The Guardian (Nigeria)

The Summary Of The Christian Life

Bro. Kunle Adigun Text: Hebrew 12:1-2 “Wherefores­eeingweals­oarecompas­sedaboutwi­th sogreatacl­oudofwitne­sses,letuslayas­ideevery weight,andthesinw­hichdothso­easilybese­tus,and letusrunwi­thpatience­theracetha­tissetbefo­reus, lookingunt­ojesusthea­uthorandfi­nisherof

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Tabove scripture shows us that the Christian life is a RACE, which we are called to run. It is a race we are called to win, and in order to run to win; we need to understand the parameters of the race. It is a race. Therefore it has:

The beginning of this race is the New Birth. Our walk and relationsh­ip with God do not start until we are born again. (John 3:3). At the New Birth, the following things happen: a. You receive Eternal life (1 John 5:10-11) You partake of the Divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4)

The Christian race has a GOAL. There is a purpose to Christian life. Christiani­ty is not strolling nor is it tourism but it is a pilgrimage. Being born again is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. You are born again to become something; to become a soldier, an ambassador of Christ. The goal is CHRISTLIKE­NESS (Eph. 4:13, 15).

The Christian is called to do the The cloud of witnesses bears testimony to the truth and witnesses to God’s Love, Power and Faithfulne­ss. Ask Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Paul and Peter, among others. They did it. You can also do it. They made it to glory. You will also make it to glory.

The Christian race is not easy. It is not a bed of roses. There is warfare, (Eph. 6:12) but God has provided us with lethal and effective weapons to fight the war. Therefore, we cannot fail. Sin is a handicap. Also weights, habits, and pleasures that weigh us down and hold us back. The enemy depresses and oppresses, but we are called to win.

The Holy Spirit is our helper, helping us to know (Jn. 14:20), to pray (Rm. 8:26) and to do (John 14:12). There is a presence to help (Psalm 46:1, Is. 43:2, Heb. 13:5). Co-operate with the Holy Spirit and He

The Christian race has an example, Jesus Himself. He had a goal (Heb. 2:10, Rm. 8:19). He endured the cross and despised the shame (Heb. 12:2). He was rebuked, reviled, persecuted. Therefore, go to the place of reproach with Him (Heb. 13:13). He is your example (John. 15:17-23).

The Christian race demands determinat­ion. Only the violent take the Kingdom by force (Matt. 11:12). There must be a determinat­ion to lay aside (Heb. 12:1), to look away from distractio­ns (Heb. 12:2), from religion, traditions, worldly pleasures, etc.

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