RUN WELL FINISH WELL

Hebrews 12:1-2

INTRODUCTION• Kenyans are known for many

things• Google search :• 5 kenyans die in SA• 5 kenyans arrested in Houston• 5 kenyans arrested in Mineapolis• Kenyans like Americans are much

hated and much loved : you discover this when you travel

Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya• One of the things that has made

us proud as a country is sports

Kenyan Athletes

Vivian Cheruiyot, Olympic silver medalist Linet Masai, Joyce Chepkirui

and Sally Kipyego

Nixon Chepseba beats Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop in the 1500m in Shanghai.

David Rudisha

Paul Tergat

http://www.todaysafricannews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Samuel-Kamau-Wanjiru.jpg

Home of Athletes

A Kenyan runner with his medals

TEXTHeb 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,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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)

EXEGESIS1. Hebrew 11 forms the background against which chapter 12 must be interpreted. 11:1-40 presents to us a catalogue of attested witnesses who affirm to us the reliability of faith in God. God can be trusted. These are men who have tried, tested and proven faith in God not Faith in Faith.

2. Key Wordsa)Toigarou@n (therefore) at the beginning, is emphatically placed to show that this is the climax of all that the writer of Hebrews has been trying to say.

b). The metaphor of an athletic contest in a stadium or arena. The idea presented here is that of an athletic metaphor, giving a picture an amphitheatre with its ascending rows of spectators who gather to watch the games.

c). Two encouragements given for perseverancei. Cloud of Witnesses (ne?????/fos martu/ron) This is not only a great crowd of people but also the unity of the crowd in their witness to the integrity of the faith. Attesting not only to the winners but also to the processes involved in winningii. Looking unto Jesus: our example. Jesus own experience is suffering provides perspective to the Christians struggle.

d) Excess weight ogkos: this would refer to bulk, mass or weight. An athlete would strip for action both by the removal of superfluous flesh through rigorous training and the removal of all his clothes for ease of movements.e) The constant besetting sin; (Eu@teristaton a/martian) The believers’. The believer should lay aside the easily avoided, easily surrounding, besetting, dangerous sins.

i. How do you tell theologians about sin?ii. Human Natureiii. Weakness vs wickednessiv. Allow God to search usv. Paul says I die daily. I keep my body/ myself under, lest when I have preached to other I myself be a cast away. I don’t make self comfortable.

APPLICATION1. The race has already started: if you are here, it means you have already been signed up.2. The pain of running is real VERSE 11: Now no chastening/ discipline/training for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

3. The pace of this race is intense: there is no time to waste. You will not run this way again. Unlike in the Olympics you only get to run this course once. Next year we move you to another level or place. You cannot keep on coming back here. Some of you are here for 3 years, or 4.you will never get this time again. Of course you can say I will go on to do my Masters, PHD. It will not be the same. Trust me. You will change. You will become more complicated. Even God will not understand you at times. (Out talk with the ladies at the Bible College). Envying us, our food etc.

4. The finish line…is in his handsIt’s not a competition against one another. All have equal chance. You run your own course (synonyms: track, path, route, way, itinerary, lessons, classes). God is not doing the same thing in the other person. And that’s why we get frustrated in marriage.

You asked God; help my husband to be more understanding but God is busy working in his life to make him more secure so that he can lead your home. You ask God to make your wife to be submissive to you in JESUS Name but God is busy making her to be wise, so that she can sustain you in your season of foolishness.We do not think as God Thinks.

5. I will not stop: don’t be distracted. There are many things vying for your attention. There are a hundred reasons why you should not be here today doing what you are doing6. I will not quit: don’t give up.7. It’s okay to walk. If you can’t run you can walk. If you look at marathon runners some of them walk. When going uphill, it’s okay to walk8. If you can’t walk then crawl. Some of you may feel like you are crawling to the finishing line but it’s better to crawl than to quit.

9. It takes commitment. Run in such a way as to get the prize (1Cor 9:24). It’s the prize that matters not the run. We are out there to get the prize. Not for our health or to get people to like us. (1 Cor 9: 26-27). Not to be disqualified. What are you willing to do to get the prize?

10. I am running… and I am scared: friends it’s not easy. We have not gone this way before. David says: whenever I am afraid I will trust in you.11. I don’t know what is ahead. I don’t know about tomorrow. But I know who holds my hand.12. I will break the tapeI will finish the race.Friends , one of these days I will be there. I will say like Paul, there is laid for me a crown. Not just for me but for all those who love His coming. Those running alongside me/us

The race has already begun

The pain of running is real

The pace of this race is set

The finish line... In His Hands

I will not stop I will not quit I will not walk away I am committed I am running... And I am

scared I WILL BREAK THE TAPE