Is it helping you run this race?

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that there may be things in our lives that, while not necessarily sinful, are hindering our ability to fully participate in the life of faith. We often cling to these things, thinking they're harmless, but the question is: are they helping or hindering our progress? As we navigate this journey with God, it's essential to regularly examine our lives and let go of anything that's holding us back.

Key Scripture References

• Hebrews 12:1-3 - This passage reminds us that we're running a marathon, not a sprint. We must shed the weights that slow us down, including sinful habits and attitudes, but also those things that may seem harmless but are still hindering our progress. The author encourages us to look to Jesus as our example, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - In this passage, Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete training for a competition to describe our Christian life. He reminds us that we must discipline ourselves and make sacrifices in order to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. This includes letting go of things that are holding us back.
• Galatians 5:1, 13-14 - Here, Paul contrasts the life of the flesh with the life of the Spirit. While we may think certain behaviors or habits aren't sinful, they can still be detrimental to our spiritual growth and progress. We must choose to live by the Spirit, who gives us freedom from these weights.
• Matthew 16:24-26 - Jesus reminds us that following Him requires a willingness to take up our cross daily. This means being willing to let go of things that are holding us back and embracing the life of sacrifice and self-denial that He calls us to.
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - In this passage, Paul describes the process of spiritual growth as a transformation from one degree of glory to another. This requires letting go of our old selves and embracing the new life we have in Christ.
• Psalm 138:8 - Here, David reminds us that God's plans for us are for good and not for evil. When we're willing to let go of things that are holding us back, He can work in our lives in powerful ways.

Key Takeaways

• We must regularly examine our lives and let go of anything that's holding us back from fully participating in the life of faith. This includes sinful habits and attitudes, but also things that may seem harmless but are still hindering our progress.
• We're not just called to avoid sin; we're called to live a life of obedience and surrender to God's will. This means being willing to let go of our own desires and plans in order to follow Him.
• The life of faith is a journey of transformation, from one degree of glory to another. We must be willing to let go of our old selves and embracing the new life we have in Christ.
• God's plans for us are for good and not for evil. When we're willing to let go of things that are holding us back, He can work in our lives in powerful ways.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take time to examine your life and identify anything that may be hindering your progress. Ask God to reveal any areas where you're clinging to things that aren't helping you run the race. Then, make a plan to let go of those things and surrender to His will.

Reflection Questions

• What are some things in my life that I'm holding onto, thinking they're harmless but may be hindering my progress? How can I let go of these weights and run with perseverance the race marked out for me?
• How do I know if something is helping or hindering my ability to follow God's will? What are some signs that I need to re-examine my priorities?
• What does it mean to take up my cross daily, as Jesus calls us to in Matthew 16:24-26? How can I apply this principle to my life and let go of things that are holding me back?