1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

2. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “all run, but one receives the prize” › “tortoise and the hare”; race-day jokesters › “run in such a way that you may obtain it”; this race is no joke: no one “playing religion” wins

3. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “everyone who competes is temperate…” › some don’t compete; some are not temperate › “temperate” speaks of self-control Be “temperate” in all things [1 Cor. 9:25]  the discipline of training [cp. v. 27] daily, not weekly (monthly!) exercise “pushing through” the tough stuff, aches “patient continuance” [Rom 2:7] “run with endurance” [Heb 12:1; 2 Tim 2:3]

4. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “everyone who competes is temperate…” › some don’t compete; some are not temperate › “temperate” speaks of self-control Be “temperate” in all things [1 Cor. 9:25]  the discipline of training [cp. v. 27] “my body…into subjection” no chips-and-soda heroes; no fast-food medals no spiritual junk! [Heb 12:1; Gal 5:7, 16-23]  the discipline of living [cp. v. 27]

5. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “everyone who competes is temperate…” › some don’t compete; some are not temperate › “temperate” speaks of self-control Be “temperate” in all things [1 Cor. 9:25]  the discipline of training [cp. v. 27] is part of “enduring hardship”; must conform  the discipline of living [cp. v. 27]  the discipline of following rules [2 Tm 2:1-10] otherwise, disqualified! [cp. Ecc 9:11; Rm 9:16]

6. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “we (do it) for an imperishable crown” › some athletes devote their entire lives to gain a perishable crown, a few moments of glory › how much more should we devote to heaven?! Be “temperate” in all things [1 Cor. 9:25]  Chinese and Russian children taken from home See the “end” from the beginning [1 Cor. 9:25]  American children taken from school, worship  Do we take the pursuit of heaven seriously?

7. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “we (do it) for an imperishable crown” › Hebrews 12:1-2 – “looking unto Jesus” Be “temperate” in all things [1 Cor. 9:25]  Cannot win the race if you are looking back! See the “end” from the beginning [1 Cor. 9:25] - God wants us to focus on the finish line: › Philippians 3:12-14 – “I press toward the goal” › 2 Tm 2:8-10 – “Remember…Jesus Christ…” › 2 Tm 4:7-8 – “finally…crown of righteousness”

8. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “we (do it) for an imperishable crown” › seeing the goal gives us aim, not aimlessness Be “temperate” in all things [1 Cor. 9:25] See the “end” from the beginning [1 Cor. 9:25] - God wants us to focus on the finish line: - “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty” [v 26]  discipline needs direction; cp. 1 Pt 1:17-21  Thoreau: “In the long run, men hit only what they aim at…they had better aim high”!

9. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Put forth your best effort [1 Cor. 9:24] - “we (do it) for an imperishable crown” › seeing the goal gives us aim, not aimlessness Be “temperate” in all things [1 Cor. 9:25] See the “end” from the beginning [1 Cor. 9:25] - God wants us to focus on the finish line: - “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty” [v 26] › where there is a goal, running is not “in vain”  cp. Philippians 2:12-16

10. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 What kind of effort are you putting forth for God? Are you offering your best effort, or just at play? How disciplined and temperate are you in seeking? Are you in control, or is your life in control of you? Have you considered “the end” from the beginning? Where are you headed? Do you have a plan? All who are without a plan will ultimately lose!

11. “Run in such a way that you may obtain it” 1 Corinthians 9:24 Won’t you allow Jesus to become both “author and finisher” of your faith today? Hebrews 12:1-2