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Running the RaceThe Apostle Paul was a sports enthusiast he often used analogies based on sports, he likened our faith, to a race. He liked our spiritual growth to the athlete who trains for the games. The boxer, the wrestler, the runner all keeping their bodies in shape to compete in the games. As he likens our faith to sport, but he wasn’t speaking of the sprint, the hundred meter dash - but the long distance run, the marathon. As we continue our studies in 1 Corinthians today we will look at our final message from chapter 9. In chapter eight Paul says that the mature believer chooses to give up their rights as to not to cause the weaker brother to stumble in their faith. 1 Cor 8:13 …If what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall. Then in chapter nine Paul shows us just how he has done that in his own life, he had given up his rights as an apostle, the right to financial support, food, or provision. Not only that but Paul says he will make sure he ministers to each class of people in a way they will receive the gospel. To the Jew he becomes a Jew, to the Gentile he becomes like those not under the law. Now in the final part of the chapter, he takes this sport analogy and shows us how all believers needs to continue to endure, to persevere and grow in their faith to better minister to others as well as grow in our own faith. READ THE TEXT 1 CORINTHIAN 9:24-27In 1979 Nancy Honeytree sang a song called, “Maranatha Marathon.” When he runs he never wearies, when he walks he never faints – he is striving for the master and cheered on by the saints. Earthy runners by be healthy but a better race is on won’t you come and join the runners –Maranatha Marathon. You can tell the Christian runner by the straight and narrow path - he follows without swerving left or right or looking back. There’s a finish line in heaven that his heart is fixed up on - the common goal of all runners – Maranatha Marathon. You can tell the Christian runner by the smile up on his face and the song within his heart –that helps him keep the pace. And he’ll run all the way to heaven by God’s amazing grace. And if you listen to the runners you will hear a song of praise. When he runs he never wearies, when he walks he never faints – he is striving for the master and cheered on by the saints. Earthy runners by be healthy but a better race is on won’t you come and join the runners –Maranatha Marathon. The old man is dead, long live the new creature. I always like this portion of text where Paul draws from sports, and speaks of an athlete who goes into training. His desire is that we will be purposeful in our faith and in our lives -like an athlete. “Keeping in shape”, “going into training” “living a disciplined life”, “having limits and boundaries.” Persevere - live out your faith, because that is what will show Christ to others. And that is what will keep you from being overwhelmed by the pressers of life or overcome by “burn-out.” Tom Landry the late former coach of the Dallas Cowboys, was one who understood these principles very well. Once he said: “Most successful football players are free to perform at their best only when they know what the expectations are, where the limits stand. I see this as a biblical principle that also applies to life, a principle our society as a whole has forgotten;-- you can't enjoy true freedom without limits. “ In Corinth people were familiar with sports so they, understood the discipline required to be a top athlete. Today we see athletes training many years to compete, or make it to the pros. For many athletes their entire life is geared toward one purpose, and one goal. Their parents sacrifice everything, families, money, and careers. They move to another city for the coaches or better facilities, all this so their child can have an opportunity to compete. And all this for medal that has no eternal value, and fame that will not last. I have been around track and field most of my life. I know its hard to believe, but I have run several marathons, and scores of ten kilometer races. In 2002 I had the honor of being one of the many people to carry the Olympic torch for the Salt Lake City Olympics. But that’s about as close to fame as I ever came. I have been able to meet some very famous track stars and even been able to run with some of them. I dare to say that most of you in this room have never even heard of some of them. Fame fades over time, Jim Ryan, is better known as a congressman then a great runner. Frank Shorter dominated marathons in the 1970s. Most of us have heard of Jessie Owens but even his glory is fading. Bill Toomey is someone who most of you never heard of, in 1968 he shattered the decathlon record, and ushered American dominance in that sport. Yet who in this room knew his name. Here’s one most people still know, but 100 years from now will her name even be in history books. John Carlos and Tommie Smith- their claim to fame was that their gold metals were taken from them in Mexico City after they gave a protest and showed the black power sign. Jackie Joyner Kersey the queen of modern track, but again all her fame will not last. Mark Spitz, was memorized in this famous photo but what has all those gold metals gotten him in eternity. Then there was Steve Prefontane, he died in a car accident in 1975 but to this day experts say he was the most natural runner in history, yet, how many of you have even heard his name before? How about, Eric Liddell – our children on Saturday’s studied his life, his clam is not just the temporal crown of the Olympics but the eternal crown of a man of faith. As a missionary to China who died in persecution in 1945. The Christian purpose and discipline is likened to the athlete, but much different as whosoever comes to Jesus Christ will receive great glory, the greatest victory, and a crown in Heaven. Finally someone you all know and love – who is this mystery runner? 1 Peter 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you. The difference between the disciplined athlete and a Christian is only one wins the athletic competition but in the Christian race everyone wins. I think of the Boston Marathon there are thousands of entries, yet only one person comes in first. In the Christian race - we all run, and all who endure win the glories of heaven. Paul spoke about this when his life was about to end. 2 Tim 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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. Have you longed for the appearing of Jesus Christ? Are you like Paul and you can say, I have kept the faith, I have endured. In our text Paul brings out several, similarities between a athlete and the Christian, three important parallels are.
