2020-05-24 

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Key Verse: Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” 

Psalm 107:28-32 (NKJV) “Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders.” 

All of us have, at certain points, been completely overwhelmed by this thing called life. There are moments when giving up seems to be the better plan than staying the course. Last week, we had a clear sermon on the importance of never giving up. In these coming weeks, we’re going to spend some time focusing on our journey, which can be much like a race. We’re going to focus on the importance of running the race to victory. 

But, before we begin, we need to be encouraged by the ending. 

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanksbeto God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ 

So, now that we know what the ending looks like, let’s talk about the importance of the journey. 

Heb 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of ourfaith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

The Elements of the Race 

1. Remove 

Vs 1b - …let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us… 

• No race has ever been won without removing that which slows us down 
• In order to win the race, we must set aside the things in life which will keep us from the race 
• Sin, self, sloth 

2. Renew 

Vs 2a - looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of ourfaith… 

• Running the race requires energy 
• Tapping into the presence of Christ in our lives 
• God has given the Holy Spirit to keep us moving forward 

3. Return 

Vs 2b - …who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

• We must be encouraged by the prize 
• Jesus has given us the great hope of Heaven 
• There’s a reason we don’t quit… 

Phil. 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus