Galatians 5:7
The Galatians had started the race well. They had done what was necessary (obeyed the truth), but somewhere along the line, something or someone hindered them and they were in danger of dropping out of the race.
In our race toward heaven, we must keep running and keep saying “Yes to Jesus” (obeying the truth), no matter what obstacles the devil tries to throw our way.
I. The Beginning of the Race:
A) Decision to run the race – a choice must be made: They met the qualifications to run the race – they were saved and determined to go all the way – to finish the race! The Galatians started out sprinting towards the finish line – “Ye did run well” They were excited about running the race – “They were doing well” – the were laying aside “every weight that could beset them.” They were “obeying the truth” at the beginning of the race – keeping the rules (obeying the gospel, the commandments, the leadings of the Holy Spirit).
B) Staying Focused – the challenge of the race: In the midst of the race a runner must maintain, his/her stamina- pacing themselves to win the race. 1 Corinthians 9:24 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.”
C) The Cause of the Race – why do we run the race? We run so that we may win – that is the only reason to run a race. We aren’t running this race for our “heavenly victor’s crown” to place 2nd or 3rd or 4th – we are running to take first prize. We are to run with determination, excitement, and joy of the prize that is set before us.
II. In the Midst of the Race: Paul is saying: “Their beginning was so good, that something caused them to come to a direct stop.”
A) There is a danger of becoming weary/tired: Galatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary in well doing: for un due season we shall reap if we faint not.” How do you become weary? Think that you aren’t accomplishing anything; feel like everyone else is doing so much better than you are; feeling like a failure, etc.
B) There is a danger of becoming dehydrated (thirsty): Keep satisfying yourself with “living water” – don’t sacrifice it for the “energy sublimates of this world.” Keep reading your Bible, praying, witnessing, attending public worship.
C) There is a danger of feeling like “just giving up” We get looking at others – those who aren’t running the race and they seem to be doing so much better. We get looking at those who are running the race – “I can’t do as good as they can!” 2 Cor. 10:12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend (lift up) themselves: but they measure themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” Joshua 1:5 “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
D) There is a danger of loosing sight of the finishing line: (4:11) – “I am afraid for you” Their first contact with the Gospel (4:13) Their reception and care of Paul (4:14) Their love for Paul (4:15) – they were so eager for the gospel and to hear it from Paul that they would have plucked out their eyes for him. “How have I become your enemy? Because I tell you the truth?” (4:16) Their former obedience to the truth (3:1) (5:8) “This belief was not what you were taught” – who is hindering you?
E) What was hindering the Galatians? The Hindrance of False teachings – works good get them to heaven instead of salvation. The Hindrance of Fighting Christians: (Gal 5:15) “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Biting and devouring one another. 1. What an awful picture. 2. Visualize what Paul is saying here. 3. Not just biting…but devouring. 4. Christians portrayed as wild animals destroying one another. The Hindrance of yielding to the flesh (worldliness) – v. 16-17
III. The Ending the Race “well”
A) Paul’s Confidence in Them (v.9-10)
B) Paul wanted them to Concentrating on the Fruits of the Spirit (v.22-23)
C) Concluding the race (2 Timothy 4:6-8) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…”
THE RACE MANY SOULS HAVE STARTED OUT TO RUN THIS RACE BUT MANY FEET HAVE STUMBLED TRYING HARD TO KEEP THE PACE AT TIMES MY STEPS HAVE GOWN SO WEARY AS I WATCH OTHERS PASS ME BY IT MAKES ME WONDER WHO WILL MAKE IT IS THERE HOPE FOR SUCH AS I.
( CHORUS) NOT THE ONE WHO RUNS THE SWIFTEST NOR THE ONE WHO SHINED FOR A DAY BUT THE ONE WHO ENDURETH TO THE END HE, HE SHALL BE SAVED
A CROWN OF LIFE IS WAITING FOR THOSE WHO MAKE IT IN THOSE WHO’VE RUN THE RACE WITH PATIENCE CASTING OFF THE WEIGHTS OF SIN IT DOESN’T MATTER WHEN WE STARTED OR HOW LONG THE RACE HAS BEEN IT’S THE END THAT’S SO IMPORTANT
