Choose to Pursue Victory in the Race of Faith

This episode launches the “Eyes on the Prize” series from Hebrews 12:1 and calls believers to run the Christian race with perseverance and renewed commitment. Using the imagery of Olympic training and spiritual discipline, Pastor Chris challenges listeners to look to the examples of faithful believers, throw off anything that hinders their walk with Christ, and pursue the race God has uniquely assigned to them.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18451045

Key Points:

1. REMEMBER the Examples Who Finished Well (Hebrews 12:1a)
    We look back to the faithful believers described in Hebrews 11, whose endurance, obedience, and trust in God encourage us to stay faithful in our own race.
2. REMOVE the Weights That Hold You Back (Hebrews 12:1b)
    Some things are not sinful, but they slow our spiritual growth and distract us from God’s purpose. We are called to lay aside anything that hinders wholehearted devotion to Christ.
3. RUN Your God-Assigned Race with Perseverance (Hebrews 12:1c)
    Each believer has a unique calling and season of life. God calls us to run our race faithfully, with endurance, purpose, and confidence in His strength.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris reflects on his father’s athletic opportunities and unexpected life turns, along with his own journey of discipline and calling into ministry, showing how perseverance shapes both character and faith.

Notable Quotes:
 “Finishing well is not about comfort or ease, but about trusting Jesus and staying faithful through every season.”
 “Some weights are not sinful, but they still keep us from becoming who God wants us to be.”
 “We run for a reward that does not fade, an eternal prize found in Christ.”

Actionable Takeaways:
 Heart-level reflection: Ask God to show you where He is calling you to persevere in this season.
 Daily-life application: Identify one habit or distraction you need to lay aside for the sake of spiritual growth.
 Spiritual step or challenge: Commit to pursuing Jesus with renewed focus and intentionality.
 Practical next step: Choose one faith-building discipline to strengthen this week.

Scripture References:
 Hebrews 12:1. Call to perseverance and disciplined faith.
 Hebrews 11. Examples of believers who finished well.
 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Running to win an eternal prize.
 2 Timothy 4:7. Finishing the race and keeping the faith.
 Galatians 6:9. Do not give up in doing good.
 1 Peter 1:6-7. Trials that refine and strengthen faith.

Keywords:
 Hebrews 12, perseverance, race of faith, finishing well, spiritual discipline, endurance, discipleship, Christian growth, spiritual focus, faithfulness

Challenge:
 Ask the Lord to help you lay aside anything that hinders your walk with Him and to strengthen you to run your God-assigned race with perseverance and devotion.

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The WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send comments to: connect@christeien.com