RUNING THE RACE

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:24

INTRODUCTION: Paul uses the analogy of the Christian life comparing to a race.

I.          Decision to run

Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

A.        One must decide to enter the race

B.        Decision must be made today

C.        Tomorrow may be to late

II.       commitment to run

A.        God Demands total commitment

1.      When we make a total commitment to do God's will, we actually begin the journey. That is, we step out by faith. We make the decision and move. We actually set out and go forth

2.      When we make a total commitment to do God's will, we take all with us. That is, we leave nothing behind that will cause us to hesitate or to turn back, not ever. We pack up everything and go forth to do God's will. Nothing—not a single thing—is left behind that would cause us to turn away from God's will and return to where we were

3.      Commitment must made out of deep conviction and sincerity of heart?

B.        We must be totally committed to the Lord.

1.      Within our hearts, there must be a wholehearted commitment to the Lord and to the task He has given us to do.

2.      "Wholehearted" means all of a person's heart, mind, body, soul, strength.

3.      A person who is totally given over to God follows God completely, fully, and wholly

C.        There will be obstacles, temptations and trials along the way

1.      How often we cry to God for deliverance from some terrible trial! And we make promises to God, promises to obey and do exactly what He commands.

2.      But how many of follow through with their promises?

a)      Did the pain of suffering fade from our memories?

b)      Did the convictions wear off?

c)      Were the promises made forgotten?

d)      Is what we felt at that moment gone forever?

D.        Samson compromised his vow or commitment to the Lord

1.      Samson falls for a Philistine woman.

2.      Samson went with his parents to visit the woman and compromised by apparently eating grapes. From the description of what happened, Samson had spotted a vineyard and desired some grapes. He knew this was wrong, a violation of his vow

a)      While Samson was eating the grapes, suddenly a young lion came roaring toward him, perhaps as a warning from God against disobeying him.

b)      But the Spirit of the Lord "came upon" (salah) him, giving him the power to kill the lion.

c)      The Hebrew word here is descriptive: it means "to rush upon."

d)      The picture is that of the Spirit of God rushing upon Samson to empower him to immediately defend himself against the lion

3.      Samson compromised by continuing to pursue the woman in direct disobedience to the Lord

4.      Some time later on a return trip to marry her, he continued to compromise by disobeying the Lord

a)      Walking along the road, he turned aside to look at the dead lion he had killed.

b)      When he found the lion, he saw a beehive in the carcass or skeleton and scooped out the honey.

c)      Contact with the dead was a direct violation of his Nazarite vow

5.      Samson compromised by giving the customary seven-day feast or stag drinking party in preparation for his marriage

a)      In order to fit in, Samson probably violated his vow again by drinking and partaking of the forbidden fruit.

E.        Examples of total commitment

1.      Joseph

2.      Daniel

3.      Three Hebrew Children

III.    Determination to run

A.        Quitters don’t win

B.        We must have strong determination to conquer and triumph over the enemy.

1.      A bold, courageous spirit that depends upon the Lord will conquer all enemies and live a victorious life

2.      David exemplified determination in the fight against Goliath

3.      The way (road) is unpaved, covered with gravel and rocks. It takes strong will and determination and personal sacrifice to stick to the road

IV.    Motivation to run

A.        God’s Blessings in this life

B.        Eternal life in heaven

C.        Crown to place a Christ feet

1.      The crowns we receive for our life of service and commitment

2.      This is what we have to give to Him

CONCLUSION: Have you made the Decision to enter the race.  Are you committed to finish the race?  Do you have the determination regardless of the obstacles to finish race.  What is your motivation?