Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 | Preacher: Pastor Steve
Elijah is a Disciple Model for the Jewish People
TOTAL COMMITMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE LORD
Willing to fight anything, anyone that opposes Yahweh
1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 1-2
The Arenas in Caesarea Scythopolis
The Games Were “Spiritual” Proclamations
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…
How We Run the Race is Our Testimony
Hebrew 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
How we Run in the Race is Everything!
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Maturity Always Requires Discipline
Defined: Our willingness to arrange our lives around those activities that will enable us to do what we cannot now do by direct effort.
Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
We Grow by Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step
Protect Yourself from Dangerous Distractions
I am not like a boxer who misses his punches
solution focused rather than problem focused
Psalm 27:13-14 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Self-Discipline is a Key to Maturity
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should
We can fight because of our training, discipline and maturity!
Self-Control Requires Our Ability to say NO!
No to friends, situations that will lead you astray
No to casual sex, wait for marriage
No to laziness: “can do” and “will do”
…Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified…
Spiritual Maturity Requires Application and Integration of God’s Word
Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…
The church in Philippi were told to “work out” what God had worked in them by His Spirit. They were NOT told to work FOR their salvation but to work OUT their salvation.
Engaging in the Process of Maturity
Galatians 5:22-23 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
A MATURE self-disciplined believer is someone who is able to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Doing the right thing at the right time.