Running for the prize

Running for the prize.
2 cor 9:24-27
Paul wrote to the corinthians Encouraging them to apply the same zeal and determination to their Christian lives as they did to their athletics. Very carnal.

1. Paul spaeks of the throphy 24&25b
In the isthmian game the winner recieved a crown evergreen needles.
Beautiful symbolic but withers
Men sacrifice the worthless trophies of athletic ompetition
Prepare, exercise diet abstain from any semblance of a normal life, for what. A Medal?

All the sacrifice and dedication for a corruptible prize a worthless relic.
The prize of Jesus Christ is better than all trophies and medals the workd can give.
"But we do it to get a crown that will last forever. "
The prize in the Christian race is an incorruptible prize It is of infinite value and everlasting worth
This prize is valuable because of the one who gave it. -Jesus
The greatest prize ever, trophy the utmost crown is given by King of kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.
It is given as his expression of satisfaction nd approval of those who hace run the race done their best for the lord.
2. Paul speaks of the test v26
Paul says run with determination. Not shadow boxing, he means business
Serious competition. With the devil.
The enemy is the devil he is out to deceive you so as to enslave you.
Eph 6:12
Listen, this competition is not a game.
The devil is playing for keeps.
It is a life or death competition.
Satan is organized. He studied you. He knows when, where and how to strike you.
We are stuggling against a liar who will deceive you.
His demons will whisper lies into your mind to turn you away from the truth of God.
Christianity is not a game. We are involved in a life and death struggle john 10:10
You are in a battle for freedom (to enjoy christian life, to worship, fellowship with God) john 8:32
Your future will be determined by how you run the race.
I mean quit playing church quit considering your chrisitanity as an accesory to life. Phil 1:21
Not only do we need to be determined, earnest we need to be resolve.
Resolve means that you have a fixed purpose.
Focus yourself in running your race.
Heb12:2
Dont compare your race with other people's race.
Resolve to run the race
Another thing we need is continuity.
"well done my good and faithful servant"
Many christians lives consist of complancency and compromise there is no continuity
Why? They are relying on feelings.
They serve God as long as it feels good.
So to lass the test
We must run with deterministion
We must run earnestly
We must run resolutely
We must run continuously

Christian are you ready to run the race with fervor?