Ready for the Training?
Run the Race • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Intro
Intro
Run the Race - Series. This four-week series examines Scriptures in which Paul uses running or athletic metaphors to describe the life of faith.
Paul uses these metaphors to outline what our lives look like when we run the race of faith.
Faith is not a place in which we stand still and everything comes to us.
When Jesus calls us, he call us to a life of action, activity, and purpose.
In the book of James, faith without action is compared to a body without breath. Imagine a mannequin dressed up but unable to move. It's only when we put our faith into action that we truly start to 'live!' Just like a mannequin needs someone to give it life, our faith needs our actions to breathe and thrive.
Paul and the Corinthians. The apostle Paul writes to a Church that was experiencing a time of crisis: the Church of Corinth.
The church of Corinth was experiencing several serious problems:
The problem of division in the Church (1:10-6:20);
The problem of Incest (5:1-13);
The problem of Lawsuits (6:1-11);
The problem of forinication (6:12-20);
The problem of the Lord's table (11);
The problem of the disorder in the service.
Unfortunately for them, the believers of Corinth were losing the race because of their poor preparation.
The Christian life is a race and this race can only be won if we decide to train our heart and mind through the work of the Holy Spirit.
According to Paul, the only way to compete and win the race is to train.
Be dedicated, be determined, be intentional in winning the race.
Paul did not believe that victory came by chance, nor did he believe that the crown could be obtained thanks to talent alone.
The apostle, in encouraging the Corinthians, emphasized how much it was necessary to be well trained if you want to obtain the final prize.
Paul wanted to see the Corinthians victorious and today the Holy Spirit wants you and I to win our race.
Training is not easy, indeed... Paul, later will affirm:
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Once again Paul states that the believer is called to work hard, but the grace of God will give us the strength to endure the fatigue that comes from training.
Sermon's outline. Through the biblical passage just read, Paul highlights 3 areas in which the apostle trained:
Paul's attitude (v. 19);
Paul's disposition (v. 20, 22);
Paul's motivation (v. 23).
N. 1 - Paul’s attitude
N. 1 - Paul’s attitude
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Servant's heart. In the verse just read, Paul declares what is the attitude of his heart: "Even though I am a free man, even though I do not have to give account to anyone, I make myself a slave for the salvation of all."
Paul is talking about a posture of the heart, an unnatural attitude for the proud heart of man.
In fact, our natural tendency is to govern others not to serve them; it is to exercise our control over others and dominate them.
But Paul is running and he wants to win his race and to do so, he must first discipline, train his heart.
Paul was aware that his heart was evil:
The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?
For this reason the apostle exercises self-discipline on his heart: "I have made myself a slave..."
This expression means: "control oneself, exercise self-control, restrain oneself!
In Jesus we see this discipline made perfect:
He made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7);
He was made under the low (Galatians 4:4);
He was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21);
He was made a curse for us (Galatians 3:13)
Jesus won, Paul won and we too will win the race if we train our heart to serve.
Do you want to win the race? Do you want to cross the finish line? Train your heart to serve others.
Application: If you often find yourself frustrated with your family members, it’s time to embrace a servant's heart at home. Start by making an effort to serve your family in small but meaningful ways. For instance, take the initiative to prepare dinner or tackle a chore that is usually someone else’s responsibility, without expectation of thanks. This simple act of service can shift the atmosphere in your home, foster appreciation, and encourage others to respond in kind.
N. 2 - Paul’s disposition
N. 2 - Paul’s disposition
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
I remember my old flip phone; it was cute and held a good charge, but when smartphones came along, I felt left behind. Yet, as I adapted and learned to use my new smartphone, I discovered a world of possibilities—from social media to instant information. This mirrors our faith walk: God often calls us to let go of our old ways and embrace new, spiritual insights. In Romans 12:2, we’re encouraged to be transformed by the renewing of our minds—much like upgrading our devices!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Adapting your mind. The training that Paul underwent to win his race involved not only his heart, but also his mind.
Verses 20 and 22 clearly reveal how Paul was willing to adapt to the different circumstances that he experienced in the ministry.
Our mind tends to be rigid in our convictions, sometimes stubborn and uncompromising in the decisions we have made.
But Paul wants to win his race and he wants the believers in Corinth to win the race too.
That is why the apostle encourages them to be flexible, reasonable, understanding.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to develop a mind capable of adapting to the many challenges that can be encountered along the Christian race.
John Newton said this about Paul’s dual commitment to the gospel and charitable flexibility with other Christians: “Paul was a reed in non-essentials; an iron pillar in essentials” (quoted in Stott, Message of Acts, 257).
Tony Merida
Application: At work, you may find yourself facing constant project changes or new technology that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. To develop an adaptable mindset, dedicate some time each week to learning something new related to your field or technology. This could be through online courses or webinars. Additionally, seek out a mentor who can guide you through changes and help you see them as opportunities rather than obstacles. This proactive approach will not only alleviate anxiety but also position you as a valuable asset in your workplace.
N. 3 - Paul’s ambitions
N. 3 - Paul’s ambitions
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Holy ambitions. In our training we cannot fail to look carefully at our motivations.
We want to allow the Holy Spirit to scrutinize our motivations: why we do what we do.
The motivations that animated Paul's ministry were focused on the single goal of winning those who are lost.
Many believers lose their race not because the race is unfair, because life is unfair, because the church is unfair, but because their motivations are not pure, their ambitions are not holy.
Nehemiah. Speaking of pure ambitions, Nehemiah managed to complete the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days because his motivations were pure: "he was a man who sought the welfare of Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 2:10).
In fact, before Nehemiah arrived, there were other governors in Jerusalem who exercised their power with selfish motivations, while Nehemiah's purpose was not to burden the people of Judah:
Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.
21 We may never be martyrs but we can die to self, to sin, to the world, to our plans and ambitions.
Vance Havner
Messages on Revival (1958)
Havner, Vance
Conclusion
Conclusion
Picture a musician picking up an instrument for the first time. The sounds are squeaky, and the rhythm is all off—it's pretty funny! But with practice, they master their craft. Similarly, our spiritual training may start clumsily, but with time and dedication, we harmonize with God's tune for our lives, creating a beautiful melody of faith and purpose!
Training. We want to win the race! Talent is not enough, desire is not enough, but we need to "start a spiritual training produced by the Holy Spirit.
Our heart will be trained to hold the right posture as servants of the Lord.
Our mind will be trained to be flexible to the different circumstances we face.
Finally, we train our intentions.
The Holy Spirit, our personal trainer will guide us in this training, so that we are ready to win our race.pro
