How to Run Your Spiritual Race Well*

The Christian life is described in Scripture as a race that requires focus, perseverance, and faith. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1–2, Pastor Chris Teien shares how to throw off hindrances, fix your eyes on Jesus, and run with endurance. This message blends biblical insight, personal reflection, and practical encouragement to help you finish well. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335530

Key Points:

1. Run Your Race – Every believer has a race marked out by God. The Christian life is not passive but active and faith-filled. Hebrews 11 points to the heroes of faith who ran before us and now cheer us on.
2. Run Unhindered – Identify and cast off sins, distractions, and attachments that slow you down. Just as ancient runners shed anything that would entangle them, believers must deal honestly with what holds them back.
3. Run with Perseverance – The spiritual race is a marathon. Press on through weariness, trust the Lord for renewed strength, and stay faithful even when fruit takes time.
4. Run Focused on Jesus – Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. He ran the race perfectly and shows us how to stay the course.
5. Run to Get the Prize – Run with purpose. Look forward, not backward. Press on to receive the heavenly reward for which Christ calls us.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris shares reflections on health apps predicting lifespan, his preference for fast walking, and early interests that shaped his understanding of priorities.

Notable Quotes:

• “The Christian life is not a sprint. It’s a marathon that takes a lifetime to run.”
• “Satan often sidetracks us by making us too busy, too tired, or too ashamed to run.”
• “We can’t make spiritual progress by looking back. Keep your eyes on Jesus and keep moving forward.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on what may be weighing you down spiritually and surrender it to God.
• Choose one distraction to set aside this week to focus more on your walk with Christ.
• Renew your commitment to fix your eyes on Jesus when life gets muddy or difficult.
• Encourage a friend in their race, running together in faith.

Scripture References:
Hebrews 12:1–2; Romans 6:23; John 1:12; Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 3:12–14; 2 Timothy 4:7

Keywords:
race, perseverance, Hebrews 12, spiritual growth, focus on Jesus, endurance, Christian living, faith journey, distractions

Challenge:
Ask God to reveal one weight or sin that is slowing you down, and take a concrete step this week to lay it aside so you can run your race with renewed focus and perseverance.

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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: [e-mail]