Run the Race Set Before You (Hebrews 12:1-4)
Gary McManus, 01/21/2024Part of the New Life series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
January 21, 2024 Hebrews 12:1-4
"Run the race set before you."
Pastor knows that he has preached on this passage
before--several times. Today we adjust our focus.
The sermon is about Pastor. . .AND about you, DCC.
Every other sermon message focused on the individual
running the race. And everything Pastor learned is still true.
There is also truth for churches.
First, 2 Timothy 4:6-8: “I have finished the race. . .”
The Apostle is contemplating his own death.
There was and is a “victor’s crown.”
Pastor is finishing his race here at DCC. . .he
is not finishing THE race. But the toughest part
of the race course has been at DCC.
Now, Pastor need only shepherd his own family.
Pastor knows it is the right time to retire:
He has not the strength to do what h did 20 years
ago, just as he cannot run races of twenty years ago.
Pastor finishes now before he collapses on the track.
Pastor celebrates with the Apostle; he has finished
this portion of his race.
It has always been the first goal; to finish. (Mark 13:13)
Running is an image of what spiritual life is like.
(Galatians 5:7)
Pastor wants you, DCC, to finish well.
You will be getting a new coach.
Running was and still is a test of strength and
endurance.
There are four reasons to quit a race and four
answers to keep you all in the race.
1.For fatigue, God’s rest
2.For weariness, the power of Jesus Christ
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
3.You can’t see the end, but God can;
trust Him (Hebrews 12:1-2)** (emphasis here)
4.Your expectations? It isn’t your race. (and here)
2 Timothy 4:6-8, you don’t decide
the race course--not even your own race course.
You/We are going to get weary in following Jesus. . .
you can count on it.
Some say that you can’t run the race.
Do you know the name of Roger Bannister?
Satan certainly tells us that we can’t do it.
Others may say that we can’t do it.
Some days, we tell ourselves that we can’t do it.
Roger Bannister had to doubt the doubters.
The Apostle’s instructions: 1 Corinthians 9:24,
2 Timothy 4:6-8.
The race is set before you.
It is difficult not knowing where or when the
race ends.
God can see the end of our race; trust the Lord your
God in Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Now, consider the images from Psalm 23.
See also Matthew 7:14, John 10:11.
to the end of your race course. (Matthew 28).
Pastor may not be with you to the end of your race
course but Jesus has promised to be with you to the end
of your race course. Look to Jesus, the founder and
perfecter of our faith.(Hebrews 12:2).
Amen.
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