Move On, Head Down, Focused on the Race

Sometimes churches can become insular. They become like an island and live to serve only those who are members. They become complacent in the mission that Christ so plainly spelled out in what is known as the great commission found in the Gospels. Here is what Jesus said:

“ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:17-20

He did not say to remain in one place and minister only to those who go to your church. He said go! Move out! We, as His disciples, are to go and tell others about Jesus. Not only are we to tell others about Jesus, we are to show who Jesus is to the world by our actions seen in service and love.

1. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-11 and answer the following questions:

What do you suppose the phrase “...being poured out like a drink offering” means? 

A drink offering was part of the sacrificial process found in the Old Testament. Before a blood sacrifice was made, a offering of a certain amount of wine was poured out. The word "drink-offering" comes from the Hebrew word “nesek” , which means "to pour out." It was that which was "poured out" upon the altar, and not that which was drank by the people at the eating of the Passover Feast. Any portion of it which was not "poured out" could not properly be called a "drink-offering." 

2. Read Numbers 28:7.  “Offer one quart of wine with each lamb as a drink offering; pour it out to the Lord at the Holy Place.” (NCV) How much wine were they to offer? Where were they to pour it out?

Much like the drink offering, our faith should be “poured out,” not “drunk in." The ancient ritual of the sacrificial wine was that it had to be poured out. When the person drank the wine it benefitted themselves. When it was poured out it represented an emptying of self before God. The Apostle Paul used this example in his life. He gave out everything he had as sacrifice before God. He fully and faithfully served the people who Jesus had sent him to.

3. List some ways God has asked you to “pour yourself out” in service to Him? How did you respond? Explain.

 4. Read 2 Timothy 4:7. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  What three things does Paul say he has done in his life in service to Jesus?

I can’t imagine the opposition Paul faced. We all have our struggles and obstacles but we are still called to keep moving by faith in Jesus. The Lord promises us that He is always with us. Sometimes we feel all alone but we can be assured that we are not alone. Jesus is with us and dwells within us in the filling of His Holy Spirit. I like how Paul uses running a race as an example of the life of a Christian. If you have ever worked up a sweat exercising you can understand the struggle and effort required of a runner. We too are running a race of faith. We are not called to stay put, but to move out! It takes effort.

5. Read Philippians 3:10-14. (NIV) and answer the following questions:

What does the Apostle Paul say he wants to “know” in verse 10? How do you feel about this in your own life as a believer? Are you willing to “know” these things? Explain.

What goal has Paul pressed on to take hold of in verse 12? Is this a goal you have in your life? Why or why not?

Why do you think its important to “forget what is behind?” What are we to do instead?

What do you suppose is “the prize?” Who gives the reward at the end of life’s race? Who enables us to run?

In competition, athletes focus on their particular sport with hours and hours, years and years of hard work, practice, blood, sweat and tears so they can reach their goal. They don’t hold back. They don’t give up or look back as they train and are completely focused on reaching the prize at the finish.

Our lives as believers can be compared on some level with these champions. We too should be focused on reaching our goal and that goal is eternity with Jesus. However, before we reach this eternal goal we are in a race. It is a supernatural race. We will face blood, sweat and tears but we must continue to run knowing we are running for an eternal prize ~ eternity with Jesus. The King watches us and not only does He watch us, He coaches us as we live our lives in service to Him. He will welcome across the finish line saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

6. Are you moving or are you sitting still? As part of the “Church” or “Body of Christ,” do you see yourself as a moving part, functioning as a servant of the Most High God? Why or why not?


7. Read 2 Timothy 4:8. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”  How do you feel when you think about the “award” awaiting you? 


The Church is not called to be insular but to be active in reaching out to the world. The world needs Jesus and when we get so focused on what we want and having our needs taken care of, we become stagnant. Frankly, we begin to stink. Let’s get moving. Let’s run together in the race of faith. We have a great prize awaiting us. Don’t look back. Strive forward. There’s an eternal reward to be had. Move out Church! It’s time!