Run the Race

Introduction: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

They had the Olympian games back then and this is what Paul is talking about here.

I.       We as Christians are to be running a race just like being in the games.

A.    We are to run as to win.

1.     Who runs a race and does not hope to win?

B.    It took a lot of work to win in the Olympian games.

1.     It is not something you do if you have time or you fell like it.

2.     I didn’t have time to fit it in my schedule.

C.    We are to run a race each day of our lives as Christians to obtain that good life that God wants us to have.

1.     To bring Honor and Glory to Christ and God.

2.     This encompasses all that it takes to be close to Christ. To have a relationship with Him.

II.     When one runs a race they do it to win a prize, or crown.

A.    When one wins a prize at the Olympian game, they are our heroes. We set them up as special people.

B.    When we as Christians win our prize.

1.     Our prize is a victories Life.

2.     A victories life is a life that is fill with joy.

3.     It is not a life without problems, but one with a helper who can meet every need when we look to Him.

C.    Satan is in the race as well and he is running to win and if he does, he got you.

1.     He destroys your life. Makes it miserable.

2.     It has been said that the most miserable person in the world is not a unsaved person, but one who is saved and out of fellowship with God.

III.    It says here in verse 26 that Paul worked out daily to win.

A.    God tells us to workout each day to keep fit.

1.     Like weight lifters, they workout each day and they get stronger and stronger.

B.    In doing so we have a joyful live, because we get victory in anything that comes our way.

1.     We are strong because of Christ.

2.     Philippians 4:13,13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

3.     There is nothing I can’t do as long as Christ is there to help and when we have that relationship with Him each and everyday.

4.     There is a old saying “Sin will keep you from this Book, and this Book will keep you form sin.”

Conclusion: Live your life each day as if you are in a race and run it to win.

Weekend retreat at my house 10/15/05