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I. FOR PREPARATION.

1. The laws.

(1) As those who ran had to use such diet as did strengthen, not cloy, and such apparel as might cover, not clog them, so the Christian (Hebrews 12:1).

(2) We must consider the ways we are to run in, and what dangers we are like to meet with. The want of this is the ground of apostasy.

(3) We must enter the race betimes. The devil's trick is to tell us we have plenty of time; but life is uncertain, and youth is the best time to get into training.

2. Hindrances.

(1)  Hope of long life.

(2)  A conceit that when we have given our names to Christ we must bid adieu to all delight.

(3)  A despair of getting through.

II. FOR CONTINUANCE.

1. Laws.

(1)  You must resolve to hold on without failing in good duties.

(2)  You must look to gain ground, and grow from grace to grace.

(3)  You must do all things with all your might.

(4)  You must run cheerfully and speedily.

2. Hindrances.

(1)  Idle scruples which are as dust thrown in the eyes of runners, and temptations which are as stones to their feet.

(2)  Sins against conscience.

(3)  Ill and dull company.

(4)  Wandering minds.

(R. Sibbes, D. D.)

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KJV: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

WEB: Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,