Be Strong Series

TRAIN TO WIN (PART 2)

BE STRONG

Key Scripture for series: 1 Cor 9:24-27

(1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

(1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV) Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

(1 Corinthians 9:26 ESV) So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

(1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

God encourages us to train hard, well and smart so that we can compete at the highest level possible. (1 Cor 9:24-27)

Because of this God has given every person that is a devoted follower of Jesus 3 incredible spiritual resources that if we incorporate them into our journey we will experience an Olympic level quality of life in our journey.

9 out of 10 wars throughout human history are won with the opposing team possessing superior resources/weapons

(2 Corinthians 10:3 ESV) For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.

(2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV) For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

1. Eternal truth

The source of our faith is the word of God. (Rom 10:17). God uses His Word to fuel our faith. Faith is both an offensive as well as defensive force in our lives. (Eph 6:16-17). In order to win I need to play on both the offence and the defence. Defence stops bad things from happening and offence allows good things to happen. Are you playing on only the offence or defence or both? God’s Word gives us light and is a sword. If you don’t read or open your Bible, it’s not going to help. (Psa 119:105)

2. The eternal family

The moment we say yes to Jesus as Lord and Saviour the Holy Spirit does two things.

1. He comes to live in us

2. He baptises us into God’s family. (1 Cor 12:12,27)

(Hebrews 10:25 ESV) not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

3. Genuine Spiritual Power

We cannot fight and win our fights on our own. We have to rely on God’s power and ask for it which comes through the Holy Spirit

(Psalms 44:3 MSG) We didn't fight for this land; we didn't work for it--it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.

(1 John 4:4 MSG) My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.

(Ephesians 5:18 MSG) Don't drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him.

• I have to desire the Holy Spirit to control/influence my life.

• I confess (agree with God) and repent (turnaround 180 degrees) of all known sin.

• I embrace that in Jesus I can be a different person (note Romans 6:11).

• Everything I am belongs to the Holy Spirit and He is in control. (Rom 6:13)

Training to win means

• God provides us with the resources that we need to be gold medal champions for Jesus

• When I follow Jesus and I use the resources that He has given me I will be a champion and I will be able to say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7)