1. Goals and Grace 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

2. 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…

3. “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.”

4. “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?

5. 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.

6. “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."

7. “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.

8. “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.

9. “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.

10. “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...

11. 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.”

12. 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.”

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

14. 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.