Run Your Race Week 1

Hebrews 12:1-2

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, 2 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.

Race Plan: Start strong, Run Free, Pace with Purpose, and Finish Well

Your race begins when you know Jesus 

To know God means to have fellowship with Him

1 John 1:1-4

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. 

“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord.” 

― J.I. Packer

What is Fellowship with God?

Heart experience

“Almost every week, and sometimes every day, the pressure of His great love comes down upon my heart with the light of His radiant presence…The inner spot of my heart has been touched, and its ‘flintiness’ has been melted in the presence of love divine.” - Daniel Steele

2. Objective Truth 

1 John 1:3

3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship

Knowing God is when the truth begins to shine

Walking with God

Delighting in His presence

Psalm 63:1

…I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land…

2. Two-way communication

Prayer 

Studying the Bible 

3. Losing freedom to gain freedom 

1 John 1:6

6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth

Ephesians 1:17

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Hebrews 12:2

2 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.