The Contest

Running Life’s Race – To Win

The boy had many questions. Most of the questions had to do with these Saints. “Why are they called Saints?” “How do you get to be a Saint?” As it is for many children, the answers to the questions were just not enough. Soon the questions ended, and they boy just sat watching how the light coming through the windows made people look like their hair was changing colors.

The boy had many questions. Most of the questions had to do with these Saints. “Why are they called Saints?” “How do you get to be a Saint?” As it is for many children, the answers to the questions were just not enough. Soon the questions ended, and they boy just sat watching how the light coming through the windows made people look like their hair was changing colors.

Near the end of the service, the boy suddenly sat up straight. He nudged his mother and exclaimed with delight, “Oh, now I see! Saints are the people that the light shines through.

In a private and personal way, we know these people whose lives have touched ours and shown us God’s love.

WE WILL REMEMBER! They shaped and molded our lives!!!!!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Cor 9:24-27 (NIV)

Implications

• Not all who start finish. (Mt 13:4-5, 20-21)

• Some finish, but without rewards.

• There is a way to be sure!

1- I Must Run To Win - Not Just To Finish. (V 24 a) At least compete for an Honorable mention!

2- I Must Go Into Strict Training. (V 25 a)

3- I Must Focus Your Spiritual Eyes On Eternity. (V 25 b)

4- l Must Set Clear Goals. (V 26) (Ministry)

5- I Must Enslave My Body To Your Spirit. (V 27)

If Paul, how much more us???

Conclusion: Warning’s from Israel’s history.

Glance back but set your gaze forward!

1 ¶ For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.

6 ¶ Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did-- and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfilment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 1 Cor 10:1-14 (NIV)

Heb. 12:1 ¶ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.