Goals and Grace 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave…

“Goals & Grace” 1.Goal-Oriented Thinking: –Me & God & Others working together… –“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air” 2.Grace-Oriented Thinking: –God Provides –Salvation, for example: Ephes. 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.”

“Goals & Grace” Difficult to Reconcile! Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? “Goals & Grace” Difficult to Reconcile! –Human Effort is unimportant? Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… v.6 …In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

“Goals & Grace” Difficult to Reconcile! –Human Effort is unimportant? James 4:13-14 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. v.15 Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that."

“Goals & Grace” Difficult to Reconcile! –Human Effort is unimportant? Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” 6:20 "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

“Goals & Grace” Difficult to Reconcile! The Human Role is very Important! –We should make plans, goals, be concerned with results and effects. Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. John 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 1 Cor. 9:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

“Goals & Grace” Difficult to Reconcile! The Human Role is very Important! There is a Spiritual side to goals. 1 Cor. 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Eccles. 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

“Goals & Grace” Difficult to Reconcile! The Human Role is very Important! There is a Spiritual side to goals. Grace Means Handling Failure. –We can ask “Why?” –Wrong Approach? Person? Unspiritual thinking employed? –It’s OK! We can do it differently...

Goal-Oriented Thinking Concrete Thinking –“I Want to be more Christ-like.” Instead: “I want to get my finances under control this year…get out of debt…” –“I Want to Grow Closer to My Wife.” Instead: “I need to pray with her twice a week.”

Goal-Oriented Thinking Concrete Thinking Concrete Time Frame “I want to learn the Word of God better” “I want to read 4 decent Christian books this year.”

Goal-Oriented Thinking Concrete Thinking Concrete Time Frame Prioritization is a Must!

Goal-Oriented Thinking 1 Cor. 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.