Running The Race

Run the Race

Scriptures

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we have an incorruptible one. 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.

(1 Corinthians 9:16-27 KJV)

 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we have an incorruptible one.

(1 Corinthians 9:19-25 KJV)

Run the Race

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.

(Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV)

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:1-2 AMPC)

cloud of witnesses

Run the Race

A few days ago, I had a dream about a racetrack. On this track, I saw two or three vehicles competing against each other. Our journey in life can be compared to this race. In both the letters to the Hebrews and 1 Corinthians, Paul describes how we are all running this race. We have the support of witnesses surrounding us, encouraging us and interceding on our behalf. These witnesses have already run this same race before us. These demonstrated great endurance, and their perseverance inspires us to continue running our own race with determination.

These witnesses are all on the Grand Stand of Faith> In the previous chapter of Hebrews, we see the list of all the heroes of faith, even from the beginning of creation. Paul writes about this in his letter to Timothy: -

6 For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit’s] release [from the body] is at hand, and I will soon go free.7 I have fought the good (worthy, honourable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.

8 [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and rcompense me on that [great] day—and not to mee only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return). 

(2Tim 4:6-8)

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit’s] release [from the body] is at hand, and I will soon go free.

7 I have fought the 

 (worthy, honourable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.

8 [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).

Running the Race

Running the Race

We are greatly encouraged in these scriptures to keep on running this race. Yet we are not able to do so without the direction, leading, guidance and strength of God's Holy Spirit! Every journey of life we face is before us. They are likened to a marathon or track race. Each has its starting and finishing line.

22 For such as are blessed of God shall [in the end] inherit the earth, but they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].

24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.