Christians were never promised an easy life. Instead, Bible
scripture constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a
plan because there will be difficult times and Satan will attack us.
Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. The Christian life
takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. As
Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward.
The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip
us to run with vigor and stamina. Don’t merely observe from the
grandstand or the pew; don’t just turn out to jog a couple of laps
each morning. Train diligently – your spiritual progress depends
on it.
At times, we must even give up something good to do what God wants.
Each person’s special duties determine the discipline and denial he
or she must accept. Without a goal, discipline is nothing but
self-punishment. With the goal of pleasing God, our denial seems
like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will
be ours.
But, consider this. It is easy to tell others how to live and then
not to take our own advice. We must be careful to practice what we
preach so we won’t be disqualified.
THE PURPOSE, THE PLAN AND THE
PRIZE
1
Corinthians 9:24-27 (NASB) says
“Do
you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one
receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone
who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They
then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Therefore
I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not
beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so
that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be
disqualified.”
The Purpose
-
Run to get the prize.
-
Run straight to the goal.
The Plan
-
Deny yourself whatever is potentially harmful.
-
Discipline your body, training it.
The Prize
-
A crown that will last forever.
REFERENCE: GALATIANS 6:7-10
The Purpose
-
Don’t become weary in doing good.
-
Don’t get discouraged and give up.
-
Do good to everyone.
The Plan
-
Sow to please the Holy Spirit.
The Prize
-
Reap eternal life.
REFERENCE: EPHESIANS 6:10-20
The Purpose
-
Put on the full armor of God.
-
Pray on all occasions.
The Plan
-
Use all the pieces of God’s armor provided for you.
The Prize
-
Taking our stand against the devil’s schemes.
REFERENCE: PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14
The Purpose
-
Press on toward the day when you will be all God wants you to be.
The Plan
-
Forget the past and press on toward what is ahead.
The Prize
-
The prize for which God calls us heavenward.
REFERENCE: 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-13
The Purpose
-
Entrust these great truths to people who will teach them to others.
-
Be strong in Christ’s grace, even when your faith Is faltering.
The Plan
-
Endure hardship like a soldier, and don’t get involved in worldly affairs.
-
Follow the Lord’s rules, as an athlete must do in order to win.
-
Work hard, like a farmer who tends his crops for the harvest.
The Prize
-
We will live and reign with Christ.
-
He always remains faithful to us and always carries out His promises.
Psalm
34:19 (NASB) says
“Many
are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out
of them all.”
Remember –
God has a plan for your life and a home in heaven for your
faithfulness. Don’t
Give Up!
End
Of Post