RUNNING TO WIN THE RACE (Part 2)

Title: RUNNING THE RACE TO WIN (2).

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 12:1-2
Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:13-14

INTRODUCTION:
The Christian journey is likened to a race, where endurance, focus, and discipline are required to finish strong. Just as an athlete runs with the goal of winning, so should we, as believers, press on toward the prize of our high calling in Christ. This race is not about competing with others but about running in the way that pleases God, making sure our focus is always on Him.

1. RUNNING WITH PURPOSE

a) Know Your Goal
Every runner has a goal, a finish line they aim to reach. As Christians, our goal is to live for Christ and to glorify Him in all things.

b) Stay Focused
Distractions are everywhere, but the race we run requires a single-minded focus on Jesus. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him, who is the author and finisher of our faith.

c) Run with Endurance
Life is filled with challenges, but we must endure, trusting that God's grace is sufficient for every trial.

d) Forget What Lies Behind
Like Paul, we must forget the past, both the successes and the failures, and press on toward the future God has for us.

Biblical Example: Paul’s determination to press forward despite his hardships (Philippians 3:13-14).

2. RUNNING WITH DISCIPLINE

a) Training for the Race
Just as an athlete prepares for a race through consistent training, we must train ourselves in godliness, building our spiritual muscles through prayer, studying God's Word, and living out our faith daily.

b) Exercise Self-Control
The Christian race requires self-control in every area of our lives, from what we watch, to what we speak, to how we interact with others.

c) Avoid Weights and Sin
We are to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders our progress (Hebrews 12:1). Anything that slows us down in our walk with God must be dealt with decisively.

d) Run in the Strength of the Lord
It is not by might or power but by the Holy Spirit that we run the race to win. We need divine strength to overcome every obstacle.

Biblical Example: The discipline and self-control of the Apostle Paul in running his race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

3. RUNNING WITH FAITH

a) Trust in God’s Plan
Our faith in God’s perfect plan helps us to continue even when the path is not clear. We trust that He will guide us, and His purpose for us will prevail.

b) Believe in God’s Provision
God has given us everything we need to win the race—His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the body of Christ.

c) Run in Confidence
We can run with confidence because we know that God is with us, and He will complete the good work He has started in us.

d) Run with a Kingdom Mindset
Our race is not just for personal gain but for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom on earth.

Biblical Example: Jesus, who ran His race with perfect faith in the Father, knowing the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).

CONCLUSION:
The race we run as Christians is not easy, but it is worth it. We must run with purpose, discipline, and faith, keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting that He will empower us to finish strong. Let us not grow weary or be discouraged, for our reward awaits us.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to run my race with purpose and focus.

2. Father, give me the strength to endure every challenge that comes my way.

3. Lord, teach me to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders my progress.

4. I pray for the discipline to stay committed to my spiritual growth.

5. Father, help me to forget the past and press forward to the future You have for me.

6. Lord, grant me the grace to keep my eyes fixed on You, the author and finisher of my faith.

7. Father, strengthen my faith so that I can run with confidence.

8. I declare that no matter the challenge, I will finish my race well.

9. Lord, empower me to live for Your glory and to advance Your kingdom.

10. Father, thank You for the reward You have prepared for me at the end of my race.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will finish your race strong and receive your crown of victory in Jesus’ name.

2. Every obstacle in your race is being removed by the power of God.

3. You will run with endurance and overcome every challenge that comes your way.

4. The grace to stay focused and disciplined in your Christian walk is released upon you.

5. Your eyes will remain fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.

6. You will experience rapid spiritual growth and increase in your walk with God.

7. Every weight and sin that hinders you will be removed in Jesus’ name.

8. You will run in the strength of the Lord and fulfill your divine destiny.

9. God’s purpose for your life will not fail; you will reach your divine destination.

10. Your faith will not fail, and you will receive all that God has promised you in this season.