Guidelines for our Race

1. Live by God’s commandments (Psalm 119:32)

a) Many people fear God’s commandments are too confining and run from them. The Psalmist runs with eagerness in the way/path of obedience to God’s commandments.

b) He recognizes that God has set his heart/mind/emotions free from sin & worry (these are confining). The path of learning & following God’s commandments means more freedom (Prov. 4:12). He also knows God will enlarge his heart with greater knowledge, understanding & wisdom (I Kings 4:29). An enlarged heart can also be a fully surrendered heart that delights in obeying God.

2. Have firm conviction, but be open to correction (Gal. 2:2)

a) Paul was convinced his Gospel message of the grace of Christ was true because he received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ (1:6,12).

b) However, since his approach to Gentiles was radically different than his approach to Jews and he received a revelation from God (Agabus - Acts 11:27-30, or another), he went up to Jerusalem. In addition to bringing famine relief, he privately submitted/laid before James, Peter, John & possibly other leaders the message he was proclaiming to the Gentiles (v16). He wanted to make sure he was not running or toiling in vain. If there was something off with his message or way of approaching the Gentiles, he wanted correction so his ministry would not be a waste without lasting spiritual results.

c) Run you race with confidence with what God has shown you, but be open to, and even seek correction or confirmation from fellow Christians. You do not want your work/ministry in vain.

3. Follow God’s rules (2 Timothy 2:5).

a) Athletes competed in the Olympic (& Isthmian Games) to win the victor’s crown in various competitions. There were strict rules of 10 months of training leading up to the competition. There were also rules during the competition, which led to disqualification if they violate them. They had to compete lawfully.

b) Running the Christian life properly also has rules that call for discipline & endurance. We will suffer opposition. We cannot take short cuts by ignoring God’s truth. We cannot cheat by indulging the pleasures of the world & the blessings of God. We must train our thinking, control our emotions/desires, keep our will inclined toward God & guard our heart.

c) There is an imperishable prize awaiting us at the end of our race.