Rid, Run, Look

In one paragraph

Pastor Brad opened with a milestone birthday and used it to ask a harder question: given that none of us know how many days we have left, are we living by what the culture sells us or by what God actually calls us to? Working through Hebrews 12:1-2, he laid out three movements, rid, run, look, as a framework for running the whole race with endurance. The sermon started with the gap between what...

Read together

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 the central text, read aloud in Eugene Peterson's The Message paraphrase
2. Galatians 5:13-14 quoted to show Christians are called to serve one another in love, not indulge the flesh
3. James 5:16 cited as the classic text on confessing sin to one another and praying for healing
4. 1 Corinthians 10:31 referenced to show that whatever we do should be done to the glory of God
5. Ephesians 2 cited briefly to support that salvation is received as a gift, not achieved
6. Psalm 110:1 quoted to introduce the session of Christ, the Lord telling his Lord to sit at his right hand until enemies are made a footstool
7. Revelation 19:11-15 quoted to describe Christ as judge and warrior, eyes like blazing fire, robe dipped in blood, striking down nations

Talk about it

1. Brad talked about the unspoken religion of 'selfism' and how it shapes our daily rhythms around comfort, control, and consumption. Where do you see that pull most clearly in your own life, and how does it line up with what the biblical call on your life actually looks like?
2. The text says 'let us rid ourselves' of every obstacle and entangling sin, and Brad made the point that this is personal, not something to apply to the people around you. What is one thing, whether a sin or just a good thing that has grown too large, that you sense you need to cast off right now?
3. Brad described the race as marked out specifically for each person, and pointed to Jesus telling Peter 'what is it to you, you follow me.' How do you tend to respond when you compare your own calling or pace to someone else's, and what does it look like practically to stay in your own lane?
4. Brad said that looking to Jesus is what actually enables us to run, and that a saving faith will produce works rather than us working to earn anything. Where in your life do you find yourself trying to run on your own strength, and what does it look like for you to fix your eyes on Jesus in that specific area?
5. The sermon closed with the image of Christ seated at the right hand of God, still reigning and waiting, and Brad said everyone will either bend the knee gladly or be bent as an enemy. How does holding that future reality in view change the way you think about how you spend your days between now and then?