On The Course But Not In The Race | Levi Lusko | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

On The Course But Not In The Race

Fresh Life Church • Feb 16, 2026 • 54 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this encouraging message, Pastor Levi Lusko challenges believers to make sure they are actively running the spiritual race rather than merely being present on the course. By understanding the biblical reality of eternal rewards and the Judgment Seat of Christ, Christians are empowered to throw off sin and distractions. As we fix our eyes on Jesus and live with eager anticipation of His return, we find the strength to endure earthly trials and ultimately lay our crowns back at His feet in worship.

Themes

Eternal RewardsEndurance in FaithSpiritual DisciplineHeavenly CrownsJudgment Seat of Christ

Pastor's Points

1.

Five Heavenly Crowns: 1) Crown of the Victor (Imperishable Crown of Self-Control), 2) Crown of Suffering (Crown of Life), 3) Crown of the Soul Winner (Crown of Rejoicing), 4) Crown of a Shepherd (Crown of Glory), 5) Crown of Readiness (Crown of Righteousness)

2.

Four Actions to Keep Sprinting: 1) Remember, 2) Attention, 3) Calling, 4) Effort

Key Points

1.
Believers are saved for good works, not by good works, and will give an account of their service at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
2.
The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat) evaluates believers for eternal rewards and impact, whereas eternal salvation is already secured at the cross.
3.
Scripture describes five distinct heavenly crowns promised to believers who exercise self-control, endure suffering, win souls, shepherd well, and love Christ's appearing.
4.
Enduring hardships with persistent faith turns earthly suffering into an eternal platform for bringing glory to God.
5.
The ultimate purpose of earning heavenly crowns is not self-exaltation, but having the privilege to cast them at the feet of Jesus in ultimate worship.
6.
Satan actively seeks to sabotage a believer's effectiveness and steal their future rewards by lulling them into complacency or distraction.
7.
Believers must protect their spiritual momentum by actively remembering God's works, paying attention to the times, walking in their unique calling, and giving wholehearted effort.

Sermon Moments

“Accidentally running on the Miami Marathon course without being in the actual race, illustrating how believers can be on the course of faith without actively competing.”

“The distinction between the Bema Seat judgment for believers' rewards and the White Throne judgment for non-believers.”

“God pinning our forgiven sins between His shoulder blades—behind His back—so they are never brought against us again.”

“Using personal suffering as a microphone to proclaim God's goodness louder during trials.”

“Martin Luther's reminder that believers should keep only two days on their calendar: today and that day when Jesus returns.”

“The Louvre break-in where a thief stole a crown, contrasting how Satan seeks to steal the masterpiece and rewards God has for believers.”

“The story of the returning elderly missionary couple whose quiet return highlighted that public recognition comes when we finally arrive home in heaven.”

This Week

Keep your focus fixed on Jesus rather than comparing your spiritual walk to those running alongside you.

Practice spiritual discipline through regular fasting and physical self-control to strengthen your capacity for obedience.

View present trials and hardships as opportunities to bring God glory and earn the crown of life.

Actively participate in sharing the gospel and supporting soul-winning efforts to share in the crown of rejoicing.

Cultivate eager anticipation for Christ's second coming, allowing the reality of 'that day' to shape how you live 'today.'

Regularly reflect on God's past faithfulness and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ to prevent spiritual forgetfulness and complacency.

Leverage your unique, God-given gifts and calling with maximum effort, remembering that you are not home yet.

Remember This

You are on the course of faith, so keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, run with wholehearted endurance, and leverage your life to lay down crowns at His feet.

A Challenge for You

You're not home yet, so don't stop sprinting—stay active in your faith, keep your eyes on Jesus, and run with everything you've got until the finish line.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.