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 1 st 5K – (1 st in Age Group/3 rd in Division) *After 1 year of training*

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

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

Fun Pic 6: My 6th 5K – Jan. 1, 2013 (3 rd in Age Group) -Connor 7 th & I placed 8 th of 100 runners-

Fun Pic 7: My 1 st Half Marathon Shamrock Half, Va. Beach (March 17,2013 – 1:51.56 – 180 lbs.)

Fun Pic 8: My 2nd Half Marathon Morrow Mountain, Baden, NC 3 rd in Age and 29 out of 89 (September 17,2013 – 1:54.33 – 180 lbs.)

Fun Pic 9: My 3rd Half Marathon Thunder Road – Charlotte, NC (November 16, 2013 – 1:50.35 – 180 lbs.)

Fun Pic 10: 1 st 5K of 2014 Ring in the New Year – 1/1/ nd in Age Group – 8 th 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?