1. Winning the Prize! 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Corinthians 9:24-27

2. Overcoming some things that can deter us from winning. We Can Win The Imperishable Prize !

3. To Win...We Must Overcome Contentment with and Appeal of the World Love not the world nor the things of the world: I John 2:15-17 Don’t be conformed to the world, but be transformed: Romans 12:2 Reject Worldly Wisdom, Accept the Wisdom of God: I Corinthians 1:18-31. Being a friend of the world is being an enemy of God. James 4:1-10.

4. To Win...We Must Overcome Contentment with and Appeal of the World Examples: Church at Laodicea: Rich, Wealthy, in need of nothing in their eyes. Christ said they were wretched, miserable, poor and naked. Revelation 3:14-21. Rich Young Ruler: Had kept the commandments of the law, but was unwilling to do the “one thing he lacked” to inherit eternal life! Mark 10:17-22.

5. To Win...We Must Overcome Contentment with and Appeal of the World Demas: Had been among Paul’s fellow workers. Col. 4:14, Philemon 24. Yet, he forsook Paul, because of the love of this present world! II Timothy 4:10. Many of the Jewish Rulers believed in Jesus, but would not confess Him for fear of rejection and desire for the praise of men. John 12:41-43.

6. To Win...We Must Overcome a lack of Contentment with our Wealth/Position/Status in Life Life isn’t always fair! Race not always to the swiftest……. Ecclesiastes 9:11-12. We are reminded to be content with the basic necessities of life. Don’t love money. I Timothy 6:7-10. Wise man: Give me neither riches nor poverty: Proverbs 30:7-9.

7. We Win...If we Overcome a lack of Contentment with our Wealth/Position/Status in Life We are told to pray for our rulers, so that we may live a quiet and tranquil life. I Timothy 2:1-2. Examples: The Apostle Paul learned to be content with whatever life brought Philippians 4:10-13.

8. We Win...If we Overcome a lack of Contentment with our Wealth/Position/Status in Life The Apostles argued among themselves as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Luke 22:24-27. Sons of Zebedee (their Mother) even specially requested this of Jesus. Matthew 20:20-28. Consider the Rich Man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31

9. To Win...We Must Overcome the Failures and Disappointments of Life David. I and II Samuel Achieved great things in service to God. Defeated Goliath. Led Israel to many victories. Became King. Promised an heir on the throne forever. But one failure, Adultery with Bathsheba led much grief turmoil, and public consequences.

10. To Win...We Must Overcome the Failures and Disappointments of Life Publicly humiliated when a rebellious son temporarily seized power. Lived to see death of at least three sons. Another son attempted to seize power. Many passages make it clear that God forgave David and he was regarded as one of the most beloved characters in Jewish/Bible history. He overcame.

11. To Win...We Must Overcome the Failures and Disappointments of Life Peter. Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-62 Apostle of Jesus. Sat outside in the courtyard after Jesus had been seized by the Jews and had been tried. Was recognized as one of Jesus’ followers. Denied it three times. Cursed and swore. Didn’t acknowledge it even after Jesus looked at him, and he remembered Jesus’ words. Yet, Jesus did not give up on him, nor did Peter quit and give up on himself.

12. To Win...We Must Overcome the Failures and Disappointments of Life Yet, Jesus did not give up on him, nor did Peter quit and give up on himself. Peter delivered the first gospel sermon. Acts 2. Served as an elder. Wrote two epistles. I and II Peter. He overcame.

13. To Win...We Must Overcome the Tragedies and Misfortunes of Life We may have no understanding or explanation for what happens. Job. Time and chance sometime bring tragedy. Ecclesiastes 9:11-13. Tragedy is sometimes brought about due to our failures or failures of others. Achan’s sin led to the death of 36 soldiers as well as his family. Joshua 7. David’s sin brought about death and turmoil in his family and kingdom.

14. To Win...We Must Overcome the Sin that so easily Entangles Us. Hebrews 12:1-3. Let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us. Let us run with endurance. Fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesus is sympathetic with our weaknesses. He was tempted in all points. Draw near to Him, so that we may find mercy and grace.

15. To Win...We Must Overcome the Sin that so easily Entangles Us. I Corinthians 10:1-14. Take heed against falling. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able and will provide a way of escape.

16. We can Overcome We Can Win the Prize The Book of Revelation. We win if we endure and overcome. Hebrews 11:32-40. The great faith of many before us, they endured, they overcame.