August 11, 2024
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NIV) 24 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 forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Today is the Last Day of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
The Unites States and China have won the most Gold Metals
in the 2024 Olympics.
USA: 40 Gold, 44 Silver, 42 Bronze = 126
China: 40 Gold, 27 Silver, 24 Bronze = 91
The Apostle Paul is Comparing “Running a race” with the Christian Life.
He knew the Corinthians would be able to relate to this word picture because the Corinthians were familiar with athletic sports events.
Every other year the Corinthians hosted the second largest athletic event.
The Olympic games were the Largest.
People like sports and completion because:
It’s fun.
It’s motivating: To try to win, be the best.
It pushes you to get better.
Your Life in Christ is like running a race:
It should be:
It’s fun.
It’s motivating: To try to win, be the best Christian you can be.
It pushes you to get better. Grow
Like an Athlete has to Prepare and Train, if they want to win the Prize.
Strong Victorious Christians must do the same.
The Prize is not Salvation: Jesus paid the price with His Blood.
The Prize is:
-Living a Life that is Fulfilled, Satisfied.
John 10:10 (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
-Rewards in Heaven.
Rewards (Crowns) for our service to the Lord in Heaven:
Revelation 4:9–11 (NLT) 9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, 11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
-Souls being Saved.
Crown of Joy
1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NLT) After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you!
1 Corinthians 9:21–23 (NLT) 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Jesus is coming Soon.
Be Ready for the Last Day Revival and Harvest of Souls
Be Like a Runner who Runs to Win.
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) 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.
Not all Christians are running the race to Win.
Christians that are running the race to Win, are Different.
What makes a runner that has a goal to win, Different than the rest?
How can we Run to Win (NIV: Run in such a way as to get the prize)?
DESIRE! – PASSION!
Athletes that Run to Win Have Passion and Desire.
They are willing to make the sacrifices that the fans
that cheer for them in the stands don’t.
Philippians 2:13 (NLT) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
God works in you to give you right Desire .
If your desires are not right,
He works in you to so that your desires will be God’s desires.
He works in you through:
-The Word of God,
-The Preaching and Teaching of The Word,
-Not being Truly Content, Lack of Joy.
-Trials, Problems,
-Conviction, The Holy Spirit tugging at your Heart.
Psalm 37:4 (NIV) Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Get a Desire for the Lord by:
-Be Grateful for your Salvation:
Thank you Lord for Saving Me
Thank you for the Blood of Christ.
Psalm 100:4–5 (ESV) 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
-Don’t let Passion for God Dye out.
Romans 12:11 (NIV) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11 (NLT) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
-Seek to Please God and Do His Will.
Psalm 119:4–6 (NLT) 4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
Obedience shows your love for God.
John 14:15 (NLT) If you love me, obey my commandments.
John 14:21 (NLT) Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”