Introduction: Paul used sporting events to describe the spiritual life. He especially used the foot race. Believers are compared to runners in a race. Are you ready to run so that you may obtain the prize?
- THE COURSE (Acts 20:24)
- There is a Course for the Believer
- Each Course is Personal my course (2 Corinthians 4:1)
- The Course Can be Finished
- THE CROWD (Hebrews 12:1)
- They Challenge us by their Testimonies
- They Cheer us with their Encouragement
- THE CONTROL
- Temperate in All Things (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)
- Run the Race with Patience (Hebrews 12:1)
- THE COMPETITION
- Run to Obtain the Prize (1 Corinthians 9:24)
- Lay Aside Every Weight (Hebrews 12:1)
- Dont Look Behind You (Philippians 3:12-13)
- THE CHEATS
- Those Who Run in Vain (Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:15-16)
- Those Who Run Unlawfully (2 Timothy 2:5)
- Those Who Quit the Race (Galatians 5:7; 6:9)
- Those Who become Castaways (1 Corinthians 9:27)
- THE COMPLETION
- By Looking Unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3)
- The Joy Set Before Us (Hebrews 12:2; Acts 20:24)
- By Finishing the Course (2 Timothy 4:7)
- THE CROWN
- The Prize (1 Corinthians 9:24)
- The Mark (Philippians 3:14)
- The Masteries (2 Timothy 2:5)
- The Crown (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Conclusion: How are you living your life? Are you simply surviving? Or, are you going for the gold? We should ask David when facing Goliath: Is there not a cause? Get off the sidelines and get in the race. We have a race to run for our Lord!
