1 Corinthians 9:23-27 And I do all things for the cause of the good news, so that I may have a part

in it. (24) Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward. (25) And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown. (26) So then I am running, not uncertainly; so I am fighting, not as one who gives blows in the air: (27) But I give blows to my body, and keep it under control, for fear that, after having given the good news to others, I myself might not have God's approval. Know what the prize is. Train to win. Run with certianity. I. The prize A. 1 Corinthians 9:23-24 And I do all things for the cause of the good news, so that I may have a part in it. (24) Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward. B. In front of the temple under whose auspices the Corinthian games were held ran a beautiful avenue. Along its sides were marble tablets, on which were the names of the winners of prizes at the games in past years. The great ambition of every athlete of Greece was to have his name inscribed on one of those tablets. Distinction in athletics then did not bring financial reward, as in the case of the notable athletes of our day. What the athlete strove for was to have his name inscribed along that avenue of fame and to wear upon his head the laurel crown. To secure that distinction he subjected himself to the most arduous discipline and training and abstinence for a period of ten months. At the end of that period, trained to the moment, he entered the arena and strove for mastery. It was that training that Paul had in mind when he spoke of the discipline and training to which the athletes subjected themselves, saying that all those who strove for mastery exercised "self-control in all things" i. fleeting glory vs everlasting glory. C. James 1:12 KJV 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. i. Crown of life vs other alternative D. Matthew 6:19-20 KJV Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: i. only God's prize will endure.. ii. All other things are going to be lost.. iii. Where are your treasures? II. Training to win the prize A. 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown. B. Any prize of any real competition requires training. C. Luke 13:24 KJV Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. i. The way is not easy ii. The way requires training and effort. a) Consistent training following training rules. iii. Salvation is a gift, but we are expected to work to expand the Kingdom.

D. Temperance or self-control is ( egkrateuetai) denotes abstinence i. Real temperance is not just moderation. ii. Stay away from those things that tempt you. E. Acts 24:25 BBE And while he was talking about righteousness and self-control and the judging which was to come, Felix had great fear and said, Go away for the present, and when the right time comes I will send for you. i. Felix was distraught about the things required of him and what was to come. ii. We should be concerned also. iii. Christian life is not always easy. F. 1 Corinthians 10:23 KJV All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. i. Stay away from things that may lead other astray. ii. Appearances can be as hurtful to the unbeliever as real actions. We must show Christ in all our actions. III. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 So then I am running, not uncertainly; so I am fighting, not as one who gives blows in the air: (27) But I give blows to my body, and keep it under control, for fear that, after having given the good news to others, I myself might not have God's approval. i. A christian should be certain of his path. Follow God's will. B. Isaiah 40:31 KJV But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. i. God's promise to help us train. ii. The ultimate trainer with the ultimate promise. a) Not like the infomercials late at night.

C. 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. i. We must have help ii. We are weak iii. We cannot do it alone iv. Christ will strengthen us in our weakness D. 2 Peter 1:3-8 BBE Because by his power he has given us everything necessary for life and righteousness, through the knowledge of him who has been our guide by his glory and virtue; (4) And through this he has given us the hope of great rewards highly to be valued; so that by them we might have our part in God's being, and be made free from the destruction which is in the world through the desires of the flesh. (5) So, for this very cause, take every care; joining virtue to faith, and knowledge to virtue, (6) And self-control to knowledge, and a quiet mind to self-control, and fear of God to a quiet mind, (7) And love of the brothers to fear of God, and to love of the brothers, love itself. (8) For if you have these things in good measure, they will make you fertile and full of fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. i. We have the tools to live with Christ now. ii. We need to use those tools. iii. All tools take training to use properly. iv. Are you using your tools.