1 John 5:4 For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. There are those who focus on mediocrity, just getting the job done, others look to excellence, and great rewards. This last week Steve Mariochi was fired as the coach of the Detroit Lions because of the teams mediocre performance. Is your faith about doing basics? Oh, I go to church, I don’t do anything too bad, I toss a few bucks in the offering, that my friends is striving to be mediocre. But if like Paul we train for the race, you will excel in your faith. Because it is by our faith, as we overcome the world and God will give us the Helper. He will empower us by the Holy Spirit, to have victory, in living a disciplined life. What else can help us?
Throw off the things that are hindering you. Like bitterness, unforgiveness, self-centeredness. Toss away the sin that so easily entangles. And live by faith because as John tells us, we have victory by our faith in Jesus Christ. That is looking toward the prize, that is focusing on victory. Stay focused on eternal life, and your faith will bring victory. Remember this body is temporal, what matters is eternal things. Phil 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.Paul’s desire – is two fold, souls for the kingdom, and he knows that will come as he has a closer relationship with the Lord. He is diligent and determined in his life as he is pressing forward toward the goal. Are we pressing on to take hold of what Christ paid for? The ultimate prize, heaven, are we focused on the goal. That is striving for victory not mediocrity. There’s an old story of a man who approached a laborer who was laying bricks and asked him, “What are you doing?” The laborer said, “Can’t you see I’m laying bricks?” The man then walked over to another bricklayer and asked, “What are you doing?” And the workman answered with pride, “I’m building a cathedral.” Both were physically doing the same thing, but the first laborer was occupied with the present task, and the other was concerned with the ultimate goal. Many in the Christian race are not pressing on, they are not even running, they are just existing daily, and some are in danger of falling out of the race. Christians, should be focused on the goal of our faith, the salvation of your souls, and obedience to our Lord. The believer should be like the seasoned athlete, first, focused on victory.
When a runner enters the race, it did not all begin right there at the starting line, no it started long before, there were months and probably years of training. Daily routines of training and regiments. All for the purpose that is before them now. Paul says believers - like athletes go into strict training. The runner puts in many miles each day to get in shape for the competition. If we do not train with diligence, and purpose, we may not finish the race. I remember many years ago, when I ran my first marathon, now remember a marathon is the original distance from Athens across the plain of Marathon, 26.2 miles. I began to train, so I ran 5 miles a day, some days I would run, 10 miles and I was a lean, mean, running machine. I weighed about 128 lbs, I was about 6 foot tall, and good looking, ok -- but I was in good shape. But I did not train properly, although I was in good shape and I trained diligently, I didn’t train with purpose. When it came time for the race, the gun went off, and I took off like I would on my five mile runs. By mile 5 there were only a few people in front of me, I thought wow, how good I am. By mile 10 I was in the leading pack and feeling good. Mile 15 I slowed a little and although the elite runners were out of sight, I was still in the top 10% of the runners. By mile 18 my body wanted to quit. I hit had the wall. See I did not trained properly - with the purpose of a marathon in mind. Somehow I finished and laid down in the fetal possession and thought I would die. So how does that equate with us today? As Christians we live in bodies that are prone to sin. Yet we desire to live for God, the great paradox, torn between the two. Paul spoke about this in Romans chapter 7 when he talks about how he struggles in his body to do what he knows is right, and he finds himself doing wrong. He concludes his exhortation on the weakness of our bodies by saying. Rom 7:23-25 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? --- Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! Jesus can rescue us from the body of sin. How does that happen? By training with purpose. The athlete trains by running long distance, by controlling his diet, by rigorous daily discipline. How does the Christian train? In the daily discipline of devotion to Christ. We live in an instant society we want everything right now, fast food, microwave ovens, and fast forward buttons, with DVD’s you can go right to the scene you want. But there is no such thing as spiritual maturity without spiritual discipline. Like former president and General Dwight Eisenhower said. “There are no victories at discount prices.” Like the athlete in training - we watch what we eat, we monitor what we put into our minds and bodies. What nutritional value do things have? Far too many Christians actually believe they can continue to fill their minds with filth and their bodies with poison and be in shape for the Christian race. Look what Paul says. 1 Cor 9:27 ….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 Tim 4: Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. Spiritual exercise has value, now and in eternity. Now, holiness, a right relationship with God and others. Eternity, acceptance into the presence of God. What are the disciplines of the Christian life? Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. The early church found itself in a time of great revival, with many people coming to faith. They were powerful in word and effective in miracles. Their formula was not the latest marketing techniques – rather it is exactly how we grow as individuals in relationship with God. The four essentials of our faith. a. 1st THE WORD OF GOD. The apostles, teaching, or (kjv) doctrine. The word of God is powerful and sharp, it penetrates our hearts, and our souls. 