Perseverance

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV

24 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. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1- THE PRIZE

A- PAUL SAID TO RUN THE RACE FOR THE PRIZE.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV

24 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.

Philippians 3:14 ESV

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

B-

Hebrews 12:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2-SELF CONTROL

A-PAUL SAID TO EXERCISE SELF CONTROL.

1 CORINTHIANS

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

2 Timothy 2:5 ESV

5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

B-DON’T WAIST YOUR EFFORT.

1 Corinthians 9:26 ESV

26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

C-DON'T BE DISQUALIFIED.

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Song of Solomon 1:6 ESV

6 Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!

Jeremiah 6:30 ESV

30 Rejected silver they are called, for the Lord has rejected them.”