I Press On
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class, Richard Sutton challenged the congregation to finish the spiritual race God has called them to run. Using the metaphor of athletic competition and drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Philippians 3:12-14, Sutton emphasized that the Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon requiring discipline, endurance, and "stick-to-itiveness." He introduced an African proverb—"The race is not to the swift, but to those who keep running"—rooted in Ecclesiastes 9:11, arguing that finishing matters more than speed. Sutton acknowledged that while anyone can start a race, few possess the dogged determination to finish. He stressed that passion initiates the Christian journey, but determination sustains it through fatigue, boredom, and adversity. The teacher presented two key principles for finishing the race: first, sticking with your commitment to Christ regardless of circumstances or emotions, and second, maintaining relationships and connections that encourage and stimulate spiritual growth. Paul's own example—writing to the Philippians while imprisoned, beaten, and aging—demonstrated that spiritual commitment rests on relationship with Jesus, not on favorable conditions. The class concluded with practical applications: when you don't feel like showing up, show up anyway; when bored, stay faithful; when tired, trust God's strength rather than your own.
Key Scriptures
Do not know that those who run a race all run, but only one receives the prize. Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way as not without. Aim I box in such a way is not beating the air, but I buffet my body and make it my slave less possibly after I preach to others. I myself should be disqualified.
And I do not consider my life as anything, nor do I judge myself. I am not trying to attain my own righteousness, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. And I press on toward the goal, to win the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way.