Notes
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:14
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Hebrews 12:1-3
How can we thrive in our faith? It comes from running to win with the knowledge that there is an eternal prize at the end of the race. God desires not just for you to start your faith journey, but to finish it well. He calls us to keep going and not quit when things get tough.
1) Role Models
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
Hebrews 11:4
Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel.
When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
Genesis 4:2-7
It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
Hebrews 11:7
It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.
Hebrews 11:24-26
Look at the role models around you and let their lives inspire you. Hebrews shows many people who lived by faith—read about them, let their stories motivate you, like Abel bringing his first and best, showing the motivation of his heart; Noah obeying God and trusting His warning about events he’d never seen; and Moses keeping his focus on the eternal reward instead of earthly treasures.
2) Downsize
Running well requires discipline. Take inventory of your life and shed what weighs you down. Don’t become BUSY—Being Under Satan’s Yoke—or let anger, pride, or other sins hold you back. Identify what trips you up and remove it. Allow the Spirit to guide and strengthen you to overcome sin.
3) Focus
Fix your eyes on Jesus and the endurance He displayed. He faced the cross with joy, knowing His sacrifice would bring salvation to those who believe in Him. When you feel tempted to give up, remember His love, mercy, and perseverance. Let His example give you strength to keep going.
4) Discipline
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child. ” … No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Hebrews 12:5-6, 11
Discipline is an essential part of growth. God corrects us out of love. Discipline is painful at the moment but yields a harvest of righteousness for those who accept it. Trust that God’s discipline is for your good. His ways are higher than yours, and He is shaping you to live a life of faith.
Group Questions
- What “weights” or distractions slow down your faith? How can you set them aside?
- Which biblical figure inspires you most, and why?
- What practical steps can you take to “downsize” your life and focus on God?
- What does “keeping your eyes on Jesus” look like in your daily life?
- How has God’s discipline shaped you in the past?
Prayer
Thank you for calling us to run the race of faith and giving us examples of endurance through your Word. Help us to remove the weights that hold us back and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.