I Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV) 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus:

I Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV) not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

A KEY TO SUCCESS I Corinthians 9:24-27

A Key To Success  Another year is coming to a close and a new one is right around the corner  We know that this is the time of year when new hopes, dreams and goals are imagined  Some will go so far as to write down these goals with the determination to follow through with them

A Key To Success  How many times have we, or someone we know, embarked upon a new year with dreams of greatness, only to not follow through or achieve those things  It seems as though it happens too many times  The question is, how can we make 2014 different?

A Key To Success  We want to achieve success in the upcoming year with all of our goals  There are many “keys” to success that we could focus on  However, this one is really a key ingredient that many are missing from their lives that cause them to fail

A Key To Success  The key ingredient that I am speaking of is discipline  We all have some form of discipline  However, we need to gain more if we wish to accomplish our goals  What can we learn about discipline?

God Speaks  Paul, an inspired writer, spoke of the idea of discipline in I Corinthians 9:24-27  Paul said those who compete are temperate in all things  Temperate (egkrateuomai) = to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity); can contain; to exhibit self-government

God Speaks  These athletes had a goal; they wanted to win the prize  To do that they disciplined themselves and did not partake of wine, unhealthy foods, or satisfy fleshly desires  Paul here is comparing our spiritual striving to athletes who compete for a prize

God Speaks  “But I discipline my body…”  Discipline (hypopiazo) = to hit under the eye; to tease or annoy (into compliance); subdue (one’s passions); beat black and blue (handle it roughly, discipline by hardships)  Pain is what stands out about this word

God Speaks  Discipline is not a pleasant thing  “Now no chastening (discipline) seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11)

God Speaks  Discipline is certainly not easy  Those athletes who desire to win a prize that is perishable are willing to discipline themselves and suffer just to win  We who are striving for an imperishable crown, are we also willing to discipline ourselves and suffer just to win?

Our Goals  If we have specific goals for our lives, it will take discipline to achieve them  If you want to lose a few pounds, you won’t do it by hitting up the buffet or sitting around on the couch  If you want to be debt free, you won’t do it by buying name brands and eating out

Our Goals  Whatever we want to do in this life, it will require some measure of discipline  If you wish to read your Bible and grow your faith, it will take discipline  You might miss out on time in front of your television, an extra 30 minutes or hour of sleep, or surfing the web

Our Goals  If you wish to have a better prayer life, it will take discipline  You might need to take the time to have a prayer journal to list those you pray for  It might mean getting off by yourself for some time to do this (Matt. 14:23; Mk. 1:35; Lk. 6:12)

Our Goals  If you want to be a better servant like Dorcas or a better encourager like Barnabas, it will take discipline  That means that it won’t be easy and it may cost us in some area  If we are willing to surrender our all to God, then it should be worth it

The Prize  Discipline that is carried through brings about the desired results  The person who watches what they eat and exercises will fell better and can add years to their lives  The person who lives frugally can retire and enjoy life at a younger age

The Prize  Discipline in our spiritual life can bring about the desired results  If we will buckle down and study God’s word, we will grow in our faith and walk with Him  If we are diligent in our prayer life we will find blessings for ourselves and others

The Prize  We strive for an imperishable crown  Our reward is in heaven, but we must show discipline in order to receive it  “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (Js. 1:12)