Hebrews 12:1-2

1. be determined to win - I Corinthians 9:24
1. great athletes have a great desire to win
1. if we want to win we will give our best
2. success or failure is the result of our determination
2. as Christians, we have a source of strength others don’t have
1. we have the Holy Spirit
2. we have Jesus Christ [I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me] - Philippians 4:13
3. just because we have this extra help does not mean that we will win
1. we must have a desire to win
2. every race has a goal or finish line - I Corinthians 9:26 (do you know God’s goal for your life)
3. we must know the goal, and be determined to reach it
4. characteristics of a determined athletes - I Corinthians 9
1. "run all" - give every ounce of energy possible - 24
2. "striveth" - to struggle, to endeavor to accomplish something - 25
3. "temperate" - rigid self-control - 25
1. a determined athlete is either training or running
2. during training an athlete can do as he pleases (personal liberty)
3. if the time for training is not used wisely, they will not do well in the race
5. for those that finish their course, there is a reward - 25 (incorruptible crown)
2. don’t be a quitter Philippians 3:13-14
1. the race we are in is not a 50 yard dash, but a long distance marathon
1. there will be many obstacles or test along the way (hills, rivers, rocky roads)
2. the difficulty of the test will vary - Jeremiah 12:5
2. Paul’s advice for those in the race
1. forget what is behind
1. we cannot change any of our past failures or mistakes
2. to dwell on them will cause us to become discouraged, and then quit
2. reach forth to what lies ahead
3. notice the simplicity of Paul’s life as he pressed toward the mark [this one thing I do -13]
1. Paul was not trying to please the world, and please God
2. he was not trying to gain glory on earth, and glory in heaven
3. he was not trying to be rich on earth, and rich in heaven
4. Paul had a very simple life, because he had only one goal (to be the best that he could be for Christ)
3. travel light - Hebrews 12:1 [every weight]
1. any object, desire, or activity that is not God’s will for us (careers, things, spouses)
2. far to many Christians are carrying far to many weights
3. those that carry the weight may eventually get to heaven, but there won’t be any reward
4. don’t get off course - Hebrews 12:1 [the sin which doth so easily best us]
1. we all have some pet sins that will often get us off course
2. notice that this sin "doth so easily beset us"
1. sin is a natural thing for the flesh (don’t think otherwise)
2. we must always be on guard, so that we do not do that which comes naturally (sin)
5. don’t get in a hurry Hebrews 12:1 [run with patience]
6. Jesus’ example for running the race - Hebrews 12:2
1. He was determined to win the prize [for the joy]
2. He overcame all obstacles [endured the cross, the shame]
3. He never quit, not even when the going got really tough [endured the cross]
4. He receive the reward [set down at the right hand of the throne of God]