SO RUN THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN
I CORINTHIANS 9:24 – Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.
25 – And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 – I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 – But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS COMPARED TO RUNNING A RACE.
HEBREWS 12: 1-4 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us
2 – Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 – For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 – Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
MUST ENTER AND (SO RUN) NOT JUST RUN TO WIN
A PARTICULAR WAY
II TIMOTHY 2:5 – And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
THAT YE MAY OBTAIN
(a) MAY ENTER AND NOT OBTAIN –
GALATIANS 5:4 – Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
(b) CAN BE HINDERED
GALATIANS 5:7 – Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth:
8 – This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 – A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
(c) ALL CAN ENTER, ALL CAN OBTAIN
MATTHEW 11:28-30 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 – Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek andlowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 – For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
II TIMOTHY 3:16-17 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 – That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
(thoroughly meaning – In one side and out the other; from beginning to end of; as see it through in II Tim. 3: 16-17.)
FAITH, REPENTENCE, CONFESSION AND BAPTISM
LAW TO ENTER - - PREPARATION TO RUN- - PROPER FRAME OF MIND – DISCIPLINE SELF.
THE GOAL THE CROWN
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.
RUNNING TO OBTAIN REQUIRES
ABIDING BY ALL THE RULES GOVERNING THE RACE.
(a) RUNNING WITH PATIENCE
HEBREWS 12: 1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
(b) STRONG IN FAITH
I CORINTHIANS 16:13 – Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
EPHESIANS 6: 10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
(c ) BODY A LIVING SACRIFICE
ROMANS 12: 1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
(d) – STUDY
II TIMOTHY 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(e) PRAY
I THESSALONIANS 5:17 – Pray without ceasing
(f) ABSTAIN FROM THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL
I THESSALONIANS 5:22 – Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(G) GROW
II PETER 3:18 – But grow in the grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.
Amen
(h) LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE AND SALT.
MATTHEW 5:13-14 – Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 – Ye are the light of the world, A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
