How to Be a Winner in Life’s Big Race
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before….” Hebrews 12: 1
This text is often used to describe living saints as being on a playing field with the stands filled with Old Testament people of faith and those who have since died with faith watching to see how we perform.
That misses the point. The Greek for witnesses is “martyres,” which at the time meant a witness. A witness is a person who testifies of what they have heard or seen. Therefore, the cloud of witnesses are people of faith who have preceded us testifying of the sufficiencies of the Lord. They are there to encourage us. Their declaration in summary is HE IS ABLE.
“Every weight” spoken of as applied to an athlete was to take off anything that would hinder the race. There are certain attitudes and actions we must put aside if we are to spiritually compete in the race of faith.
The sin which so easily ensnares us or besets us, is the one that is most appealing and enticing to an individual. Satan is no less a strategist than a brilliant military general who scouts his opponent to find the weakest point to attack. Satan knows yours, do you? Pause and contemplate that question.
The ancient Greek commentators, from whom we might expect some light on the phrase, seem to be entirely reduced to conjecture. Chrysostom, for example, adopts in various places two altogether different meanings, “sin which easily (or, completely) surrounds us,” “sin which is easily overcome.” To these Theophylact adds a third, “sin through which man is easily brought into danger.”
That is the one, or those are the ones, needing for our defenses to be built stronger.
Lay aside that sin. The illustration might be to a runner who refused to put off a garment which the crowd admired, though such an encumbrance must cause him to fail of the prize. This depicts a person’s sin the crowd approves of, actually admires. It gaining the wearer popularity makes it difficult to abandon. It is a you approve of my sin, I will applaud yours. Approval by others is a strong enticement not to abandon the popular sin.
Our example for running the race set before us is found in the next verse: “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12: 2)
Keep your eyes on no example other than Jesus and run on — faithfully.
Lead Us Not Into Temptation but Deliver Us From Evil – Part Two
Matthew 6: 3
The Greek word for temptation, “peirasmos,” can properly be translated to tempt to do evil, and also do not allow us trials or heavy burdens. Since it is possible to be used in both senses it is proper to consider it from both angles.
This single line from the Model Prayer Jesus used as a teaching tool reveals much about God. There is reason to rejoice over the fact God leads us. Here is good news: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10: 13) He who limits your load knows your load limit.
We know from James 1:13 that God does not tempt us to sin. If God did tempt us to sin, He would be acting contrary to His holy nature, against His desire for us to be holy as He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16)
The inclusion of a request for God not to lead us into temptation teaches us that avoiding temptation should be one of the primary concerns of the Christian life.
This portion of the Model Prayer is in keeping with the fact we have an ability to avoid temptation. That means we have a tendency to some degree to yield to temptation. He will not allow us to be tempted above our ability to resist the temptation. He has the ability to shield and protect us.
He allows trials for the same reason a bodybuilder lifts weights to build his body. In doing so he is testing his body to develop. In the same manner trials are allowed that by resisting them we may grow stronger in the faith. Properly responded to they develop us spiritually.
“I count it all joy when I fall into various temptations; knowing this — that the trying of my faith works patience.” (James 1: 2, 3)
If the temptation in the Lord’s Prayer refers to trials, then the meaning of Matthew 6:13 is, “Do not afflict or try us.” It is not wrong to pray that we may be delivered from trials and suffering, as long as we yield ourselves to His will.
David prayed a similar request: “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” (Psalm 141: 4) In all things, God is our deliverer, and we are wise to seek His power over sin.
The prayer that God would deliver us from evil has a counterpart in the command with a promise: “Resist the devil and He will flee from you.” That can’t be possible if we try to do it in the energy of the flesh. The first part of that verse tells how it is made possible, “submit to God.” (James 4: 7)
Lead Us Not Into Temptation but Deliver Us From Evil – Part One
Matthew 6: 3
The Greek word for temptation is “peirasmos.” It has two possible meanings. One means to entice one to sin. The other means to test or try.
James 1: 13, 14 says God cannot tempt us to sin.
Therefore, in interpreting the phrase in the Lord’s prayer “lead us not into temptation,” does not mean to tempt to sin.
Paul Thigpen offers insight into the Model Prayer.
Jesus did not say “Don’t tempt us,” but “don’t lead us into temptation.”
