Running the Race with Endurance | Pastor Troy Bishop

Описание: Sunday AM Worship Service - 12-28-2025

YouTube Chapters
00:00 Intro
20:56 Personal Remarks & Scripture Introduction
21:28 Sermon Question: Why is the race so hard to run with endurance?
23:31 Scripture Reading (Hebrews 12:1-3)
24:57 Prayer
26:59 Problems in Running the Race
27:11 Problem 1: Encumbrances (dead weight)
31:55 Problem 2: The sin which so easily entangles us
34:50 Problem 3: The race is a marathon, not a sprint
38:19 Problem 4: Living too much in the here and now
39:59 Problem 5: Failing to fix our eyes on Jesus
41:03 Problem 6: Hostility from the world
42:20 Solutions to Running the Race Well
42:49 Solution 1: Learn from the cloud of witnesses (run by faith)
44:45 Solution 2: Lay aside every encumbrance
48:52 Solution 3: Lay aside the sin that entangles
50:58 Solution 4: Commit to running the marathon with endurance
54:48 Solution 5: Build life with an eternal mindset
57:02 Solution 6: Fix eyes on Jesus daily / See people who need Jesus
1:02:00 Invitation & Gospel Presentation
1:03:25 Closing Song of Invitation

Bible Verses Used
Key Verses: Hebrews 12:1-3

Introduction
The Christian life is hard; it involves challenges, hurdles, sufferings, loss, illness, accidents, and tragedies.
Believers are not immune to the effects of sin in the world.
In Christ, we can thrive and live the abundant life (spiritual blessings, not material).
Focus on Hebrews 12:1-3 to identify main problems in running the race with endurance and offer solutions.

Six Problems in Running the Race Well
Encumbrances (dead weight): Unimportant, frivolous things, rituals, traditions, or busy activities that consume time and energy without spiritual value; they hinder mission and ministry.
The sin which so easily entangles us: Besetting sins that believers treasure or keep returning to; they trip us up when momentum builds.
Failing to recognize the race is a marathon, not a sprint: The Christian life is lifelong, requiring endurance, not quick bursts.
Living too much in the here and now: Fixating only on present difficulties without viewing them in light of eternity.
Failing to fix our eyes on Jesus: Wandering focus leads to tiredness, discouragement, and stubbornness.
Facing hostility from sinners: The gospel message is often met with rejection, ridicule, or despise, just as Jesus experienced.

Six Solutions to Running the Race Well
Learn from the cloud of witnesses: Run the race by faith, trusting and depending on God; faith grows as we run and see God's faithfulness.
Lay aside every encumbrance: Clean out unnecessary dead weight (e.g., past guilt, overly busy schedules, others' expectations) to free yourself for God's calling.
Lay aside the sin that entangles: Identify it honestly, repent, seek God's strength and hedges, and kill it through dependence on Jesus.
Commit to running the marathon with endurance: Accept that the race is hard and lifelong; aim to finish worn out for God, not seeking constant fun.
Build life with an eternal mindset: View the here and now in light of the joy set before us (like Jesus at the cross); look forward to eternity.
Fix eyes on Jesus daily and see people who need Jesus: Focus on Christ each day; view lost people in their desperation and hopelessness to overcome rejection when sharing the gospel.

Conclusion
As we run by faith, we grow stronger (unlike a physical marathon).
Identify what holds you back and ask God for help.
Gospel invitation: Jesus died as substitute for sins; receive forgiveness by faith in Him alone.
Respond to the Spirit's conviction during the invitation song.