Bible Lesson: How To Run The Race
By Dr Marilyn Bouniu
1. Fix your eyes on Christ
2. Run your own race
3. Don't give up
Fix your eyes on Christ:
Note:
All in Christ
The way is Christ
The goal is Christ
The reason is Christ
The strength is Christ
Hebrews 12:1-3
Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV
[1]Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
[2]looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[3]For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT
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. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won't become weary and give up.
Run your own race:
Note:
Don't look to the right or left
Keep to your lane
Don't compare
Follow God's plan for your life
Joshua 1:7-9
Joshua 1:7-9 NKJV
[7]Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
[8]This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
[9]Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:7-9 NLT
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Don't give up:
Remain steadfast until the end
Get back up if you fall
It's not over until it's over
Matthew 24:1-14
Matthew 24:1-14 NKJV
[1]Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
[2]And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
[3]Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
[4]And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.
[5]For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
[6]And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
[7]For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
[8]All these are the beginning of sorrows.
[9]"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
[10]And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
[11]Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
[12]And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
[13]But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
[14]And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:1-14 NLT
As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. 2 But he responded, "Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!"
3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?[a]"
4 Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
9 "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.[b] 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations[c] will hear it; and then the end will come.
Run The Race
By Dr Marilyn Bouniu
Run the race
With your eyes fixed on Christ
Look ahead
Not to the left or right
Run the race
Keeping to your lane
And your pace
Following God's plan
Run the race
Do not give up
If you fall
Just get back up
Run the race
With all your heart
In God's Grace
Until the end
Score!
By Dr Marilyn Bouniu
Run the race
With endurance
What you face
An assurance
Of the fact
That you're His
Let your act
Be of His
Remove the weight
That pulls you back
Do not be late
God has your back
Go on forwards
Reach your goal
Trust in His Words
Make the score!