Even Jesus was tempted. “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4: 1) In this passage peirasmos was used in the sense of testing or trial, not to induce Him to sin, but to reveal His capacity.
Scripture shows God uses trial to reveal what is in a person’s heart.
Abraham was tested to sacrifice Isaac. His response indicated it was not in his heart to disobey God by not sacrificing Isaac. God did not want human sacrifice, but He wanted Abraham to show his will to do it, and then upon showing his willingness to obey, God stopped him.
David was tested by his desire regarding Bethsheba and failed the test. He later contritely repented and committed himself to the Lord which showed what was really in his heart. He learned the lesson regarding his own weakness.
Tests are files that rub off the rust of self-confidence.
God allows trials so we can provide a witness to others and examples of God’s sufficiency in face of His enemies.
Paul told Timothy, “Train yourself to be godly.” (I Timothy 4: 7)
God does not tempt us Himself, but He allows us to be tested. Martin Luther said, “My temptations have been my masters in divinity.”
We pray not to be led to temptation because of our concern about our capacity to handle it and we don’t want to fail God. It means I don’t even want to be in a position to fail God.
Later in the passage it is said, “Deliver us from evil.” This can be translated as “rescue” us from evil. This is a confession of our weakness, and is an appeal to be rescued from what evil things can be done against us.
It would be false pride and over self-confident to pray, “Go ahead, put me to the test.” Rather pray as Jesus instructed us to in His model prayer.
SUPPORTING TEXTS
“There has no temptation taken me but such as is common to man: But God is faithful, Who will not suffer me to be tempted above that which I am able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that I may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:13
“I count it all joy when I fall into various temptations; knowing this — that the trying of my faith works patience.” (James 1: 2, 3)
Finding the Will of God 1/25/98
Acts 11: 1 – 14
Page 1611 Come Alive Bible
[Text to Be Read: Ephesians 5:17]
Page 1712 Come Alive Bible
JESUS CHRIST said, “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12: 50).
The happiest, most content, most fulfilled person in all the world is the person doing God’s will. That being true, one of the most important things in all the world is knowing God’s will.
The greatest deception perpetuated by Satan is that happiness and gratification can be found apart from God’s will. Momentary kicks, yes. But not lasting happiness. For kicks apart from Christ always – ALWAYS – have a kick-back.
If knowing God’s will is so important and results in such blessings, how can you know God’s will? Momentarily I will share six Biblical principles involved in finding God’s will. First I want to warn there are some persons who are blind guides offering to guide the blind. Beware of these.
SOME TYPES ARE:
1. Those who have made up their minds what they are going to do but are looking for somebody to agree with them; and thus, console themselves that they are right because of this agreement. They often look for a minister who agrees with them. If one doesn’t, they turn to another. If a friend doesn’t, they continue to look for a confirming friend.
2. Another type is the person who has fouled up his or her own life and is now ready to counsel everyone else on how to do it. These persons can be recognized by these traits.
a. They have goofed-up their own lives.
b. They have a minimum understanding of grace.
c. They are nosey about other people’s business.
d. They believe they are experts because of their experience.
These persons are guilty of sticking their nose in other people’s business.
CONSIDER THESE PERIMETERS OF GOD’S WILL
-It begins at the moment of salvation and ends at death.
-All of God’s will is in keeping with the principles, commands, techniques, promises, doctrines, and declarations of the Bible. God will never contradict His written Word — NEVER.
GOD’S BASIC WILL FOR THE LOST AND THE SAVED IS EVIDENT
-For the lost it is simple — God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (II Pet 3:9). “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ…” (I John 3: 23).
-For the saved it is simple — Ephesians 5: 17, 18.
To find God’s will, apply a basic principle of math. To find the unknown, start with the known.
Remember such problems as: 2X = 10. What does X equal? The answer is 5. To find the unknown, always start with the known. For the lost, it is to receive Christ as Savior. For the saved, it is to live a Spirit- filled life. Before you look for the more complex aspects of God’s will, it is essential that these two “knowns” be complied with.
In Acts 11:1, seven principles are found to have been used by Peter in proving that what he had done was God’s will. These same seven need to be applied in our search for His will.
What Peter had done violated four basic, ritualistic taboos. Therefore, the religious leaders “contended” with Him. The word means they kept on persecuting him. This was no academic debate; it was a verbal war. Peter had:
-Eaten with a Gentile. That simply wasn’t done.
