Running The Race, Phil 3:12-14
In Phil. 3:12 the same word is translated, follow after. To speed on and pursue Christ for it is Christ that we meet at the finish line.
EXEGETE verses 12-13 for introduction
Phil. 3:14 I press - diwkw - Pres Act Ind – Sense of Intensity / describe the finish of a race at the tape / to fix your eyes upon the goal/ the aim and object of our lives should be Christ.
Phil. 3:14 toward the mark – kata skopon - it is the goal someone has in mind or spiritual view, as a watchman. It is an important position.
Afor the prize@/ epi to brabeion / notice it is Afor@ or because of the prize. It is because of the high calling! We are already partakers of the calling.
I John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Heb. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
2 Tim. 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. thV anw klhsewV tou qeou - the upward calling. The upward calling is the now in which we live, and second is the rapture.
HOW DO WE PREPARE TO RUN A GOOD ENDURANCE RACE?
We must be in good condition: Personal commitment to excellence, stay in training to run effectively.
I Cor. 9:24-25 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 an incorruptible.
We must have consistent motivation: challenging and teaching by our Trainer: Holy Spirit.
Gal. 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
We must push ourselves beyond what we naturally expect. 2nd wind! Be diligent, and show courage in the race.
2 Tim. 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
We must not quit due to obstacles, trials or pain: Work through pain and difficulties, don=t quit when things are tough.
2 Cor. 4:7-10 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
1 Tim. 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
We Strive for perfection in our performance: Never be satisfied, satisfaction of performance kills the drive & ambition of the athlete. Personal satisfaction in our Christian life causes lethargy and laziness and lack of productivity. Look to break the record!
Col. 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
We must demonstrate patience and character in a long distance race:
Heb 12:1 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..
We must continue to view the finish line: Keep it in mind, while you are running the race see the real goal of the life in Christ. The goal is Christ Himself. Toward the mark! *Stay in the race, run the race, you can=t crawl and win, people need Christ, the church needs building. Some of you may be on the sidelines cheering, but you are no longer in the race to win the prize.
I Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Phil. 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
We must have spiritual determination: God needs cheerleaders and footmen to run the race with vigor, stamina and courage. Anyone can watch, but it takes perseverance, diligence, stamina, and fortitude to run.
Psalm 119:32 AI will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge our hearts@