Building My Relationship With Christ: Run the Endurance Race

Scripture Text:

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 KJV 1900

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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 Cor 9:24-27

This afternoon I had decided to get so much needed things done around the house such as mowing the grass, weed eating, removing wasp nests, you name it! As I was working, I had to do a series of routine maintenance for my mowers and tools used for doing the lawn. Rarely in life is there anything that doesn’t require some type of maintenance.

Some things require more maintenance than others such as a car, a boat, an elderly person (medical), or even one’s wife. haha

There will be other things that require less maintenance like a younger healthier individual, a wheel barrel, a shovel, a hammer, and the list goes on and on.

The simpler the tool or object, the easier it is to maintain

Tonight our topic is building our relationships with Christ by being prepared to run the endurance race:

Let me say this, a human being is far from being a simple tool when it comes to maintenance

Psalm 139:14 KJV 1900

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.

Ps 139:14

“Running an endurance race requires that we maintain our spirit, mind, and body.”

When a runner is preparing for a marathon, they train for at least 10 months prior and build an almost daily routine.

Verse 25 states, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”

That word striveth is known to be ago-nezo-menos in the Greek, which is the word that English verbs such as agony and agonize come from.

Training yourself to run the mental, physical, and spiritual race of being a Christian is not easy.

It requires that you control yourself or exhibit discipline in all three of these states of your being.

Training requires discipline and hard work. Some would say you need to have heart when preparing for a sport such as football.

Christians should be willing to exhibit passion in what they do for Christ.

Challenge one another to witness:

Bible Studies

Bringing people to church

Raising money for a Missions Trip

Raising money for our Missionaries

(People notice and see all these things…they appreciate people who are willing to do something for someone else!)

Training requires breaks and healing time:

Refer to Dr. Bouse’s lesson at Deluge

On the contrary, if you never train you’ll never improve or meet any milestones.

A Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail - Zellmer OSU Chem 1250 - bane of my existance

If you’re unwilling to set milestones for yourself in your walk with God such as studying the word (e.g. I’m going to do a comphrehensive study of Judges or I’m going to understand the book of Revelation for myself) you will plan to fail at knowing the word.

People aren’t looking for someone who have-wittingly knows the word. In other words, you know some scripture, but you don’t truly know it’s context or can have an educated discussion on how the Word applies to that individual’s life.

The Will to Win means Nothing if you Don't have the Will to Prepare

When studying the Bible, you need to make sure you have credible resources…for example, Biblehub has access to some free commentaries. Additionally, one must be willing to ask for pastoral guidance from ministers or most importantly your pastor, Pastor Noles.

Prepare for discussions with those you’re trying to win to Jesus. Know what they need, the plan of Salvation (Acts 2:38)

Know supporting scriptures for REPENTANCE

Know Supporting Scriptures for the Holy Ghost

Speaking in Tongues

John 3:5…it’s essential to salvation

Know supporting Scripture for Baptism in Jesus Name

(The iGo Bible Study provides you with all this in seven distinct lessons and affirms your understanding of these doctrinal principles as you teach them more and more.)

Conclusion: Know that everything you do for the Kingdom and maintaining your spiritual, physical, and mental well being is to obtain a crown that is incorruptible:

King James Version Chapter 9

Now they do it to obtain a corruptible bcrown; but we an cincorruptible. 26 I therefore so xrun, not as uncertainly

1 Cor 9:25b-26a

Run the race to endure and not just to beat your fellow believers…love one another, prepare with one another, and be willing to support each other when weakness sets in. Be willing to rest when needed, but do not become slothful or you’ll ability run the race will weaken over time.

Be safe. Be estudiant in your biblical studies. Be in prayer. And tell someone about Jesus when the opportunity presents itself.

God bless,

Dismiss in prayer.