Focus on the Race

Focus on the Race

Sermon by Pastor Brent Snook / October 15, 2023

Series: FINISH!

Bible text: Hebrews 12:1-2

Review:

• Focus on time
• Focus on our growth and His glory

Read Hebrews 12:1-2

I. THE CROWD BEHIND US

The writer of Hebrews tells of people who have run the race that really matters

• Moses, Jacob, Sarah, Rahab, Joseph 

They are the crowd that ran behind us – and finished.

II. THE CHALLENGE WITHIN US

Read Hebrews 12:1

A. Distraction 

“Lay aside the weight”

Distractions come in all shapes and sizes

“Looking unto Jesus”

B. Destruction

“The sin that does so easily beset us”

Sin fascinates – then assassinates. Sin thrills – then kills.

Read Romans 13:13-14

III. THE COURSE BEFORE US

Read Psalm 15

A. Pillars

1. Self-honesty 
2. Uprightness and honor
3. FInancial carefulness
4. Short accounts
5. Temperance
6. Transparency

B. Perspective

Disillusionment or disenchantment can derail us from the Christian race

Read Psalm 72:2-3

The example of Asaph

“Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.  Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” – Winston Churchill

“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”  – The apostle Paul (1 Cor 9:26-27)

ARE YOU ON TARGET TO FINISH THE RACE?

Imagine the tears in heaven over lost rewards – because people lost focus of the race.