Win the Race!Hebrews 12:1-2

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Introduction

The Christian life is often compared to running a race: 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1

The New Testament speaks of victory and gaining the prize: 1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Jn. 5:4; Phil. 3:14

In these analogies of athletics and contests, God’s word sets forth the guidelines for spiritual success so we may win “the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).

Win the Race!

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❶Properly enter the race

You can’t just show up and race in the Indy 500! 2 Tim. 2:5

Obedience to the gospel essential to qualify for the race: Jn. 8:24; Acts 17:30; Matt. 10:32-33; Mk. 16:16

By obedience we enter Christ qualifying for the race set before us: Gal. 3:27Win the Race!

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❷Lay aside all hindrances

Win the Race!

Cannot successfully run the race burdened with sin!

We are new creatures in Christ! 2 Cor. 5:17 Must “walk in newness of life”:

Rom. 6:4 Must “lay aside every weight

and…”: Heb. 12:1 Must “lay aside all filthiness…

and”: Jas. 1:21 Must heed Paul’s commands: 2

Tim. 2:4; Col. 3:5-10

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❸ Exercise self-control in all things

Win the Race!

Self-control not a popular concept in today’s society.

In sports self-control is called being “in training” and “staying in shape.”

Self-control requires dedication, commitment, endurance and self-discipline: 2 Tim. 2:3; 1 Cor. 9:27

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❹ Run the race with patience

Win the Race!

The Christian race is not a sprint; it’s a marathon, an endurance race: Heb. 12:1

Many begin with vigor and zeal, but fade before reaching the finish line.

Perseverance is essential! Rom. 5:3-4; 2 Pet. 1:6

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❺ Run as if we’re the only one to be crowned

Win the Race!

Recall what Paul said about himself? 1 Cor. 9:24

We must continue to press forward: Phil. 3:14

Be thankful for God’s strengthening! Eph. 1:15-23

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❻Make every effort count

Win the Race!

Recall what Paul said about himself? 1 Cor. 9:26

Beware of detours and wasted motion, we must use our time wisely: Jas. 4:14

Imagine being guaranteed a billion dollars IF you followed good advice! Matt. 16:26

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❼Strive lawfully

Win the Race!

Recall what Paul said? 2 Tim. 2:5

Every sport has its own set of rules and referees to enforce those rules: 2 Jn. 9-11; Phil. 3:18

We also cannot win the race if we cause others to stumble: Matt. 18:6-7

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❽Keep our eyes on the goal

Win the Race!

Recall what the Hebrew writer said? Heb. 12:1-2

No race was ever won by looking back and living in the past.

We can be easily diverted from our course if we don’t keep our eyes fastened firmly on the finish line: Phil. 3:12-14

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❾Pray to God for strength

Win the Race!

Help is only a prayer away: Eph. 6:18

When praying we must: Ask in faith: Jas. 1:5-8

Be persistent: Lk. 18:1-8

Pray with thanksgiving: Phil. 4:6

The result: Phil. 4:7

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❿Finish the course

Win the Race!

Who wins the Indianapolis 500?Can’t win the Christian race if we

quit half-way through; intentions do not equal completing the race.

Winning requires: Effort: Phil. 2:12

Determination: 1 Cor. 15:58

Perseverance: 2 Tim. 3:10

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Conclusion

Win the Race!

If we follow God’s way for success we can be winners in the greatest race!

Let us live the life of a faithful Christian so we can win the race!

Are you in the race?!