2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Let God’s word cut deep into your soul. The word will teach, rebuke, correct and train our lives, bodies, and minds. Daily bible study is essential for Christian training. b. 2nd FELLOWSHIP. The gathering of the saints together for no other reason then to worship God. Many people today say, “I can worship God in the mountains.” “I don’t need to go to church the church is full of hypocrites.” “Or Sunday is our family day.” I love that one, do people really think that it brings the family closer together to watch football or sleep in then to worship God as a family. Heb 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. The day of Christ in nearer now then ever before, the fellowship of the saints is for the building up of one another. To “spur” one another on in love, faith, and good works. Sue and I have horses and I know what spur means. See there’s a dynamic that happens when the church comes together as a congregation, because it is God’s plan, and we come only to hear from God. c. 3rd BREAKING OF BREAD/ WORSHIP. No greater picture of worship is there found in all the bible than that of communion. For some people communion and worship songs are just rituals that we go though, they mean nothing. We sing a few songs and, once a month we have communion and its just something we do, their attitude is “if we didn’t worship it wouldn’t matter.” Ps 147:1 …. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! When you come to fellowship, offer your life as a living sacrifice, give God the sacrifice of praise from your lips, and surrender your will to him in worship. Partake of the Lord’s table and remember what he has done and what he has promised. And you will be training for the race. d. 4th PRAYER. Jesus said. “My house will be called a house of prayer.” The house of High Sierra Fellowship, and the house of Rich Lammay, needs to be a house of prayer. Brining forth our petitions, requests, intercessions, our hearts to God. And he hears us because we ask in the name of Jesus. It is a sad state of all the church that the least attended meeting each week are the prayer services. We meet here every Tuesday, 6:30 am, before the weekend services. But this house of my body is to be a house of prayer. To take time to call out to God every day, to seek his will, his direction, to pray for others. If you want to have an intimate relationship with someone – you spend time with that person, if you want to be more intimate with God, spend time in prayer. Just talk to him, and wait upon him. When someone tells you their burdens, whenever possible, pray for them, right then.
We have seen how we are to be focused on victory, and how we need to be in continual training: Finally we need to have: 3. PERSEVERANCE. 1 Tim 4:8 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. I ran long distance for more then twenty years, what do I have to show for it? A few trinkets, a few mementos, a standing heart rate of 54, and low blood pressure. But what does that matter, there is value in exercise, but godliness has value, now and later. The runner runs in a race but before the runner can race they must first enter the race. They must follow the rules of the race and they must persevere to the finish of the race. Once I ran a 2 mile race and I finished in first place, but I didn’t win the medal, I didn’t even get my name in the paper, see I didn’t pay the entry fee, I hadn’t entered the race legally. Greek athletes had no entry fee, but had to be a citizen of Greece to compete in the games. If Jesus is your Lord you are a citizen of heaven, and your entry fee is “paid in full” by Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus said. John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. Like runner is disqualified if they were not eligible to run. They are disqualified if they violate the rules, or cheat. That’s exactly how it is in faith there is one way – Jesus. One course - the Blood of Christ, and one absolute truth to bring us to peace with God. Several years ago there was a lady name Rosy Louise, she cheated in the New York Marathon. She ran to the front of the pack then hoped a taxi to near the finish line and waited until she saw the first woman, then she got back in the race and finished first. Well Rosy was disqualified. She cheated. Its like that for those who would try to come to God by any other means then Jesus. Then once Christ is their Lord the race begins. And you need to run. Jeremiah 12:5 "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan? If you tried to run on your own how will you keep up with the horses? If you can not run with things are easy, how will you keep up when things are tough? Paul says “I continually beat my body”, not like someone running aimlessly or fighting against the wind – but I run with purpose to persevere to the end. Training build endurance. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing the training goes on. When trouble comes, do you back away from God? Or is that when your training kicks in? 1 Sam 30:6 KJV And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. When things and even people are coming against you, encourage yourself, seek God, worship God, and let God work. Paul says I make sure I train daily to have the perseverance I need so that in my work for God, in my life on earth, I will endure to the end. Heb 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Encourage one another when we gather together, let God use you to bless and build one another up in the most holy faith, encourage one another while we are still together. And we will endure to the end. TURN TO HEBREWS 12 1-2Perseverance in the race, keep focused on Jesus - he is the finish line, he gives us the crown that endures, he rewards those who trust in him. Throw off everything that keeps us from running well. And consider who Jesus is and his example he gave us. Rev 2:10 (Jesus said) …. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. PRAY, INVITE, BENEDICTION, SING Series: 1 Corinthians -Through the Bible |
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