What obstacles might hinder us from "running a good race" in our faith? Running Well—Then Hindered “You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7) Core Image: The Race of Faith • Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to “throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and … run with endurance.” • 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 urges disciplined effort for an imperishable crown. • Paul himself could say, “I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). What, then, can trip us up? Major Obstacles That Block a Good Run • False teaching & legalism – Galatians 1:6-7 warns of “a different gospel.” – Any system that adds human works to Christ’s finished work sidelines grace and saps joy. • Reliance on the flesh instead of the Spirit – Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Self-effort alone leaves us winded and ineffective. • Ongoing, unconfessed sin – Sin is “the entangling net” (Hebrews 12:1); it tightens every step. • Unforgiveness and bitterness – Hebrews 12:15: a “root of bitterness” causes trouble and defiles many. – Resentment is ankle-weights on the track. • Worldly distractions & misplaced affections – 1 John 2:15-16: love for the world crowds out love for the Father. – Daily schedules jammed with earthly pursuits leave little room for the onward press (Philippians 3:13-14). • Weariness & discouragement – Isaiah 40:31: those who wait on the LORD “will run and not grow weary.” – Fixing eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) renews resolve. • Pride & self-sufficiency – “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). – Pride blinds us to pace-setting grace. • Isolation & neglect of fellowship – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: two are better than one; if one falls, the other helps him up. – Lone-ranger Christians lack the shoulder-to-shoulder encouragement God designed. • Lack of spiritual discipline – 1 Corinthians 9:27: Paul “disciplines his body” to avoid disqualification. – Sporadic intake of Scripture and prayer equals poor race conditioning. • Fear of man – Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man is a snare.” – People-pleasing diverts us from the marked-out lane of obedience. Clearing the Track • Return to the pure gospel of grace—Christ plus nothing. • Yield daily to the Holy Spirit’s lead, not the flesh’s impulses. • Confess and forsake known sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Release offenses; forgive as you’ve been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). • Simplify life to seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33). • Refresh weary hearts in Scripture, worship, and fellowship. • Cultivate humility, remembering every stride is empowered by Jesus. • Stay connected to a Bible-honoring church and trustworthy mentors. • Train consistently: Word, prayer, communion, service. • Fear God above all, running to please the ultimate Judge and Rewarder. Finishing Strong With obstacles cast aside and eyes locked on “the author and perfecter of our faith,” we can echo Paul: “I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13-14), crossing the finish line to hear, “Well done.” |
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