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Christian Olympics – Run the Race!

Categories: Sermon Outlines Tags:

Date written: 8/7/07
Scripture ref: 1 Corinthians 9:24

SUBJECT: Christian Living

TITLE: Christian Olympics – Run the Race!

PROPOSITION: What must we do to run the Christian race? 1) Follow the Rules, 2) Look to our example, 3) Look to the Prize 4) Endure to the End.

Objectives:

Aim:

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24

2. About the Text:

1) We spoke in a previous lesson about preparing to run the race.

a. The Proper Attitude

b. The Proper Nutrition

c. The Proper Training

d. The Proper Attire

2) Once we have prepared to run the race, then we must do it; we must run!

3) What does one gain for running a race?

a. Exercise

b. Good health

c. Personal Satisfaction

d. A Prize

4) The prize for the Christian is so much greater than any earthly prize one may win.

5) What do we need to do to run the Christian race?

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

DISCUSSION: What must we do to run the Christian race?

I.   Follow the Rules

1. Those who participate in races must follow the rules.

1) You must start at the right time.

2) You must stay within the prescribed boundaries of the course.

3) You must not cheat by using performance enhancing drugs.

4) You cannot get your grandmother to give you a ride.

2. We have rules to follow in the Christian race as well.

1) Must follow the rules.

a. 2 Timothy 2:5 “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

b. John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

c. 1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

2) Number 1 and 2 Rules: Matthew 22:36-40

3) Rules of morality.

a. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)

b. Works of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)

c. Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

d. Christian Graces (2 Peter 1:5-11)

4) Rules of spirituality.

a. Study God’s word – Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, Psalm 1:2

b. Pray – 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18

c. Remember the Lord – Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-27

d. Sing Praises to God – Acts 16:25, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15

e. Give to God – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

3. We could add many more. We must observe all things (Matthew 28:18-20).

II.  Look to Our Example

1. Athletes often have heroes or causes.

1) There are many in the history of sports.

a. Bruce Jenner

b. Jesse Owens

c. Mark Spitz

d. Carl Lewis

e. Jim Thorpe

2) Sometimes an athlete will run for a charitable event or good cause.

a. March of Dimes

b. Cancer Awareness

c. American Heart Association

d. Children’s Hospitals

e. Etc.

2. Christians who run the race look to their hero and cause as well, Jesus.

1) He is our reason for living.

a. Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ?.”

b. Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

2) He is the model for us to follow.

a. Hebrews 12:2

b. 1 Peter 2:21

c. 1 Thessalonians 2:14

d. 1 Corinthians 11:1

3) So we must follow Him.

a. Matthew 16:24

b. Mark 10:21

III. Look to the Prize

1. Athletes allow the prize to motivate them.

1) The World Series

2) The Olympic Gold Medal

3) The Super bowl

4) The Stanley Cup

2. The Christian also has a prize for which to run.

1) Described as a Prize

a. 1 Corinthians 9:24

b. Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

2) Described as a Crown

a. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

b. 1 Corinthians 9:25

c. 1 Peter 5:4

d. Revelation 2:10

3) Eternal Life

a. 1 John 2:25 “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”

b. 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

c. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

IV.  Endure to the End

1. Athletes understand that if they are to be victorious, they must endure.

1) In running, you must endure the distance.

2) In soccer you must endure the time.

3) In football, you must endure the season.

2. As Christians we must endure through life.

1) Love endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

2) 2 Timothy 4:5 “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

3) Hebrews 6:15 “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”

4) Hebrews 12:3 “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

5) James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

6) James 5:11 “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”

7) 1 Corinthians 15:58

CONCLUSION:

1. What must we do to run the Christian race?

1) Follow the Rules

2) Look to our Example

3) Look to the Prize

4) Endure to the End

2. Invitation