Run the race! (Class notes from 8/17/08)

Scripture verses: Acts 20: 22-27, I Corinthians 9: 24-27, Galatians 5: 7-8, Hebrews 12: 1-3, Ecclesiastes 9:11, 2 Timothy 4: 7-8.

It's Olympics month and during the past week, we have witnessed extraordinary athletic accomplishments! Usain Bolt (as in lightning!) ran 100 meters in 9. 69 seconds while celebrating during the last several meters, Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming (setting 7 world records in the process), and Constantina Tomescu-Dita (a 5 foot 3 inch 106 pound 38 year-old mother of a teenager) won the women's marathon in 2 hours 26 minutes 44 seconds.

We are continuing our study of the book of Acts. The Holy Spirit has directed Paul to go to Jerusalem and has told him tht he will face imprisonment and hardship once he arrives. In Acts 20, Paul is saying good-bye to the elders of the church in Ephesus (undoubtedly close friends).

In thinking about these athletes and reading the above scriptures, several points are of interest to us:

1. Paul is determined to finish the race God has told him to run (Acts 20: 24). Likewise, we must have a strong desire to run and finish the race God has given each one of us. Are you determined to run the race God has given you?


2. Paul has a clear understanding of the race that God has given him to run (testifying to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20: 24, I Cor 9: 26, 27)). We also need a clear understanding of what race God has given us. Each of us, following our salvation, has been gifted by the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12: 7-11). Therefore, we have specific "talents" and are expected to develop them and use them to complete the task for which God created us (I Cor 9:24-27). We need to understand that if we are uncertain of our gift and the race that we are to run, we will not be effective. What race are you supposed to run (be specific)?


3. We must train in order to win our race! (I Cor 9: 25, Heb 12: 1) What specific training do you do in order to prepare for the race God has given you to run?


4. A coach is needed to keep us on track. In Acts, the Holy Spirit is directing (coaching) Paul. In Hebrews 3: 2-3, we are told to fix our eyes on Jesus and consider Him so that we will not grow weary and lose heart. Seek out a coach to help you, mentor you, correct you, and encourage you! Who is your coach?
   
5. Don't give up or get distracted! (Gal 5: 7-8)


6. Understand that the outcome of the race is in God's hands. (Eccl 9: 11)


7. Finishing your race will lead to reward (2 Tim 4: 7-8)

If you are unsure of the race that God wants you to run, start by identifing the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you. Click the link below: http://www.christianet.com/bible/spiritualgiftstest.htm

If you know your gift but aren't using it, call the church office to speak to one of the staff about opportunities or look for a personal ministry project. If you are having trouble thinking of ministry ideas, Click the link below: http://www.servantevangelism.com/main.cfm

Have a great week!