Running The Race To Win
Say this with me:
THIS MESSAGE IS FOR ME.
(REPEAT 3x’s)
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 MSG
(24) You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win.
(25) All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.
(26) I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me!
(27) I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
There are ways you can lose a race
1. Run the race half-way
2. Run the race hard, but off course
3. Run the race and quit
4. Run the wrong style of race: sprint instead of marathon
5. Run the race with all you can¡Kto win!
6. Don¡¦t run the race
This is written at a time that we would know as our modern day Olympics
These games were held every two years outside of Corinth.
Like our modern day Olympics, the games brought people from everywhere to compete and watch.
The Best of the Best competed. Anyone who was anyone in the athletic arena competed in these games.
They would absolutely almost kill themselves to win for a crown of celery!
Winners received a lifetime exemption from paying taxes, serving in the military and tuition at the universities.
They would get their picture on the front of the Wheaties box!!!!
1. RUN THE RACE HALF WAY
Maybe start off with a bang, the adrenaline of something new but after a few minutes take it easy.
Havent trained not physically able to run without proper training
2. RUN THE RACE OFF COURSE.
Look for the short cuts.
Not willing to sacrifice the body to run the course laid out for you.
3. RUN THE RACE AND QUIT
Looking at the spectators and seeing the fun they have just watching.
Drinking their Cokes, eating their Oreo’s. There are certain things an athelete will do and not do to succeed.
4. RUN THE WRONG TYPE OF RACE: SPRINT INSTEAD OF MARATHON
5. DON’T RUN THE RACE
Stay on the sidelines and refuse to compete.
Don¡¦t take hold of the destiny & blessing that is in store for you.
1 Peter 5:8 MKJV
(8) Be sensible and vigilant, because your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour;
6. RUN THE RACE TO WIN!
You win if you cross the finish line.
1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG
(8) Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.
(9) Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.
(10) The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ--eternal and glorious plans they are!--will have you put together and on your feet for good.
(11) He gets the last word; yes, he does.
Our responsibility is Jesus is to be accountable to each other, to him and to the lost around us at work, school, at the game¡K.at home.
If we choose to ingage in the race in any other way but God’s design, we are in danger of being devoured by that roaring Lion 1 Peter 5:8 is talking about. If we get off course, run it lazily, run it OUR way instead of God’s way, we’re looking for a bad day. God designed the race this way for His glory and our protection.
You’ve heard the phrase, "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!¨. HIS WORD AIN’T BROKE! IT WORKS! EVERY DAY, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY HOUR, EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE! IT WORKS. THE PROGRAM WORKS IF YOU WORK THE PROGRAM!
