My 7/1/12AM sermon from Hebrews 12:1-2 entitled The Race of Endurance is now online. While there are many directions one could go in this rich passage, I tried to woodenly stick with the main idea which is running the race (of the Christian life) with endurance. I saw the text unfold three helps for running that race of endurance more effectively.
We run in Christian community. The cloud of witnesses surrounding us aren’t there watching us run as mere spectators. They are there to provide a clear witness through their lives that running with perseverance is worth it in light of who God is.
We are also to run unconstrained. We let go of whatever would hinder our enduring. Certainly sin can keep us from running well since it clings closely and hinders our stride. But there are other weights and burdens that can keep us from running the race with endurance as well.
Finally, and most important, we run focused on Christ. He’s the aim. He’s made the race even possible for dead ones like you and me. He’s trailblazed this race before, running His own race to the cross with joy, treating all the shame as a small thing compared to honoring His Father. His ruling at God’s right hand now, makes this race all the more thrilling.
You might need to get your head in the game and run. But today, be encouraged and equipped in God’s Word: He’s given you all that you need for life and godliness, all you need to run well.