Mark these Key Words: Run Victory Crown
Like a thoroughly bred, trained and finely tuned Kentucky Derby racehorse standing 16.2 hands, weighing in at precisely 1,175 pounds of perfectly conditioned racing muscle running for “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports” to win the coveted 36-year-old Derby crown; so the true believer is supposed to run for “The Great Prize” of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Unfolding below are road markers along God’s biblical path for that very prize promised to every sincere follower of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12: 1 & 2
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Am I laying aside every encumbrance and sin that has been entangling me that inhibits “the race set before us?”
What encumbrance do I need to lay aside today to run the race with unencumbered speed?
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”
What major hurdles are in my way that I need to take to God in “action prayer” for His Holy Spirit’s removal?
John 8:36
“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed?”
How does Jesus’ death, resurrection and forgiveness set you free to “run free” today?
Colossians 3:1 & 2
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
What is the prize you are seeking?
Every great runner sets his focus on the goal he/she wants to achieve. How do you set your eyes on your “run free” goal for the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus?”
Romans 8: 16 & 17
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, in indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
How does this verse encourage you, guide you and empower you as you “run free” today?
2 Corinthians 10:15
“not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you.”
Describe three practical ways in your personal life that “bringing every thought captive” could improve your “run free” race to The Cross.
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness n the fear of God.”
What role does obedience and “the pursuit of holiness” make in your “run free” race for the prize?
APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?
LOCKER ROOM: What detours have you faced in recent weeks and what are you doing to stay on the “run free” road?
MEMORY VERSE: Colossians 3:1 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”
My Prayers
Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…
Confession: Father, please forgive me for…
Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…
Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…
