Running the Race

Running the Race

The late Carl H. Stevens Jr. was pastor of the Greater Grace World Outreach in Baltimore, Maryland, until 2005, and he also founded thriving ministries in Maine and Massachusetts. Pastor Stevens’ death in June 2008 marked the completion of a ministry that spanned four decades and included the establishment of Maryland Bible College and Seminary in Baltimore and the development of “The Grace Hour,” an Angel Award-winning radio talk show that is still heard on Christian stations throughout North America and via the Internet.

This booklet was created from a message preached by Pastor Stevens.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the King James Version. Italics for emphasis are ours.

Grace Publications 6025 Moravia Park Drive BALTIMORE, MD 21206 Printed in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. Copyright © 1986 Reprinted 2010 Grace Publications is a ministry of Greater Grace World Outreach, Inc. www.ggwo.org

Table Of contents

Introduction............................................. 5 Chapter 1.................................................... 7 Lay Aside Every Weight Chapter 2................................................... 11 Counting All Things Loss Chapter 3................................................... 15 No Compromise Chapter 4................................................... 19 Knowing God

INTRODUCTION The Bible often likens the Christian life to a race. This is an excellent parallel. Champion sprinters and marathon participants must consistently discipline their minds and bodies in order to remain competitive. Likewise, Christians must consistently hear the Word of God, fellowship around Truth, and cultivate a ever-deepening prayer life. They must put on the armor of God in order to stand against the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:11).

Christians constantly need to move forward in the plan of God. The runner who occupies himself with what is behind him cannot expect to win the race. He can never allow himself to glory in past accomplishments for they will not help him in his present competition. Paul explains the spiritual application of this principle in Philippians 3:13: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.�

God would have His children to be spiritual athletes. This booklet explains the blessings and advantages available to those who put aside hindrances to run while “looking unto Jesus the au

thor and finisher of our faith� (Hebrews 12:2).

Chapter One

LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT “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” (Hebrews 12:1).

Several New Testament commentators consider the first three verses of Hebrews 12 to be the concluding passage of preceding chapter, which provides us with a catalog of the heroes of our faith. In Chapter 11, the writer of the epistle explained that these heroes had upheld the testimony of faith despite the faith that they “received not the promise” (Hebrews 11:39). These heroes served faithfully—often in pain and to the point of death—for the purpose of Christ, though He did not return to earth during their days here.

In his conclusion, the writer of Hebrews exhorts readers to finish strong the race of faith for the sake of the “cloud of witnesses”—a reference to the heroes who look on from Heaven and the angelic host who watch the unfolding program of God’s redemptive purpose. This plan of the Lord is seen as a type of relay race. Abel took the first strides by offering a “more excellent sacrifice

than Cain” (Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:4, 5). Abel’s offering of a lamb in faith pictures Calvary, the place where Jesus became the Lamb of God according to John 1:29. The baton of faithfulness has been passed from generation to generation.

In the life, death and resurrection of Christ, God provided for believers’ forgiveness in His own Son, the “better thing” (Hebrews 11:40). Unlike the Old Testament heroes who exercised faith in the hope of the coming of the Messiah, believers now place their trust in the fact of His coming and in the reality of His Finished Work. With the understanding of this comes great responsibility.

The last runner in a relay race is usually the swiftest member of the team. He gets the privilege of crossing the finish line. Through the fulfillment of the Messianic promise, God has quickened the generations of this dispensation of grace. Believers have been specially equipped, for these are “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1-11). The finish line of faith is in sight.

His Ultimate Purpose The urgency of the time and the purpose now before believers should cause them to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” “Weight” is translated from the Greek word ogkon, which means “bulk of matter or flesh.” Roman-era athletes, as Olympic run

ners today, ran with very little clothing. Also, their bodies were in the best shape possible. The application for Christians is this: we need to free ourselves from hindrances—both inward and outward. The Olympian centers his life upon one purpose: winning the gold medal. A believer should center his thoughts, motives, and actions on the cause of Christ. His ultimate purpose is defined in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Ignorance of this purpose is the sin that besets some today. Anything that does not relate to this redemptive intention should be avoided and set aside.

