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