RUNING THE RACE
I Corinthians 9:24-27
November 5, 2006
Broadway Baptist Church
Rev Dan Bauder
INTRODUCTION
There are several things we can see from our scripture this morning but if we remember nothing else from this message we need to remember God’s people haven’t changed since Paul was inspired to write these words. We’ve all seen how society has changed over the years. I’ve heard stories from seniors who tell me when they were growing up people didn’t have to lock their doors. They could leave things unattended and not have to worry if it would be there when they got back. Now if you don’t nail things to the ground you run the risk of them coming up missing. Sometimes if it’s nailed to the ground it still comes up missing. However among many of God’s people commitment is severely lacking.
This week I had an opportunity to fellowship with a brother in the Lord. He shared with me his pastor has been preaching a lot about reaching out to the community. He agreed it is important for them to reach out but he felt his church needed to concentrate on reviving those who were already there. That’s exactly what Paul was trying to do with the Corinthian church.
I. WHEN WE ARE SAVED WE ENTER THE RACE (Read I Cor 9:24)
A. God didn’t save us so we could sit on our blessed assurance and do nothing for the Kingdom.
1. My friend shared after worship some stick around to fellowship while others can’t wait to hit the door. In the same way some go out of their way to serve while others feel their attendance is enough.
B. Just like an athlete enters a race determined to win we need to live our lives for Christ with the same determination.
C. All of us have the same opportunity to win
II. WE NEED TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLES SET BEFORE US (Read Hebrews 12:1-2 and I Cor 9:26)
A. Follow God’s lead, not our own desires (Read I Cor 9:27)
