Let us run the race that is set before us

Let's Run The Race That Is Set Before Us

Part I

Young Joon Park

August 17, 2008

There are 40 different types of sports in the Olympic games.

These games get attention from the media and world around us.

Every country wants their athletes to get to the top of the world.

In Jesus' time and during the time of the first church the Olympic Games were very important.

As you know the Olympic games are held in China right now.

People want to see the athletes' skills and watch them get to the top.

People enjoy these games because of the thrill.

And every athlete who is participating in these Olympic Games has a dream to get to the top and receive the highest reward.

These athletes would not compete otherwise if this were not their purpose.

They are there because of the reward.

Because of their dream of obtaining a reward they discipline themselves daily and practice diligently until the games begin.

I. We Are In The Race

1. We have witnesses for our race.

Hebrews 12:1

^?/span>?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,

Our witnesses are our supporters.

They are our cheerleaders.

When I was in elementary school - I was a baseball team member, and my position was third-base keeper. One runner tried to touch third base, and I touched him with the ball before he could reach third base. Because of his running speed his body impacted my arm, and I was knocked to the ground.?I could not stand for a while.?Finally I did stand up with tears in my eyes, and then I suddenly heard shouting "Young Joon, Young Joon, You are the best!" With hands clapping I saw all the students standing and cheering for me. I was the center of attention that came from all the students and teachers. So I was known to everyone. I was so encouraged.

Church members, all other Christians, angels of the Lord, and Christians who are in heaven are all our family in the natural and spiritual. They are all on our side.

Like the Olympic games, many audiences watch us race in heaven and on earth.

Also we need to remember that the enemy watches us too as an audience.

When we do well, the enemy "boos" us.

So many times church members are hurt by church leaders.

Mistreatment and disappointment from pastors is a major issue among lay people.

Every person has their own race that is set before them from the Lord.

Also each person races for a reward to see who will finish first.

2. Our goal is to be on top

Philippians 3:12-13

¹² Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

¹³ Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Why did so many athletes from around the world attend these Olympic Games?

And what is the reason for this?

For their country
For themselves

The athlete who participates in these Olympic Games was selected as the top athlete from their country.

The purpose of the Olympics

They are not only looking to get to the top, but they also want to break the history record.

We are in the race that God has prepared before us.

Are you willing to reach the top and also make history through your race?

Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,

But happy is he who keeps the law.

When you start a new business, you have a goal to prosper and succeed in order to build it up and make it big.

Same for me, I have a vision when we started ONE GLORY CHURCH.

My vision for our church is to reach out to the world through the Great Commission.

Also I have a vision for each one of you in ONE GLORY CHURCH.

My vision for each of you is to bring you to an intimate relationship with the Lord and multiplication through disciple making by using the Great Commandments.

One Glory Church Vision

Fulfill the Great Commandments

Relationship with the Lord
Relationship with our neighbors

1) Mercy ministry

2) Discipleship Ministry

What is your vision for your life?

What is your vision for your family?

What is your vision for your church?

God has a vision for you.

You are going to be a History Maker.

3. We expect to receive the reward

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Perishable crown (laurel crown) or imperishable crown

Question: Ancient or Modern Olympic games

1. What is their goal in attending these Olympic Games?

2. How many athletes have a dream or vision to win the Gold medal for their sport?

3. How many athletes have a desire to earn the Gold medal really bad?

Many people watch the games and each country expects and hopes to get lots of Gold medals for their sport.

In the same way,

We will receive a reward from the Lord soon or later.

Do you have a desire to receive a reward from the Lord?

Some people will say, "It is very selfish to want to obtain a reward from the Lord, and I do not care about the reward. I am not interested in getting a reward, but I just want to follow Jesus with a genuine heart."

"And He knows my heart, and He will make a decision to give it to me or not. I am satisfied with whatever decision He makes for me."

"My goal is to only serve the Lord, and not for a reward."

It sounds like a very genuine heart with no selfishness involved.

But this is demonstrated when a Christian뭩 life lacks vision.

It sounds like when people open up their own business, and then the owner says,

"I do not care about making money, but I just want to open up my own business with a genuine and pure heart."

As a Senior Pastor of One Glory Church, I do not want that kind of attitude among us.

I encourage you to

Business man - to work hard and go to the top with success, with a vision and goal from the Lord as you are a child of God, and you are going to receive a reward.

Student - to study hard and go to the top with a vision from the Lord as you are a child of God.

Leader - to lead very well for the Lord, so many people will follow you.

Our reward is imperishable.

Our reward never fades away.

Our reward will last forever.

I Peter 5:4

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

I Corinthians 9:25

Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

II. Our Reward (5 Crowns)

We will receive a reward from the Lord and He has prepared it for you.

So we are going to see what kind of reward He has prepared for us.

I believe that there are so many types of rewards from the Lord.

I would like to share about these rewards, especially about the crown.

You can see there are 5 crowns for us as our reward.

1. The Crown of Rejoicing (Exultation) - for the Fruit of Evangelism

I Thessalonians 2:19-20

¹⁹ For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?

²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

2. The Crown of Glory (I Peter 5:4) for the leaders

I Peter 5:4

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

3. The Crown of Righteousness (II Timothy 4:8) for all Christians who wait for Him

II Timothy 4:8

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.

4. The Crown of Life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10) for who has gone through trials

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Revelation 2:10

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

5. The Crown of Joy (Philippians 4:1) The fruit of Disciples

Philippians 4:1

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Conclusion

Luke 12:32

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

I Timothy 6:11-12

¹¹ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Hebrews 12:1