Title: The Running Christian / Isaiah 40:31
Content * Text: Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 11:28-30
The Christian race is a marathon race with the ultimate goal of the kingdom of God. Every Christian must train hard to achieve the final victory in the race of faith.
The secret of victory taught in the book of Hebrews is that we must learn from the example of the forefathers who have historically won the race of faith (chapter 11). And we must run while taking Jesus Christ as our model, learning and observing, as our model, who is the greatest victor that has never been seen in the history of mankind.
Let me tell you about some of the requirements of the race of faith for victory.
First, you need to have good models and coaches.
The writer of Hebrews introduces Jesus Christ, the ultimate model and coach. We must learn the faith and patience of Christ as we look to Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. And you can be a good runner only by thoroughly obeying the words that Christ coaches you.
The runner of faith must put forth his best effort while looking at the exact goal. Therefore, we must run after looking only at Jesus, the ultimate goal (Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 12:2). If you look to Jesus Christ and learn to take up the cross of Christ, you will become a competent racer (Matthew 11:29).
Second, we must cast off heavy things and the sins that easily entangle us (Hebrews 12:2, Matt 11:28).
In order for an athlete to run well, he must throw away all unnecessary objects and wear light clothing. What are the unnecessary burdens for us to run the race of faith? These are the worldly greed, the pride of life, cares and worries, evil habits, and indolence, which are unnecessary to ascend to the kingdom of heaven. Above all else, a heavy burden is a sin burden. Things like the yoke of the law, negative thoughts and attitudes can be a burden.
Third, fervent encouragement from the audience is needed (Hebrews 12:1, Romans 12:8).
Every race must have a large audience as well as the athletes participating in the race. There are a lot of cheering people in the stands, so you can only play well if you encourage the players with enthusiastic applause. When players are of similar skill level, players who have people cheering for them in the stands will perform better.
God said that He would give strength by sending the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, for those who run diligently in faith. Countless ancestors who entered the kingdom of heaven by winning victory through faith sit in the grandstand and fervently support and encourage the saints who are running now. The ‘power of encouragement’ has the power to save the dying and restore the weary and weary (2 Corinthians 1:3-6, 7:7).
Fourth, we must race with patience and perseverance (Hebrews 12:1).
Marathon racing requires, above all, patience. Sometimes it is tempting to give up. If you listen to the secrets of success of successful people, you will find that it is because of perseverance rather than special talent. If we could express the life of faith in another way, we could say that it is a ‘life of perseverance’. What successful people have in common is good character, hard work, fighting spirit, sincerity, and perseverance.
Blessed are those who persevere according to the saying, ‘Learn the patience of Job’ (James 5:11).
When the early church members were severely persecuted, there were those whose foundations of faith were shaken, or those who looked back and regretted, and some were discouraged. The race of faith is like an athletic event, you must finish it to the end. We must persevere and run until we reach the kingdom of God.
By your perseverance you will win your souls (Luke 11:19).
conclusion. There are no persecutions today, but there are those who easily give up the race of faith even with the slightest trial. Also, one of the characteristics of modern people is that they lack the strength to wait patiently. There are many talented people, knowledgeable people, and rich people, but the real victory in life is practicing godliness every day and enduring to the end. You will receive the crown of final victory only when you look to Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of your faith, and keep your faith, keep the faith, and fight the good fight well until the end (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. A large crowd welcomed Jesus, but within a few days he turned into a mob crucifying Jesus. However, only a few people of sincere faith followed Jesus to the end. The Christian race ends in the kingdom of God. Only those who run to the end can receive the crown (2 Timothy 4:8).