We all are in a race -- going toward the goal (Heaven). We should be getting stronger in our faith all time time so we end our race of faith stronger than we began.
Reminder from last week:
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[a] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." 2 Peter 1:5-7
What slows us down? Look again at Hebrews 12:1: "let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,"
Sin. SIn is a weight that will hinder us from running our races of faith.
What is one of the hardest places in the race? The middle of the race. Run with a constant pace. Don't slow down. Don't slack off or fall asleep.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Successful athletes are in training all the time. We, as Christians, need to be in spiritual training all the time.
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap." Luke 21:34
Don't get weighed down.
"You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" Galatians 5:7
And watch out! Satan wants to shut you up.
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10
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From The Great Dechurching by Davis and Graham:
More people have left the church in the last 25 years than all who came to Christ in the First Great Awakening, the Second Great Awakening and all the Billy Graham crusades combined.
Those who leave started well but didn't finish. Three categories:
Cultural Christians -- no understanding of the faith.
Evangelicals -- who found church inconvenient with their world view and couldn't find time.
Exvangelicals -- people who felt church wronged them.
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Relationship vs. Religion:
"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." Revelation 2:4-5
"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”" John 21:15
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
Get back in the race!
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:6-8
Pride is a big problem!
Consider!
"Consider (Jesus) who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Hebrews 12:3
The guy crossing the finish line is looking ahead to the finish line. Jesus never faltered in his race. He knew why he was sent. He was here to do the Father's Business.
FInsih strong!
"Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain." Philippians 2:16
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:13
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’" Matthew 25:23