“The Need To Get Serious” Christians Gone Wild

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get 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 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.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV

The Christian Life Is Like A Race People run in races for a lot of reasons Some do it to stay in shape Some do it for fun Some do it to prove something to themselves Some do it to say they did it But the serious ones run to win the prize The same is true in the way people approach the Christian life

The Christian Life Is Like A Race Run in such a way as to win the prize The idea is to give it all you’ve got! – Philippians 3:12-14; 2 Timothy 4:6-8 A lackadaisical approach won’t work – Matthew 16:24-27; Luke 9:57-62 We need to take our Christianity seriously!

“. train yourself to be godly “ . . . train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

We Must Train With Purpose Training is necessary to succeed People who are serious train hard Christians must train themselves in every area of life - their world view, their conscience, their attitude, their actions – Romans 12:1-2

We Must Train With Purpose Training involves strict discipline Pushing past negative feelings Doing it even when it’s difficult Jesus is our example – Hebrews 12:2-3

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV

We Must Stay Motivated Motivation is key “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 NIV

We Must Stay Motivated Motivation is key We do it for Jesus! - He gave his life for us We do it to receive a reward - Heaven We do it so we won’t be lost eternally - Hell

We Must Stay Motivated How serious are you? Are you running in such a way as to win the prize? If your race ended today, would you receive the prize? Would Jesus say to you – well done good and faithful servant? Or . . . ?