reliance on God. It is in this divine partnership that true growth and success in the spiritual life are found. [54:52]
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to shift from trying to training, and how can you more fully rely on God's strength in those areas?
Day 3: Habits as Architects of Tomorrow
Today's habits are the blueprint for tomorrow's reality. If dissatisfaction clouds the present, it is often the habits of the past casting their long shadows. To step into a future aligned with God's vision, one must critically assess these patterns of behavior. This may require the cessation of detrimental habits and the cultivation of new, life-giving ones. It is through this intentional restructuring of daily actions that one moves closer to the life God intends, a life where every habit is a step towards a God-centered future. [01:07:37]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2
Reflection: What is one habit you need to stop and one you need to start to better align your daily life with God's will?
Day 4: The Eternal Race of Faith
Life is a race with eternal implications, and the finish line extends beyond the horizon of this world. It is not about the speed of the run or the accolades along the way but about the surrender to Jesus Christ, the one who has already secured entry for all. This race is not a solitary endeavor but a communal journey towards an everlasting communion with God. Choosing to run this race means setting one's sights on the eternal, living each day with the awareness that every action, every decision, is a step towards one of two eternal destinies. [01:18:33]
"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." - Hebrews 12:1
Reflection: How does the awareness of life as a race with eternal stakes influence your daily choices and actions?
Day 5: Witnessing Through Training
The ultimate goal of the faith race is not personal victory but the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. As followers, one is called to be a witness to the transformative power of God's love and grace. This requires disciplined training, not just in scriptural knowledge but in embodying the teachings of Jesus in every interaction and endeavor. The training is for the purpose of readiness—to be prepared to share the hope and joy found in Christ with a world in desperate need of both. [52:17]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Reflection: What is one way you can train to be a more effective witness of God's grace in your daily life?
Quotes
"It's way easier to be a believer in Jesus Christ than it is to be a follower of Jesus Christ and run the race of faith." [48:17](Download | )
"Stop trying and start training. I would encourage you to turn to 1 Corinthians chapter 9." [44:03](Download | )
"A habit of applying God's word daily will change the way you live. It will not only change the way you live, it will change your life." [01:00:51](Download | )
"Training means choosing discipline. It means disciplining yourself to say I'm not going to give in to what I want now because if I do, it's blocking what I want most." [01:03:52](Download | )
"Trying is you and I attempting to do life on our own in our own strength. Training is when we use God's strength to do what we know we cannot do on our own." [54:19](Download | )
"Every answer you're looking for, for every struggle you're facing is right here in God's word." [01:05:39](Download | )
"My habits today will determine my tomorrow. My habits today and your habits today are determining my tomorrow." [49:26](Download | )
"The primary goal for all of us is to show and share the gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone." [58:12](Download | )
"Everyone is running a race. There aren't multiple races. There's one race. And I think it's important to know that in this one race, there are two finish lines." [01:18:33](Download | )
"Stop praying for answers and results that you are not willing to train for." [01:06:48](Download | )
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