Why Run the Race?
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TITLE: Why Run The Race?
SUBJECT: Passage
PROPOSITION: To discuss the three reasons the Hebrew writer gives for running the Christian race.
OBJECTIVE: To encourage to brethren to run the race with patience.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: 2 Timothy 4:7, 8
2. About the Text:
1) He finished.
2) He was rewarded.
3. Read: Heb.12:1
1) This race is our striving, our agony.
2) We must run this race with patience—“upomone.”
DISCUSSION: Why should we run the race?
I. We have such a great cloud of witnesses–our audience cheering us on!
1. Q: Who are they? A: God’s faithful. (Heb 11)
2. Q: What did they do? A: Chose to suffer rather than to enjoy pleasure for a season.
3. Q: Why did they do it? A: To attain the resurrection. (Heb 11)
II. We have the standard of greatness–the author and perfecter of the faith Jesus Christ.
1. Q: Who is he? A: The originator and finisher of the faith.
1) Acts 3:15–Prince of life
2) Acts 5:31–Prince and Savior
3) Heb.2:10–Captain of our salvation.
2. Q: What did he do? A: He endured!
1) Phil.2:5ff
2) From Palm Sunday to cross.
3. Q: Why did he do it? A: For the joy set before him.
1) John 10:18 “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”
2) Heb.7:27 “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.”
III. We have our trainer–God the Father–chastening us to perfection.
1. Q: Why must we be chastened?
1) A1: The scriptures teach it.
2) A2: A good Father chastens his Sons.
2. Q: What should our attitude be toward this chastening? A: Respect the father for his concern about our eternal life.
1) Psalm 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”
2) Psalm 119:71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
3) Romans 5:3-5 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
4) 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
3. Q: What are the results of chastening? A: Yield good fruits.
1) Luke 8:8 the seed that fell on good ground brought forth fruit.
2) Galatians 5:22,23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
CONCLUSION:
1. Go over main points.
2. Invitation