John 1:12
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Luke 13:5
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Galatians 5:7
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

1 Peter 5:8
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Romans 6:12
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

2 Peter 2:1
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

RUNNING TO WIN

TEXT: I Corinthians 9: 24-27

INTRODUCTION: Paul used contestants running a race on a race course for a corruptible wreath or prize, as an illustration of the Christian life. The Christian life, throughout his inspired writings to the churches, is referred to as a race "So run that ye may obtain the prize" We should run the Christian race with sobriety, for our eternal life is at stake. Let others pursue for enjoyment what they will, but in our race everything vital is at stake. The eternal consequences of losing should motivate us to a greater effort than that put forth by those making sport.‑‑Duane V. Maxey

Recently I read a fable about a dog who loved to chase other animals. He bragged about his great running skill and said he could catch anything. Well, it wasn't long until his boastful claims were put to the test by a certain rabbit. With ease the little creature outran his barking pursuer. The other animals, watching with glee, began to laugh. The dog excused himself, however, by saying, "You forget, I was only running for fun. He was running for his life!"

That does make a difference! Motivation is the most important factor in everything we do.

Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I. QUALIFICATION OR FITNESS TO RUN IN THE RACE

A. A certain age, weight, height, moral fitness, etc.

B. The qualification for entering and running the Christian race is to be a child of God by repentance and faith, the spiritual birth

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

II. THE RACE COURSE AND THE RULES

A. There is a race course, a plot of ground marked off, where the race is to be run.

1. So the course which God has marked off where the Christian life is to be lived, is in the church

2. Some children of God run, but on their own self-made course, rather than the one Christ started and marked

B. There are rules to run by, and if the race is not run accordingly, it does not count.

1. Even so, the Christian life must be lived according to God's rules, the Scriptures, or it is not accepted and will not be rewarded

III. THE GOAL TO BE REACHED

A. Contestants must not only be qualified, and run by the rules, on God's course; but they must cross the goal line to win the prize

1. Even so, the Christian has a goal to reach to gain the prize

B. What is the goal we are running to cross?

1. It is Christian maturity, to be full-grown, to be able to be and do that for which Christ saved you

2. Grow to the place where you know the first principles, and can teach others.

3. Grow in grace where you can master yourself, and stand and be faithful in all things, even if it means suffering to obey

4. To reach the finish line HEAVEN

5. Press to reach this goal, that others may be helped and sinners be saved

IV. HINDRANCES IN RUNNING THE RACE,

Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

A. Foes:

1. Satan,

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2. The sin nature

Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

3. False teachings

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

4. The unsaved world

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

5. Paul said, "I press (against these) toward the mark," the goal.

B. Weights

Hebrews 12:1.let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1. Selfishness

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

2. Sins

Isaiah 59:2 Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

3. Weakness of the body in temptations

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

V. AIDS IN RUNNING THE RACE.

A. Exercise

1 Timothy 4:7 ... exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

B. Food, "the milk and meat" of the Word

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

C. Know the rules of the game

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

D. Self-discipline and self-mastery.

I Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

E. The strength of Christ

Philipppians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1. Pray and trust Him for needed strength, and He will supply.

F. The great cloud of witnesses, and Jesus Himself who ran the race before us encourage us to run it

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

VI. THE GRANDSTAND SPECTATORS

A. The viewers are the spectators, who watch as the race is run. The racers are the specttators

B. The Lord is watching very closely

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

C. The saints; beware as you run the race before them

1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

D. Angels

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

E. The world and lost men.

1 Corinthians 4:9 ...for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

F. Many believe that the "cloud of witnesses" and saints gone before are watching from paradise.

VII. THE PRIZE FOR RUNNING THE RACE AND CROSSING THE GOAL LINE

A. The satisfaction and thrill of being winner and overcomer

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

B. The joy of encouraging the saints to run more faithfully, and the joy of winning others to the Christian life

Psalm 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

C. The great welcoming and crown of rejoicing at Christ's coming

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

D. The trophy crown presented by Jesus for running the race faithfully and victoriously to the end

2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

E. The rewards, or pay, for faithful work done in the race

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Jesus said, "Great is your reward in heaven" (Matt. 5:12).

CONCLUSION: Every child of God is privileged to run in this race and win. Every lost person is privileged to enter it by becoming a born-again child of God through faith in Jesus