RUN TO GET THE PRIZE 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 12/16/2018 Dr. Dane Boyles

24 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. 25 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. (1 Co 9:24-25)

26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 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 Co 9:26-27)

Run to Get the Prize When you think of Paul’s life, do you think of a marathon?

Why would anyone put himself through a marathon if he didn’t think he could win? Run to win!

God intends for us to hustle. We believe that the Holy Spirit calls us to strive to succeed to be victorious. Run to get the prize!

The apostle Paul is not the only New Testament author who wrote about this. 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:4)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

2 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. (Hebrews 12:2)

10 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10) 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Revelation 3:11)

RUN TO WIN THE PRIZE

Three excuses, or three lies, the devil wants you to believe. 1) You can’t win because of who you are.

People blame DNA.

Do you think God would put you here and not build you to succeed? You’ve been fully equipped to live by faith.

The secular view of DNA is that you are designed to fail. The sacred view is that you were born to succeed.

Don’t take “No” for an Answer when Jesus says YES. Run to win!

2) You can’t win because of how you were raised. Where is the point where excuses stop? The throne of Jesus Christ is the point.

When you stand before Jesus, you discover: no one ever stops learning. no one ever stops changing.

Everyone has baggage. God has a baggage exchange program. One day at a time, we bring our luggage to the cross. One day at a time, Jesus sets us free.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mt 11:28-29)

30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:30)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (He 12:1)

2 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. (He 12:2) Run to win the prize!

3) You can’t win because other people won’t let you. This is one of the most power excuses of all time.

What makes this so easy is that we want to blame others for our failure. But Jesus does the exact opposite.

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Co 5:21)

When you and I walk with Jesus we learn something about character and responsibility. 13 You are the salt of the earth. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:13a,14a)

Our environment doesn’t have to determine our behavior. Character is knowing what’s right and having the courage to follow through.

Jesus allows us to see ourselves and others as we really are. We are sinners saved by grace. We are loved. And so we run to win!

26 … not run like a man running aimlessly; not like a man beating the air. (1 Co 9:26)

2 Timothy 4:7 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing. Amen. (2 Co 4:8)

What I want you to remember about yourself: God made you to succeed. God made you to take responsibility for yourself. God made you to be a person of character.

RUN TO GET THE PRIZE 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 12/16/2018 Dr. Dane Boyles