Striving to Win!

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 NKJV

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. 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. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Winning

Everyone loves to Win!

Everyone wants to Win!

Not everyone is winning!

Not everyone does what it takes to win!

God CREATED us to be WINNERS!

We are made in His image and likeness; God is a WINNER!

Jesus Christ is a Winner! He conquered Death and Hell and defeated Satan!

We are MORE than CONQUERORS in Christ Jesus!

We are to be OVERCOMERS in this life!

Don’t settle for being defeated. God intends for you to be a WINNER in CHRIST!

Paul’s Principles for Winning

Strive in such a way to win the prize! (Strategy)

1 Corinthians 9:24 NKJV

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.

Develop a disciplined lifestyle! (Be a disciplined follower of Jesus!)

1 Corinthians 9:25 NKJV

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.

This includes developing a disciplined devotional life of prayer, Bible reading, Bible study, commitment to the church gatherings, and obedience to the will of God.

Be intentional about winning!

1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Avoid going through the motions. Whatever you do in serving the Lord, do it in a way to achieve maximum results. (Time, Talent, Treasure, Truth)

Don’t fulfill the lusts of the flesh!

1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1) Giving in to the flesh will set you back in your race. It will cause you to lose the progress you made and lead to possible disqualification.

Choose to be a Winner!

Give your heart to Jesus Christ!

Get back in the will of God!

Strive in such a way that you will win!

Paul ended a winner! So can you!

2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NKJV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.