The original wording of Hebrews 12:1 reveals that this is not a difficult thing to do. “Lay aside” appears as apothithemi in the Greek text. The same word is used in Acts 7:58, where it is used to describe those who “laid down their clothes” to take up stones against Stephen. It does no good to magnify distractions. God’s instruction is simple; strip off the weights as if they were dirty clothes. There is no inference of struggle or labor. The fight has already been won. The work was finished at Calvary by Christ, “who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). To lay aside these things, the believer simply allows the precepts of the Bible to become his occupation. Doctrine begins to dwell

richly in his heart (Colossians 3:16). When the Christian focuses upon Christ through the Word, the things of earth grow dim and unattractive.

The objectivity of truth guards his heart from sublimation—the fulfillment of desires or needs through means outside of the plan of God. Run with Patience Properly prepared and outfitted, the Christian can “run with patience” the race that is set before him in Hebrews 12:1. “With patience” is di’ hupomones, which implies “consistency and continuance regardless of circumstance.” Successful marathon runners run with patience. There is nothing frantic in their strides. They possess a graceful style that has been developed through years of training. Everything is in control. They do not waste energy or strength so that they will have the resources to handle the difficult portions of their course. God wants His children to possess similar character. Through the Word operating in the power of the Holy Spirit, the believer can consistently move forward in his faith run.

His hindrances put aside, this Christian projects confidence, patience and grace that glorifies the Lord and draws men to Him.

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Chapter Two

COUNTING ALL THINGS LOSS “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).

In these statements to the Philippians, the apostle Paul offers his estimation of his past religious experiences. In verse 5 of this chapter, he described himself as a “Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee.” He begins the chapter with a warning to the Christians at Philippi: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Church historians explain that a group Jewish believers were requiring that Gentile Christians be circumcised.

This group was teaching that Gentiles first has to become Jews before they could be Christians.

However, Paul had been down that same religious road. He knew firsthand the futility and frustration of the Pharisaical system of works. He studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

In Philippians 3:6, Paul claims he was blameless 11

in keeping the righteousness “which is in the law.” What was his opinion of these things? He counted them “but dung.” “Dung” is the Greek word skubalon or “manure; waste that gives off a bad odor.” All of the productions and religious training were worthless to Paul in comparison to the “knowledge of Christ Jesus” in verse 7.

Now that he had experienced the grace of God and its power in his life, Paul considered the old religious system to be offensive to him. He understood the reality of Isaiah 64:6: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

A Heart Circumcision The Judaizers were expounding a filthy rag doctrine because they taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1). The word “concision” in Philippians 3:2 is katatome, or “mutilation; to damage with reckless cutting.” Meaningless circumcision, like anything performed by the flesh in the energy of the old sin nature, profits nothing (John 6:63). Paul then explains that anyone who receives Christ has a “circumcision made without hands” (Colossians 2:11).

“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; 12

neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:28-29).

The heart circumcision is the one God recognizes, “for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). The great mistake some make is that they attempt to run the race of God in the energy of the flesh.

Paul outlined this quandary in Romans 7:14-24.

He discovered through experience that every time he tried to fulfill the law in himself, “evil was present” (Romans 7:21). In the days before he met Christ, Paul may have been very zealous.

He had the best religious education available at the time, but he blocked all of it out of his frame of reference. Those who desire to enter the race of faith must meet just one qualifying standard in John 6:29: “This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent.” This is the work of the Christian. By it, the believer is forever joined to the Lord.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did 13

predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29) Faith in “him whom he hath sent” is the empowering force in the Christian race. John 15:5 makes it plain that without Christ the believer can do nothing profitable: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

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Chapter Three

NO COMPROMISE “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

Daniel’s life was characterized by faithfulness. Even in difficulties, he continued serving the Lord. He possessed specific convictions that he would not compromise for any reason. At a young age, during the time of captivity in Babylon, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were brought to palace of King Nebuchadnezzar because they were “children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom” (Daniel 1:4). They were offered the meat and wine of the king to eat, but they refused to partake of these and instead consumed water and pulse—a mixture of herbs, beans, parched peas and lentils. The meat served by the king was not bad in itself, but Daniel and his friends refused to compromise their convictions.

