Its a Marathon

It’s a Marathon

June 5, 2011

Introduction

In our most recent survey, several good issues were raised. They include: “Steadfastness to the truth.” “Brothers and Sisters in Christ – How close should we be?” “Weaknesses and how to overcome.” “Jesus – How much human He was and what He’s done for us?´ “Reading the Bible daily leads to prayer and living close to God.” “Perseverance,” “Waiting.”

As I put all of these together, I began to think of the common element that they may all have: Life is a marathon! How many times are we told that?

(Mat 10:22 NKJV) "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Heb 3:12-14 NKJV) Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; {13} but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. {14} For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

These and many other scriptures make it clear that the Christian race, or life, is a marathon race. There have been many casualties along the way, and we hope and pray that none of us will become a casualty.

Body

I. Paul gave a summary of his life.

(2 Tim 4:7-8 NKJV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. {8} Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

A. Not everyone made it

(2 Tim 4:9-10 NKJV) Be diligent to come to me quickly; {10} for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica; Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

B. We need to pull together and support and encourage each other along the way.

(2 Tim 4:11 NKJV) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

1. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to help one another along the way.

2. Our attendance at all of our services is a big encouragement to those of us who are here.

II. How do we get there?

A. We are told to help one another.

(Heb 3:13 NKJV) but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

1. Our young people are especially susceptible to falling away.

2. I was advised by a fellow student to sow my wide oats while I was young, but I said, “No, I did not want to reap the harvest.

B. Do we know the joy of Lord?

1. The hope of eternal life with the Lord when this life ends.

(Titus 2:11-14 NKJV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, {12} teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, {13} looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, {14} who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

2. Christian fellowship which just needs to be experienced.

a. For some, this fellowship means more than brothers and sisters in the flesh.

b. It’s a fellowship that extends across state and national lines.

c. It is most rewarding when we marry in the Lord and raise our children in the Lord.

3. We need to help our children understand the importance of marrying in the Lord and living according to His plan.

a. We live in an age of sexual immorality.

b. We know a fine Christian young lady whose husband was unfaithful to her after they had their first child.

c. God design the family with the husband as the head of the house and the supporter of his family,

(1 Tim 5:8 NKJV) But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

C. We need the Lord’s help to help us get their.

(Heb 12:1-3 KJV) 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. {3} For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

III. It is a daily effort.

(Heb 3:13 NKJV) but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

A. We need to be daily Bible readers.

B. We need to be steadfast in our prayer life.

(1 Cor 15:54-58 NKJV) So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." {55} "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" {56} The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. {57} But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. {58} Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

C. How does it all fit together?

“Steadfastness to the truth.”

“Brothers and Sisters in Christ – How close should we be?”

“Weaknesses and how to overcome.”

“Jesus – How much human He was and what He’s done for us?´

“Reading the Bible daily leads to prayer and living close to God.”

“Perseverance,” “Waiting.”

1. Back to where we started.

(Mat 10:22 NKJV) "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

2. May we all join together to strengthen and help each other.

Conclusion

I. If you need to become a Christian we encourage you to do that today.

II. The Christian life is expensive, but worth it many

(Rom 8:18 NKJV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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