Run, Endure, Finish

Run

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

As we wind down to our break, I think it’s important to wind down to the reality that this group will be done by the end of the Summer.

I wouldn’t be a good leader if I didn’t make sure to review critical elements of our walk as we head out on our own more than ever.

In a race, all runners run.

Do you feel like you’re in a race, that you’re even in the race or competition? Are you actively participating in this faith walk?

Run in such a way as to get the prize

Are you running to win?

Prayer

How do you prepare for prayer?

What do you find yourself praying about?

Scripture

In what manner have you been reading the Bible?

Do you study it?

Do you meditate on it?

Service

Are you actively helping to fill a need?

Are you consuming more than you’re providing?

Tithing

Are you faithful in your giving?

Do you ever go above and beyond?

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last.

What is the temporary crown you’re training for and pursuing after? What owns your time, focus, and energy?

I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

In what part of your walk are you just going through the motions?

I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Are you a hypocrite when it comes to your walk?

Endure

Philippians 2:12-16 “12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling

Do you still view God as all knowing, all powerful, all important? Do you still take him seriously?

It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose

Where is God pushing you or pulling you to move? Where is he taking you?

Do everything without grumbling or arguing

Negativity can distract you from the race. My feet hurt. I’m tired. It takes the focus off of the race and puts it on you. Has negativity worked its way into your life?

What about grumbling when it comes to your faith? The church?

Finish

2 Timothy 4:1–8 (NIV)

1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season

Are you sharing the Gospel? Josh to tell his Gospel sharing story today

Correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction

Do you have an example where you’ve done or are doing this? For me it’s Men’s Group..

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

Don’t you want that certainty at the end of your life?

Are you positioned to say this? Where do you need focus? Where do you need help?