“Running the Race Together”
Vision Message of 2022
Sermon Title: Running the Race Together
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Introduction:
Our journey of faith is characterized as running a race. We know that God has not called us to run the race alone.
Over the pandemic, we may have a myriad of experiences in our relationship with God: whether it has been reconciling our relationship with Him or drifting and feeling distant from Him - this year will be a year where we regroup and come back to the original mission, message, and calling of salvation.
Overview:
What does ‘Running the race together’ mean?
Partnering together to fulfil the call - Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” We are not alone.
The purpose of salvation: So often, we can forget our identity. Therefore, we do need to be reminded that we are witnesses of the Gospel. Our identity as players or runners for Jesus Christ means we are to take up our function: to be witnesses for Christ so that others outside the church may be able to see who is the Son of Man, who Christ is, and what the Gospel means.
There are various ways to be a player: praying for your servant leaders, interceding for one another, serving your church.
Having a common purpose and moving forward - Hebrews 12:2, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
We may forget the purpose: When our lives are busy, we may forget our purpose and direction for our race.
Pastor Jason points out the purpose is to run towards Jesus. We receive hope, joy, peace, and more when we run towards Him above other things.
When we hinge our purpose on other’s response towards us, we become discouraged.
We do this within church community, because then can we be held accountable. Pray, challenge, and remind one another to stay on the same page.
Encouragement to finish the race - Hebrews 12:3, “Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Encouragement in this way is an intentional way of pointing others to Jesus Christ. For our ultimate strength-giver is Jesus Christ. In these low times, human counsel and presence can only do so much. The power and blood of Jesus Christ is what satisfies the ultimate need in us.
As we uplift our brothers and sisters, we then can finish our life journey together. Pointing one another to Christ, He will guard our mind and attitude.
Application:
As we run the marathon, we will be hit by obstacles on both sides. Jesus is our saviour within these moments.
Every disciple of Jesus Christ is called to run the race of faith.
Sermon reflection questions:
Who are the top 3 people who are running the race with you right now?
If you’re not running towards Jesus, you’re running towards someone. What is it that you are running away from, or running towards? Whether it is God, opportunities, relationships, responsibilities - do you feel burnt out?
What is my goal for this year? What is my God-given vision for this year? How does this goal align with God’s vision in my life?
