Sermons on Spiritual Athletes:

To Be Or Not To Be Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on May 24, 2025

Paul tells the Colossians they were dead. But what did he mean by dead? And how do we know if we are spiritually dead?

The quality of mercy is not strain'd. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. That, of course, was from the Merchant of Venice, which I studied in grade 11. Do they still teach Shakespear in High ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:13-23, Colossians 2:13

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Maturing Church

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Sep 14, 2015

EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF IS IN A CONSTANT PROCESS OF MATURING, INCLUDING THE CHURCH AND OUR CHRISTIAN WALK. IT IS IN A PROCESS OF DEVELOPING UNTIL A FINAL STATE IS REACHED.

THE MATURING CHURCH ACTS 6:1-7 EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF IS IN A CONSTANT PROCESS OF MATURING. IT IS A PROCESS OF DEVELOPING UNTIL A FINAL STATE IS REACHED. HUMANS, FOR EXAMPLE, BECAUSE WE WILL LIVE FOREVER, WILL BE IN A CONSTANT PROCESS OF MATURING UNTIL WE REACH OUR ETERNAL STATE. IT WILL ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Going For The Gold

Contributed by Brad Rigney on Feb 13, 2006

This sermon compares the need for Motivation in order for Olympic athletes to win the Gold to our need for God’s Love to be our Motivation n Going for the Gold in Life.

Going for the Gold in Life 1John 4:7-21 Intro.: A. This weekend the Winter Olympics started. Some of the events include Figure Skating, Bobsleding, the Luge, Downhill Skiing, Speed skating, Cross Country skiing, snowboarding, etc. One of the elements of the Olympics is hearing the stories of ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Denomination: Adventist

Running To Win!

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Aug 1, 2012

The Christian as an Olympic Athlete. Powerpoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info) Listen to audio of this sermon at: www.gcurley.info

SERMON OUTLINE: (a). Look around at the winners (vs 1a). (b). Look at yourself! (vs 1b). (c). A Look at Jesus Christ (vs 2-4). SERMON BODY: If the Apostle Paul were alive today and picked up a newspaper: • I think like many of us he would start reading it at the back page. • Taking in the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-4

Denomination: Brethren

Battle Stations!

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 25, 2015

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Battle Stations Philippians 1:27-30 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BattleStations.html vv. 1-11 Sons enjoying the fellowship of the gospel. vv. 12-26 Servants sharing in the furtherance of the gospel. vv. 27-30 Soldiers defending the faith of the gospel. One major criticism of our movement ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30, Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Reaching For The Prize 1 Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on Dec 19, 2023

I think Apostle Paul must have loved athletics and he uses it in his writings. The analogy is that of a runner who is running to win so that he might gain the prize.

INTRODUCTION The theme here is reaching for the prize. I think Apostle Paul must have loved athletics and he uses it in his writings. The analogy is that of a runner who is running to win so that he might gain the prize. Paul is talking about Christian efforts toward growth. Many believers live a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7, Philippians 3:8, 2 Peter 3:18, Philippians 3:14, Philippians 3:12, 2 Timothy 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Four Spiritual Checks - #3 The Necessity Of Future-Mindedness Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 3, 2001

This is the third in a series that studies Paul’s Trustworthy Sayings. This one demonstrates the difference that a hope-filled, optimistic attitude can make in our lives.

INTRODUCTION. Many of you know that I am an avid reader. I consistently have at least two or three books on the go. Some books I read here in my office and usually deal with church, ministry, or worship-related issues -- to help me develop as a pastor. The books I read at home are generally for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Denomination: *other

The Training Of Saint Who Series

Contributed by Timothy Andrew Stephens on Jul 21, 2011

Obedience for the Christ is training in Godliness, much like an athlete trains for the Olympics. as we live out our new identity in Christ it produces obedience that reflects who Jesus is in us.

The Common Made Holy Series Part 3 “The Training of Saint Who” God calls those who place their trust in Him to live a life “set apart” to obey Jesus Christ. That is what it means to be a saint. If you have placed you trust in Jesus Christ and Savior and Lord you are a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-23

How To Avoid The Errors Of Being Spiritually Naive

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Sadly, many individuals eschew subtlety or conventional spiritual wisdom and suffer for it.

Sadly, many individuals eschew subtlety or conventional spiritual wisdom and suffer for it. Being spiritually naïve is an unconscious act of people who fail to appropriate the truth of God’s word. James once wrote, "Be doers of the word and not merely hearers only, who deceive themselves." (James ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Contrasts Betwen Spiritual And Unspiritual Views Of Healing

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Carnal people believe that healing is done only through human wisdom, knowledge and skill * Carnal people believe that restoration is done only if a person is good enough to merit the healing * Carnal people think that sickness is caused by one's own sin, mistake or ignorance * Carnal people bec

Carnal people believe that healing is done only through human wisdom, knowledge and skill * Carnal people believe that restoration is done only if a person is good enough to merit the healing * Carnal people think that sickness is caused by one's own sin, mistake or ignorance * Carnal people become ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Contrasts Between Spiritual And Carnal Views On Giving

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Carnal people only give when they see that it will result in benefits to themselves * Carnal people only give when they believe that someone will soon return the favor * Carnal people give only for special occasions * Carnal people give only if they are urged to give * Carnal people give when t

Carnal people only give when they see that it will result in benefits to themselves * Carnal people only give when they believe that someone will soon return the favor * Carnal people give only for special occasions * Carnal people give only if they are urged to give * Carnal people give when they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Protein Shakes For The Soul - Getting In Spiritual Shape

Contributed by Brian Mavis on Oct 30, 2000

We are to train for godliness like we train our bodies in the gym. I use the analogy of physical training to explain spiritual training.

[Note to pastors: This sermon started a new ministry. In this sermon I invited people to share in a ?distance devotional program.? See point 8. I had over 400 families sign up for this!] ------------------------------------------------------- Can you believe it is the last Sunday of 1998? There are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Spiritual Gifts-The Call To Work Together

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Apr 28, 2001

This sermon deals with the reality that Spiritual Gifts are given to draw us to a closer unity in the body of Christ.

Spiritual Gifts-The Call To Work Together 4/18/2001 Psalm 133 Philip 2:1-16 Text 1 Corin. 12:1-26 Let’s suppose for a moment, you were driving down the highway just having a good time listening to your music. You’re on your way to somewhere you plan to have a really good time. But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-26, Philippians 2:1-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Habit Number One: Practicing Spiritual Diligence Series

Contributed by Tom Dooley on May 14, 2001

This is the first of eight messages that focus on the spiritual growth of the believer.

January 4, 1998 Rev. Tom Dooley www.preachingtheword.com Eight Habits of Highly Effective Christians 2 Peter 1:1-10 Habit Number One: Practicing Spiritual Diligence Peter’s readers were living in an environment that was extremely hostile to cause of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Preserving Your Spiritual Heritage—part 1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jan 2, 2002

The sons of Israel zealously protected/preserved their spiritual heritage. God’s people must preserve their spiritual heritage. 9 Challenges toward preserving our spiritual heritage. Part 1 of a 2-part sermon.

PRESERVING OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE—Part I—Joshua 22:10-34 A man told his doctor that he wasn’t able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said, "Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me." "Well, in plain ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 22:10-34

Denomination: Baptist