For the Duration

For the Duration

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  (1 Co 15:56-58 NIV)

I.                    Introduction

   Bear in mind, if you are going to amount to anything, that your success does not depend upon the brilliancy and the impetuosity with which you take hold, but upon the everlasting and sanctified bull-doggedness with which you hang on after you have taken hold.  -- A. B. Meldrum

II.                  We Must Want to Win the Prize

a.       Victory over Sin (Sin shall no more have dominion over you)

b.       Victory over Death (It no longer has the last word)

c.        Victory through Jesus (Side with the winner)

III.               We Must Waver for Nothing

a.       United in our efforts (brothers and sisters, together)

b.       Unyielding in our stance (Don’t give up)

c.        Unmoved by any Opposition (Don’t give in)

IV.                We Must Work with Confidence

a.       Pouring yourselves into it (a drink offering)

b.       Putting God first (do it for Him)

c.        Persuaded that its worth it (you can’t afford to give up)

V.                  Conclusion

   Years ago a young black child was growing up in Cleveland, in a home which he later described as "materially poor but spiritually rich."

   One day a famous athlete, Charlie Paddock, came to his school to speak to the students. At the time Paddock was considered "the fastest human being alive." He told the children, "Listen! What do you want to be? You name it and then believe that God will help you be it." That little boy decided that he too wanted to be the fastest human being on earth.

   The boy went to his track coach and told him of his new dream. His coach told him, "It's great to have a dream, but to attain your dream you must build a ladder to it. Here is the ladder to your dreams. The first rung is determination! And the second rung is dedication! The third rung is discipline! And the fourth rung is attitude!"

   The result of all that motivation is that he went on to win four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He won the 100 meter dash and broke the Olympic and world records for the 200 meter. His broad jump record lasted for twenty-four years. His name? Jesse Owens.