Audio Sermons

Renewing Our Strength in the Lord:

Running With Endurance

Life B-P Church Worship Services I & II

9^th November 2025

Text: Hebrews 12:1-4

Introduction

Running is one of the fear factors for Singaporean men enlisted to the National Service. Many dread and struggle to pass the 2.4 kilometres run in the Individual Physical Proficient Test or IPPT which can be very challenging for some despite multiple attempts. However, with some training and perseverance, many have passed the test. In like manner, many saints had gone before us and completed the Christian race. Paul therefore exhorts us, “let us run” as they had faithfully done so to gain the crown of life.

Christian Life Is A Race

Paul uses the term “race” to depict the Christian life (Philippians 1:30; Colossians 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Timothy 6:12). It is likened to a marathon that requires fitness, training, discipline and endurance. In Acts 20:24, Paul sees himself as a runner and he was determined that nothing should keep or distract him from finishing the race with joy. All of us have our own race to run. We must run light, laying aside every besetting weight and sin, and keep looking unto Jesus. Being passive we will never run or win the race.

Jesus Our Forerunner

The Lord is our example and inspiration. He is the One that went before us and finished the race. His earthly mission was one that was most humiliating, agonizing, sorrowful and painful beyond human comprehension. Yet “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” He thus encourages us to keep looking unto Him as the Author of our faith who saves us and the Finisher to help us complete the race, promising that His grace is sufficient to carry us through.

The Way Of The Cross

God did not promise us an easy road to heaven, for if all were easy then where would the cross be. Indeed, we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). The servant is not greater than his lord. If the Lord carried His cross to death, should we not carry ours too? The cross is not a defeat but a victory! With death comes resurrection and death is swallowed up in victory. This is our glorification – the hope of glory in Christ Jesus.

Conclusion

The road to heaven is rough and tough. It is filled with many pitfalls and difficulties. Without God’s grace, one false step and down we go (Ps 73:2). Be of good cheer we are not alone. God is great and He is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy if we keep looking unto Him. Only be strong and very courageous as God told Joshua. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. What does this mean and how does this differentiate the Christian faith from the others?

2. The road to heaven is not an easy one. Why is it so? Discuss what practical steps that we as fellow believers can take to encourage one another to run and complete the race?

3. The Christian life is a race. What is the right race? In what ways can one be in the wrong race?

4. Reflect and identify the specific weight and sin that beset you in your spiritual growth. Seek God’s wisdom and help to lay them aside so that you may advance your race for Him.