I Corinthians 924 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 ID: 767761
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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 SuccessI Corinthians 9:24-27
A Key To SuccessAnother 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 SuccessHow 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 SuccessWe want to achieve success in the upcoming year with all of our goalsThere 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 SuccessThe 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 SpeaksPaul, an inspired writer, spoke of the idea of discipline in I Corinthians 9:24-27Paul 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 SpeaksThese 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 SpeaksDiscipline 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 SpeaksDiscipline is certainly not easyThose 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 GoalsIf we have specific goals for our lives, it will take discipline to achieve themIf 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 GoalsWhatever we want to do in this life, it will require some measure of disciplineIf 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 GoalsIf you wish to have a better prayer life, it will take disciplineYou 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 GoalsIf you want to be a better servant like Dorcas or a better encourager like Barnabas, it will take disciplineThat 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 PrizeDiscipline that is carried through brings about the desired resultsThe 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 PrizeDiscipline in our spiritual life can bring about the desired resultsIf 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 PrizeWe 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)