I Corinthians 9:27, Philippians 3:13-14, and Hebrews 12:1-2: The Great Race

The Great Race: 1 Corinthians 9:27, Philippians 3:13-14, Hebrews 12:1-2

The Christian life is like an Olympic race as we find in several comparisons in the Bible.

The Christian life is a marathon and not a sprint.

What do we need to do to win the race?

1. We Need Discipline, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

a. Believers must also be disciplined

1. Disciplined in devotional life

2. Disciplined in what we think

3. Disciplined in what we say

4. Disciplined morally

b. We must achieve self-control

1. “Temperate in all things” (v. 25)

2. “This comes from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:21-22)

c. We must be led by the Spirit, not by the flesh (Galatians 5:16)

2. We Need Direction, (Philippians 3:13-14)

a. We cannot win by looking back

1. “Forgetting those things which are behind”

2. Leaving the past behind

3. Forgetting old wrongs and wounds

Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 43:25, Micah 7:18.

b. “Reaching forth unto those things which are before”

1. Seizing opportunities to serve Christ

2. Stretching forward with anticipation

3. Eagerly welcoming all spiritual challenges

c. “Pressing towards the mark”

1. Making the best use of time for service

2. Always living for the glory of God

3. Always expecting the Lord’s return

4. Living with eternal rewards in mind (the prize)

5. Rewards received at the upward calling (Revelation 22:12)

3. We need to be Dressed for the Race, (Hebrews 12:1-2)

a. “Lay aside every weight”

b. What weights have been hindering your progress?

1. Have you been weighted down by cares?

2. Have you been unwilling to forgive?

3. Have you been encumbered by negativism?

4. Have you been slowed by fears?

c. Winners lay aside weights that drain their energy

"The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit.

I want to run all the way with the flame of my torch still lit for Him."

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.