Sermons on Striving:

Running The Race

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Mar 1, 2025

The New Testament likens the Christian life to running a race. We look at how it uses the metaphor. It calls us to strive, to improve, and to stay the course.

INTRODUCTION The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote: ‘Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.’ The writer imagined the Christian life as a race – a race that requires endurance. We’re presently in a series in which we’re looking at items in the news. In some of the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Sloth & Diligence Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 13, 2012

We can be complacent or strive toward quality work, for excellence.

Sloths are mammals who move only when necessary and even then very slowly. They’re known to dig their curved claws into a tree branch and hang without effort for hours-on-end; they are as unmotivated as they look! Sloth Sloth is something we make jokes about, but few think of it as sin. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Denomination: Congregational

Attitude Adjuster Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 6, 2014

True followers of Jesus strive to live out the attitude of Jesus.

The Attitude Adjuster Text: Phil. 2:1-11 Introduction 1. Illustration: When Melissa was about 5 years old and Daniel was 3 we went on a vacation to South Dakota. While we were there we stopped at a gift shop and one of the things we purchased was a paddle made of cedar. Written on this paddle ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

The Model Church

Contributed by Rodney Johnson Sr., on May 21, 2014

The emphasis in this textprovides a model for the what the church should strive to become.

“The MODEL Church” Thus far we have studies 6 churches with one remaining; all exhibiting various problems. This evening we will continue to look at what I call the MODEL church. Looking at the churches on the surface; we would have not seen what our Lord saw in each. It’s ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Somewhere Between Quack And Quisling Series

Contributed by Joel Smith on May 25, 2015

Somewhere between quack and quisling is the remnant. Strive to be among that number.

Somewhere Between Quack and Quisling Ezra 9 and 10 Before we read Ezra 9 and 10 let's back up and get a broad overview of what happened to the Jews up to this point. I'm going to back up and then go slightly ahead because it will matter when we consider Ezra's response to God: 605 BC - ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Pressing On Toward The Goal. Philippians 3:13-14

Contributed by David Cramer on Nov 29, 2024

A message about striving toward the goals of life in the New Year.

Stand with me and lift up your Bible and repeat after me. This is my Bible I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be. Today I will learn more of the word of God. The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God. I will ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Strategic Goals Of Spiritual Warfare Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on Apr 20, 2002

What are we striving for when we do battle for Christ?

The Strategic Goals of Spiritual Warfare What is the mission? That question is one of the most important ones we ask as we work on any challenge or project. When we take up the challenge of Spiritual Warfare, we need to understand our mission, our strategic goals. Knowing our mission ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 2 Corinthians 10:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Never Give Up!

Contributed by Davon Huss on Aug 24, 2002

A sermon on striving for excellence from Philippians 3:12-16

Final Sermon for Vinton on 7/21/2002 Philippians 3:12-16 Never give up! Introduction: I read that it took Winston Churchill three years to get through the eighth grade because he had trouble learning English. In kind of an ironic twist, years later in the midst of World War II Oxford University ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keep Pure Series

Contributed by Matthew Sullivan on Feb 18, 2008

As the Church we should always strive to be a strong imitation of God.

In Senior High you really imitate each other. What becomes trendy for one eventually becomes trendy for everyone else? When I was in H.S. the thing to do was to role up your jeans at the bottom, there was even a certain fold you had to follow, and everybody did it. Everybody’s hair was feathered in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Committed To Holy Living Series

Contributed by David Dewitt on Apr 15, 2008

Part of being a disciple of Jesus is striving to live a holy life

Be Committed to Holy Living 1 Peter 1:13-16 Spring Life Series April 13, 2008 Morning Service Introduction A businessman was in the process of selling an old warehouse. The building had sat vacant for several months and had fallen prey to vandalism. Doors were damaged, windows were smashed, trash ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Denomination: Church Of God

Who Do We Strive After? - Sermon For Proper 22 - Year A

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Oct 1, 2020

Paul teaches us about being Christlike, whilst the Gospel teach us about the corruption in Israel. Where do we stand in our faith when we consider the two scriptures?

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. I wonder if you have ever set out to do something and whatever distractions and obstacles has been thrown into your path, you have not been dissuaded, and have carried on with an absolute belief that you could accomplish whatever needed to be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46, Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Anglican

Resurrection--Focal Point Of Our Music Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 23, 2011

We must strive for renewal of our liturgical music from within

Monday in the Octave of Easter 25 April 2011 Spirit of the Liturgy The Gospel today documents a coverup. It was not the first coverup in history, but it certainly is the one with the worst results. The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and the simultaneous appearance of a number of dead ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:8-15

Denomination: Catholic

What Kind Of Church Is First Christian Church? Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Sep 2, 2016

Today we examine what kind of Church FCC strives to be!

INTRODUCTION • SLIDE #1 • Next week Jerry will conclude our series, WHY DO WE DO THAT? In this series we have been examining some of the things we do as both Christians and as a Church. • Today, I want to bring everything together in our message for today, WHAT KIND OF CHURCH IS ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:5-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keeping The Faith Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Dec 5, 2014

If we are going to be committed to Jesus, we must strive to keep the faith!

INTRODUCTION • SLIDE #1 • Today we are back in our series entitled, “Committed.” • The aim of this series is to help each one of us to strengthen our commitment to Jesus, who is fully committed to you. • WE examined the story of Zacchaeus to gain understanding of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Cannot Have Enough Love Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Jun 28, 2023

We are to strive as individuals and part of a church family to love more and more.

Introduction Today, we begin a new series that is based upon the prayer of the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi. It was a prayer offered up to God for the people in the Philippian church. I know that we offer prayers for church members who are hurting but this prayer teaches that we should ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

Denomination: Baptist