“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. 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 . . . ?