My, Devotion to Him #56
1. Run with a purpose.
VERSE PASSAGE: Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” – NIV
VERSE PASSAGE: Acts 20:24 “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” – NIV
Paul tells us to lay aside sin as we do weight and run with endurance and with joy. Paul says his life is nothing and his only goal and sole focus is to finish this race and by completing the task of testifying about God.
2. The Disciples Response to Jesus’ Visit.
Note in John 20:19-21 that Jesus returned to the disciples after His crucifixion. These disciples were hiding in a room behind locked doors for fear of the Jewish leaders. After this occurred all 12 of them (except John) were martyred for their faith and testimony. They essentially left the room with no fear or regard for their own lives. People don’t die for ideals unless they are strongly convicted of their beliefs.
3. Believe in Christ & See with your Spiritual Eyes.
VERSE PASSAGE: John 16:8-10 “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;” – NIV
Jesus is talking in this verse. If you read a verse or so before this you will see Jesus is talking about Him leaving and sending the advocate to them, which is the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells His disciples that people are wrong about sin because they do not believe in Him. We do not truly understand sin until we believe in Him. From there we can see sin through our spiritual eyes.
4. As we run the race look unto Jesus who paid the ultimate price for us.
VERSE PASSAGE: Hebrews 12:2-3 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – NIV
5. There is a Prize for us who Endure.
VERSE PASSAGE: Philippians 3:13-14 “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – NIV
VERSE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – NIV
Copyright © 2017 by Jacob D. Olinger
Spirit Warrior Ministry 