Principles of Running The Race of Life

-Starting The New Year With Purpose-_

Applying Spiritual Principles to Physical Things of life…. I Cor.

9:23-28

1Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one (Greek:1 of

the many who are running) receiveth the

prize? So run (the spiritual race of life), that ye may obtain (That’s the point of this message).

1Cor 9:25 And every man that

striveth for the mastery (to be the best at what he does) is temperate

(disciplined) in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown (will

not last); but we an incorruptible. (it will last)

1Cor 9:26 I therefore so run (the

spiritual race of life), not as uncertainly (with

purpose); so fight I, not as one that beateth the air (wildly swinging and

hitting nothing – no purpose):

1Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body (get under it and make it do what it ought to do),

and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have

preached to others, I myself should be a

castaway (I will not be a hypocrite).

If you DO something … DO the BEST you can!!

Fun Pic 1: Me late 2011(My first run since 1984 – 235 lbs.)

Fun Pic 2: Andrea early 2011(Andrea inspired me to begin

running)

Fun Pic 3: My 1st 5K – 4-7-2012(1st in Age Group/3rd in Division)

*After 1 year of training*

Fun Pic 4: My 3rd 5K – Hog Jog(2nd in Age Group)

Fun Pic 5: My 5th 5K – Scrooge 7K(3rd in Age Group)

Fun Pic 6: My 6th 5K – Jan. 1, 2013

(3rd in Age Group)-Connor 7th & I placed 8th of 100

runners-

Fun Pic 7: My 1st Half MarathonShamrock Half, Va. Beach

(March 17,2013 – 1:51.56 – 180 lbs.)

Fun Pic 8: My 2nd Half MarathonMorrow Mountain, Baden, NC3rd in Age and 29 out of 89

(September 17,2013 – 1:54.33 – 180 lbs.)

Fun Pic 9: My 3rd Half MarathonThunder Road – Charlotte, NC

(November 16, 2013 – 1:50.35 – 180 lbs.)

Fun Pic 10: 1st 5K of 2014Ring in the New Year – 1/1/2014

2nd in Age Group – 8th of 82 Runners

Next: The next two races will be

dedicated to helping others reach their running goals

• My Point in the examples is ….

The more you participate … the more you begin to see it is not only for yourself … but for others.

The more people you can inspire to achieve their goals … the more that can be accomplished for the cause of Christ!

Now…Applying Spiritual Principles to Physically Running the race of

life…. Romans 1:18-21

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth

in unrighteousness (people who know

better);

Rom 1:19 Because that which may

be known of God is manifest in them; for God

hath shewed it unto them.

How Did/Does He show Himself?

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of

the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without

excuse:

Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God (just like people today who don’t

obey God’s Word), neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations, and their

foolish heart was darkened.

The Importance of Running The Race of Life Consistently…..

1. We “run” for the gospels sake

1Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I

might be partaker (of the reward) thereof with you.

2. Not everyone receives THE prize…

1Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run

all, but one receiveth the prize? So run (the

spiritual race of life), that ye may obtain.

What does this mean:

“they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth

the prize..”

…It is a reference to the Judgment Seat of Christ…

2Cor 5:9 Wherefore we labour (run

the race of life), that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

2Cor 5:10 For we must all appear

before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body (the

reward for running the race of life), according to

that he hath done, whether it be good or

bad.

2Cor 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we

persuade (beg) men; but we are made manifest

unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in

your consciences (hopefully you’ll get it).

The Specifics of the Judgment Seat of Christ….

1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one:

and every man shall receive his own reward

according to his own labour.

1Co 3:11-12 For other foundation can no man lay than that is

laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay,

stubble;

1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for

the day shall declare it, because it shall be

revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide

which he hath built thereupon, he (not they) shall receive a reward.

1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall

be burned, he shall suffer loss:; yet so as by fire. but he himself shall be

saved

Closing Thoughts…

What happens when you put FIRE to the following elements?

1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for

the day shall declare it, because it shall be

revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Good Work #1: Gold(The Glory of God)

Good Work #2: Silver(Redemption)

Good Work #3: Precious Stones(People)

Closing Thoughts…

Revelation 19:1-16

Closing Thoughts… What does FIRE do to our good works of

wood, hay, and stubble?

Closing Thoughts… What kind of RACE will you run?