The Race to become like Christ By Shad Sluiter. Download this at

Get on the Right Track Matthew 7:13-14 (13) "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. (14) For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

(Dis) Qualifying Romans 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Hurdles Galatians 5:7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

The Goal and the Prize Philippians 3:8-14 (8) Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- (10) that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (11) that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (12) Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The Spectators Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

The Veteran Role Model Hebrews 12:2...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God

The Coach Hebrews 12:3...Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

The Trainer 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (24) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (25) Every athlete exercises self- control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (26) So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. (27) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

The Relay Handoff 2 Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

The Rivalry Philippians 2:3Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

The Finish Line 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (6) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.

The Reward 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.