Title: Hebrews 12:1-3 Race of Faith
Content: The race of faith (Hebrews 12: 1-3)
Bible writers often compared the Christian life to running. "Do you not know that all runners in the field run, but only one gets the prize? Run in the same way that you may win" (1 Corinthians 9:24), "When John finished his course... .” (Acts 13:25), “I am pursuing the reward of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14) “You ran well, and who stopped you from obeying the truth? "(Galatians 5:7), "I have finished my course" (2 Timothy 4:7)
The text also describes the Christian life as "running the race that is set before us...".
1. Many Witnesses
The writer of Hebrews introduced the faith life of the forefathers who lived before Christ came to this earth (the Old Testament era).
Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets, there are many other people of faith that I cannot list individually.
These are people who once worked hard on the race, but after finishing their race, they became witnesses and now they are cheering spectators around the racetrack, encouraging our run.
We will have to run well on the given path, realizing that the Sunjin is watching us.
2. Take it off
Athletes participating in the race should wear light clothing. The same is true of believers who are engaged in the race of faith. "Put off all heavy things and the sins that easily entangle us..."
(1) Heavy things: The worries and worries of the world are heavy. “Be careful with yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will come upon you unexpectedly like a trap” (Luke 21:34). The saints who are engaged in the race of faith must entrust all these heavy things to the Lord. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), “Praise be to the Lord, who carries our burdens daily, to God our salvation” (Psalm 68:19).
(2) Sin that is easy to bind: Sin is like a chain that binds our souls. “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). Those who are bound by sin cannot do well in the race of faith. When we are washed away from our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are freed from our sins.
“Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, that days of rejoicing will come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19)
3. Patience
“Let us run with patience the race set before us.”
No matter how well a runner runs, it's of no use if he doesn't finish it. The life of faith must be continued and continued until the coming of the Lord. You can't achieve it without patience. “You need patience, so that after you have done the will of God you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).
Foretelling the signs of the end times, Jesus said, "But those who endure to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).
4. Look to Jesus
(1) The author and perfecter of faith: It means Jesus, the leader of faith and the perfecter of faith.
Earlier, we introduced the faith of Sunjin, but they are not the state of our faith. Only Jesus can give us faith and fulfill that faith. you have to look at him
(2) Jesus carrying the cross: The cross is a death sentence that brings pain and shame, but Jesus endured the pain of the cross and did not care about shame. Those who run the race of faith must be able to bear pain and shame.
(3) He endured the rebellion of sinners: How many times religious leaders such as the scribes and Pharisees disobeyed the Lord, and the Lord was rejected by the innocent rebellious people. But the Lord prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
(4) Seated at the right hand of God: Jesus, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, is now sitting at the right hand of the throne of God.
He was glorified in suffering the cross for the joy that was set before him.
It is difficult to complete the race when the athlete feels tired or discouraged. But each time, you will have to work hard while looking at Jesus who has overcome hardships.
*Paul followed for the reward of God's high calling. And he said, "I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; from now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day..." We must also run with hope and persevere.