Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1. LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us..."
There is a difference between a “weight" and "sin"
i) A weight is something which in itself is harmless; it may even be legitimate. To others it may be harmless but to you it is a hindrance and an impediment.
Whatever slows you down, whatever hinders speed must be discarded.
Whatever tempts you to walk when you should run, whatever tempts you to loiter when you should haste...that is weight. It could be a habit, a hobby, a lifestyle, a friendship, an association.
ii) Anything that has more of you than Jesus does has to go if you are to run well!
Whatever is slackening your progress in the spiritual life; fulfilling God's will in your life must go.
Life, circumstances and sometimes the enemy overload us with extra baggage in this race. The burdens from the Lord are light and easy (Matthew 11:28-30).
iii) Some things in life may not stop you but they will slow you down.
If the enemy cannot totally stop your progress, he will settle for second best…slow you down.
If he can weigh you down enough to finish last or second last he has won at least a partial victory.
c. Years ago the pace of life was different. You could miss a bus, a train or a plane but you could recover more quickly and re order your schedule with no major hindrances or loss.
Time is of the essence! Satan has made it his priority to keep the saints of God from their priorities.
Ephesians 5:15, 16
Daniel 7:25 “…wear out the saints of the Most High…”
B. "...and the sin..."
Not just "sin" but "the sin". That which seemingly clings to us
2. RUN WITH PATIENCE "...let us run with patience..."
a. The race for your life can only be run with patience.
Job 14:1
"Man that is born of a woman Is of few days, and full of trouble."
John 16:33
these things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
It cannot be run in any other way, but with patience.
Now, the word "patience" means "endurance". It means settling in for the long-haul..
I AM IN THIS RACE TO THE FINISH COME WHAT MAY
It carries the idea of commitment to the race in spite of the obstacles or the difficulties.
b. Spiritually it is easier to sit when under stress, to lie down with disappointment and patiently wait for the storm to cease.
But the patience spoken of here is the type keeps running under stress, with a heavy heart, with disappointment, with lack, with need.
3. RUN THE RACE SET BEFORE YOU “the race that is set before us.”
i) Each of us run our own race. I can't run your race and you can't run my race.
ii) We are not in competition, but we are on the same team! My job isn't to outrun you, my job is to run for Jesus, the race that He has planned for me to the best of my ability.
iii) Our course has been individually designed! The race you are running has been prepared just for you. The grace to run your lane is different from mine. The best thing we can do is run our race in our lanes to the best of our God-given ability.
4. LOOKING UNTO JESUS "Looking unto Jesus..."
a. Notice despite the many witnesses surrounding us, the Spirit of God reminds us to look to Jesus. Men and women of faith serve as good inspiration and encouragement, but always look higher up to Jesus. Because can fail.
b. Look away from past failure and success; away from human applause and blame. Do not look now and again, but acquire the habit of looking always.
Isaiah 45:22 "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.”
b. “...the author and finisher of our faith…is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”
He has sat down indicating the work is complete, the battle has been won. We know the results before the race ends. Jesus has Fixed Our Race For Us
You cannot lose!
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Pastor Fred Wantaate is the Senior Pastor Full Gospel Church Makerere https://www.facebook.com/MakerereFullGospelChurchRUN FOR YOU LIFE
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