Read Hebrews 12:1-2 + Philippians 3:12-14 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What does Paul focus on?
- Why hasn’t he achieved the goal?
- What is the goal Jesus calls us to?
Reflect
Paul revealed that he ran the race of faith with intention. He exemplified Hebrews’ instructions to keep our eyes on Christ, and as he endured, his focus remained on knowing and becoming more like Jesus. His ultimate goal wasn’t perfection in his own strength; it was the fullness of the prize he would receive when he reached his eternal home in heaven.
As we run our races, we shouldn’t let anything take our eyes off that same goal. We can have the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, laying aside everything harmful or distracting us from living like Christ. Most people can’t see heaven and don’t even know it’s out there, but it is. To endure this race, we have to remember the prize we’re running towards.
What goals do you most often run towards? Many earthly goals can be good things, but they should never take the place of God. How can you remind yourself of His presence and the eternal reward promised to believers? What can you add into your day to know Him better, and who can you share Him with?
Respond
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.
Remember
During At the Movies, each week we’ll focus on remembering what we read. If you're new to memorizing Scripture, start by looking at one section of one verse to remember this week.
Read Hebrews 12:1-2 again to remember. If you want to begin by memorizing just part of it, start with this phrase:
“...let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”