They could not be sure of what kind of meat they would be served. To eat meat from animals of15

fered to idols would have violated Jewish law (Leviticus 11:45-46). As revealed later on, this discipline strengthened the character and faith of these Hebrew boys. One of the greatest things a Christian can do is purpose in his heart to follow the Lord no matter what. There can be no short cuts in the race of faith. Believers who purpose to seek after God will be greatly blessed.

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

“They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways” (Psalm 119:1-3).

Steadfastness in Trial In Daniel 6, King Darius was deceived into signing an order that condemned to death anyone who “shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king” (Daniel 6:7).

Daniel knew the law, but just as before, when he was offered the king’s meat and wine, he remained steadfast in his conviction of prayer.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10).

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Found in violation of Darius’ decree, Daniel was put into the lions’ den. In the midst of the trial, the Lord sent an angel to stop the mouths of the lions and God’s servant was delivered to the delight of the king: “Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God” (Daniel 6:23).

Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego refused to compromise and bow to the idol Nebuchadnezzar had erected of himself. They were thrown into the fiery furnace, but “the Son of God” was with them, according to Daniel 3:25. The fire had no effect on them and God was glorified among the heather Babylonians.

“And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any 17

god, except their own God. “Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon� (Daniel 3:27-30).

Many among the lost are looking for people who possess firm convictions. Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were bold in their faith. They had confidence in God and dared to practice truth, counting death to be more worthy than compromise.

Christians who run the race consider the force of their testimonies. They are careful and sensitive to live by every word of God in Matthew 4:4. Thus, even when trials or tests come they glorify the Lord and He is exalted.

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Chapter Four

KNOWING GOD The motivating force in Paul’s life was the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. The measure a Christian determines to know God will be the measure that he will reveal, confess and honor Him. His Word reveals who He is.

Those who will make His Word a priority are peaceful and secure: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165). Luke 10:38-42 gives the account of Mary and Martha, the sisters of Bethany. Verse 39 says that Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” Meanwhile, Martha was “cumbered about much serving.” “Cumbered” is perispao, which is defined as “distracted and overoccupied.” Martha complained because Mary was not helping her, but Jesus responded: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Jesus said in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” Knowing Him is the needful thing. In order to do this, the Christian must make himself 19

available to God through hearing His Word and through prayer. Unless the Word is heard with great attention in the energy of the Holy Spirit, the believer will not get to know God. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Personal investment in a relationship with the King of kings is something that is lacking in some Christians’ lives. They desire to enter His race, but they have invested little time to learn of Him. He has a tremendous plan for the lives of His children. Each person has a vital role at work, in the family, or in a particular ministry.

For many, there awaits a foreign mission field of lost souls ready to hear and receive the Good News. There are many possibilities. In order to realize his potential, the Christian needs to occupy himself with the “treasure in his earthen vessel” in 2 Corinthians 4:7. No confidence can be put in the flesh and the old sin nature (Philippians 3:3). The treasures of wisdom and knowledge belong to the Lord (Colossians 2:3).

Running the race of faith requires God’s mind according to 2 Corinthians 2:16; otherwise, the believer will run “uncertainly” or without aim.

Without knowing God and His specific purpose and plan, the Christian will be left wasted and exhausted like “one that beateth the air” (1 Cor20

inthians 9:26).

“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” (Hebrews 12:2).

There are Christians who have not realized the race before them. They are either standing still or going in the wrong direction. Why? They have not recognized Christ as “the author and finisher of our faith.” Philippians 2:13 explains, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” No one enters the race of faith without His power. Neither does anyone finish their course except by the same power of the Lord. Jesus was the pioneer and completer of this type of dependent faith in John 5:19: “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

Christ’s life was a beautiful example of faith.

Though He was and is God, He permitted Himself to be made in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7). Throughout His life on earth, Jesus maintained constant communion with the Father. Calvary represents the climax of Christ’s faith life. He was so secure in His Father’s faith21

fulness that He was enabled to endure the death of the Cross. He knew there would be a resurrection.

With this great example, the Christian can run with confidence. His prize is secure because Christ is its surety (Hebrews 7:22). He may fail, but he quickly recovers by confessing the truth of 1 John 1:19. He continues. Pressures do not affect him because realizes that his “life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). This type of believer consistently moves forward in his calling, allowing the Word of the power of the Spirit to daily conform him to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29).

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