-Ate Gentile food.
-This Gentile was a Roman.
-He stayed in the house until after dark.
In light of their contention, Peter “explained” his actions. The word means he kept on explaining it in historical order. He shared seven principles used to convince him this was God’s will.
I. PRAYER WAS THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF DIVINE GUIDANCE
“I was in the city of Joppa praying…” (vs. 5).
Prayer is essential in the search for God’s will. It is making a humble request of the Lord. Prayer is not a system of rationalization. Prayer, though essential, is not enough alone. Other factors must converge.
II. THINKING WAS THE SECOND PRINCIPLE
Peter said “I observed it intently and considered… (vs. 6).
The word literally meant “to put your mind to something, to ponder.” This meant to think through intently and in detail for a long while. It is a reference to objective thinking. That is, thinking apart from emotions.
III. THE WORD OF GOD IS THE THIRD PRINCIPLE
Peter did not have the Word like we have today. Therefore, before the Word was written it was rarely miraculously spoken. Peter heard the Word three times before it sank in.
Prayer, the first principle in seeking God’s will must be combined with a knowledge of the Word. A certain “sweet thing” might feel she is in love with “Mr. Wonderful” and decides to pray about it. She is a Christian and he a non-believer. She prays, “God, if you don’t close the door, I will know it is your will for me to marry him.” No door is closed so she assumes it to be God’s will for them to marry. It isn’t. She didn’t even need to pray about this decision. God’s will is already spelled out in His Word on this subject. In effect, God closed the door long before she prayed. II Cor. 6:14 is the closed door. It says simply that we should not be unequally yoked. That’s the closed door. THINK!
IV. PROVIDENTIAL CIRCUMSTANCES IS THE FOURTH
While Peter was praying and considering the vision three men suddenly appeared with a special request (vs. 11).
If circumstances suggest something contrary to God’s Word, they are not of God.
V. HOLY SPIRIT GUIDANCE IS THE FIFTH
Verse 12 shares a strategic principle. It is this. The Bible was not yet fully authored; and thus, Peter didn’t have the New Testament as his source of instruction. Today it must be ours. He had God’s Word vocally. We have it written. The vision was equivalent for him as the Word is for us today. The fact “the Spirit told” him to go is equivalent to the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit through the written Word today.
The Holy Spirit will NEVER lead anyone to do anything contrary to the written Word of God.
VI. COMPARISONS IS THE SIXTH
In verses 13 – 15 Peter and the men compare notes. This takes us back to the principle of thinking. As they compared notes, their insights dovetailed. This convergence was of God.
VII. SCRIPTURE MEMORY IS THE SEVENTH
Peter recalled the Word of the Lord.
“I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8).
Under pressure it is the Word of God you know that gives stability.
Who Is the God in Whose Name You Pray
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.” I Timothy 3: 16
Who was Jesus? Skeptics try to prove He was a good teacher and nothing more. Cynics declare He was a misguided fringe character, the son of Mary by a Roman soldier. He was none of these. I Timothy 3: 16 is a passage worth memorizing and keeping in mind in defining Him. Note:
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
“God was manifested in the flesh.” When was God manifest in the flesh?
“Justified in the Spirit.” When was God justified in the Spirit?
“Seen by angels.” When was God seen of angels?
“Preached among the Gentiles.” When was God preached among the Gentiles?
“Believed on in the world.” When was God believed on in the world?
“Received up in glory.” When was God received up in glory?
These are characteristics of Jesus. The character described by each question is found only in Jesus. Who then was Jesus — God, manifest in flesh and blood.
If all of this is true, and it is, when He spoke it was God speaking. What He said is trustworthy.
He gave us a free pass into the throne room of heaven when He said.
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14: 13, 14)
You can express all night long what you call prayer and end it “in Jesus name,” and it will not get an affirmative answer if it relates to something that does not glorify God. Merely saying the words “in Jesus name” is not a magic incantation requiring Him giving what is requested. To pray in Jesus name is to pray for what Jesus would pray for if He were in your place and condition. In effect it means to pray as Jesus’ proxy.
When you pray be mindful of who it is you are addressing. Be more concerned about who it is you are praying to than about what you are praying. As an exercise in praying with this mindset pray the model prayer being mindful of who you are addressing — God.
“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.”