Prepared for Spiritual Warfare

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Text:  1Corinthians 9:24-27

Introduction: Paul used sporting events to describe the spiritual life. He especially used the foot race. Believers are compared to runners in a race. Are you ready to run so that you may obtain the prize? 

I.          THE COURSE (Acts 20:24) 

A.      There is a Course for the Believer 

B.      Each Course is Personal – “my course” (2Corinthians 4:1) 

C.      The Course Can be Finished

II.        THE CROWD (Hebrews 12:1)

A.      They Challenge us by their Testimonies 

B.      They Cheer us with their Encouragement

III.     THE CONTROL

A.      Temperate in All Things (1Corinthians 9:25-27) 

B.      Run the Race with Patience (Hebrews 12:1)

IV.     THE COMPETITION

A.      Run to Obtain the Prize (1Corinthians 9:24) 

B.      Lay Aside Every Weight (Hebrews 12:1) 

C.      Don’t Look Behind You (Philippians 3:12-13) 

V.       THE CHEATS 

A.      Those Who Run in Vain (Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:15-16) 

B.      Those Who Run Unlawfully (2Timothy 2:5) 

C.      Those Who Quit the Race (Galatians 5:7; 6:9) 

D.      Those Who become Castaways (1Corinthians 9:27)

VI.     THE COMPLETION 

A.      By Looking Unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:2-3) 

B.      The Joy Set Before Us (Hebrews 12:2; Acts 20:24) 

C.      By Finishing the Course (2Timothy 4:7)

VII.  THE CROWN

A.      The Prize (1Corinthians 9:24) 

B.      The Mark (Philippians 3:14)

C.      The Masteries (2Timothy 2:5) 

D.      The Crown (2Timothy 4:7-8)

Conclusion: How are you living your life? Are you simply surviving? Or, are you going for the gold? We should ask with David when facing Goliath: Is there not a cause? Get off the sidelines and get in the race. We have a race to run for our Lord!