Play to Win

In it to win it!!!

KJV

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?So run that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is termperate in all things. ;Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown. but we an an incorruptible. 26. i therefore so run, not as uncertainly: so fight I, not as on that beateth the air 27: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: Lest that by any means when I have preached to others : I myself should be a castaway.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 M:BCL

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 M:BCL

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

The Message Bible

24–25  You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.

26–27  I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Introduction

In a world that often measures success by material possessions, fame, or power, it's crucial for us to understand God's definition of winning. My brothers and sisters True victory is not solely based on outward achievements, but Im firm believer that the condition of our hearts, our relationship with God, and our impact on others. Matthew 16:26 reminds us, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" This goes to prove that winning in life is about living in alignment with God's purpose and bringing glory to His name.

My brothers and sisters what we have misconstrued winning in todays society, Winning is prioritizing your children in your life, winning is ensuring your bills are taking care of before we hang, winning is valuing your relationship, you can live in a one bedroom apartment and still be winning, you don’t have to be driving a 2023 to be winning. I’ve learned not to let that blue app, and IG fool us with what people reveal, we cant get lost in the strolling, because people only reveal what they want you to see, Don’t let what you see diminish who you are. Don’t get caught up in the wrong race. Real winners know the coach and they know the source that leads us to winning.

What is the source to winning? Im glad you asked.

One of the greatest sources of victory in our lives is God's Word, the Bible. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). The Scriptures I would say is the playbook for life, and its difficult to win without a playbook. The scriptures provide guidance, encouragement, and wisdom that can help us navigate the challenges of life. By studying and meditating on God's Word, we gain the knowledge and understanding needed to make wise decisions and experience success in all areas of our lives.

Winning in life goes beyond the temporary ; it involves the development of godly character. Galatians 5:22-23 highlights the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

and just like sports if we are going to master these qualities we have to practice, We must practice patience, We must practice faithfulness, We must practice gentilenes, that way when the enemy come to defeat us we will not be caught off goard but we have been in the playbook and we have been practicing.

My brothers and sisters, I must admit that if the Biblical person Paul was alive today that we would be good friends because According to Paul’s Biblical writing he was a sports guy. He often uses references to sports or Athletes in his biblical writing.

1st Corinthians 9:24 let’ us know that Paul was in to track because he speaks about running a race

1st Corinthians 9:26 Paul talks about boxing when speaks of his aim.

1st Corinthians 12:Paul uses the human body as an analogy to express teamwork.

the Bible as whole are fill with analogies and references to sports, victory and winning. it speaks of sports discipline, as noted before teamwork, perseverance, and spiritual growth.

One of the interesting things I like about sports is that there are always situations that can be referenced to life.

Just as in life you have your ups and downs.

Just as in life you may get tired.

Just as in life you will need endurance.

Just as in life we have to continue to press.

Just as in life sometimes you fall but you get up.

Just as in life you may get hurt.

Just in life we will have to take some Losts.

Just as in life we are going to have some victories and

Just as in life sometimes we have to rebound and bounce back

Just as in life sometimes when situations get tough we have to take a time out.

However, My brothers and sisters with God as our coach no matter how difficult the game of life get we are guaranteed to win.

However, we must be willing to stay in the Game.

This race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, However, he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

No matter who wins between the heat and the nuggets tonight your still a winner. If your team don’t when the national championship or the superbowl your still a winner.

Paul Says in Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count n to myself to have apprehended: But this one thing I do A forgetting those things which are behind and I preside toward the mar for he prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

James 1:12

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 Timothy 2:5 M:BCL

An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.

New American Standard Bible

Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

Galatians 5:7

You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

2 Timothy 4:8

in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air read more.

The analogy of Running a race

illustrate the Christian journey. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." This comparison emphasizes the importance of perseverance, discipline, and striving for the ultimate goal. It encourages believers to run with endurance and press on despite the challenges they face.

Teamwork and the Body of Christ:

Analogies related to teamwork and the unity of believers are found in several passages of the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of the human body to describe the diverse yet interconnected members of the church. Just as different body parts function together harmoniously, believers are encouraged to work together, utilizing their unique gifts for the benefit of the entire community. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mutual support, and recognizing the value of each individual.

Wrestling with God:

The book of Genesis presents a fascinating account of Jacob wrestling with a divine being throughout the night (Genesis 32:22-32). This physical struggle can be seen as symbolic of Jacob's spiritual journey and his desire for a blessing. It represents the intense between his human will and the divine purpose. This narrative serves as a reminder that faith and spiritual growth often require wrestling through challenges, doubts, and conflicts.

The analogy of Boxing

n 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul again employs a sporting analogy, this time referring to boxing: "So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." Here, Paul likens the disciplined life of a Christian to that of a boxer who trains rigorously to achieve mastery. This analogy highlights the importance of self-control, focus, and dedication in the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Body

So 1 Corinthians….

24th verse of 1 Corinthians 9. All run but 1 receiveth the prize-We should not just be running to keep pace with the pack but we should be running as one who is going to receive a prize at the end. He says like this that I forget those things which are behind me but I press toward the mark… If we really are in what we call the human race, we should not just be living just live, but we should be living to win. You are getting ready to win in every area of your life, Win in your relationships, when in your family, in your financial place, Look at somebody and say everything attach to you win, now speak over yourself and say everything attached to me WIN

25th verse-People in Today’s society participate in Compete to gain a corruptible crown which is temperate but we do it for incorruptible crown which is heaven.

During the eastern conference game. which is the game before they received a prize— However their athlete looked past that trophy because he knew there was ultimate prize at the end.

26 verse he switched to boxing and says I don’t fight as one who swing and hit the air.

But He understand that there is an aim.

And in order to hit the aim sometimes you have to position yourself

Put your body in subjection——

He also advices us to our on the equipment The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Summary

In conclusion, winning in life is not about selfish ambition or earthly accomplishments alone. It is about aligning our lives with God's purpose, overcoming obstacles through faith, embracing the power of His Word, cultivating godly character, and keeping an eternal perspective. As we walk this path of victorious living, let us remember that our greatest triumph is found in Christ. May we strive to live our lives in a manner that brings honor to God and leads others to experience the transformative power of His love. I came to encourage the winners circle to be not weary in well doing, in due season you shall reap if you faint not.

I came to encourage the winners circle that weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.

I came to encourage the winners circle that God can heal deliver and set free. I came to encourage you that no matter what it look like right now, You are going to win in the end,

It was David that was seemed as though he lost when he was confronted by Goliath, but he took two stones and a slingshot and defeated Goliath and Came out a Winner, It was shadrach, Meshac and abednego that seemed as though they had lost the battle while they were in the fire furnace, However, they walked around without being consumed by the fire and they came out as a winner.

It was Daniel that was in the Lions Den that seemed as though he was on the verge of being defeated however, The Lions could not consume him and he came out as a Winner in the end.

It was the woman with the issue of blood that seems as though she was losing but when she touched the hymn of his garment and she came out as a winner in the end.

I decree and I declare that you are ready to walk into your winning season. Lastly it was Jesus that was hung to the cross, pierced in his side, a crown a thorns placed on his head, he stayed in the grave one day, two days but he was a winner when he got up with all power in his hand

Alter Call

Eternal Perspective:

Lastly, we must remember the importance of an eternal perspective. Earthly victories are temporary, but our hope lies in the promise of eternal life with God. As 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." In light of this truth, we can approach life with a sense of hope and confidence, knowing that our ultimate victory has been secured through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.