03-16: The Intensity of Effort
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Thank you for joining us for worship today! In this message from Pastor Tag we look at 1 Corinthians 9 and Paul's encouragement to us in having discipline in running the race. We must have intensity in our effort in all that we do for Christ.
Resources:
: The Bible Project :: https://www.bibleproject.com
: YouVersion Bible App :: https://www.bible.com
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
[24] 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. [25] 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. [26] Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; [27] but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Notes:
*Notes are slides used on Sunday morning made available for your personal notes and study.
Historical Background
General Observations
Paul’s View of a Disciplined Life
1. Live with Purpose:
“Run in such a way, as not without aim” (9:26).
2. Live with Passion:
“Run in such a way that you may win.” (9:24).
Passion is the energy of the soul. It is to the soul what fuel is to an automobile.
3. Live with Clear Perspective:
“Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control” (9:25).
“I discipline my body and make it my servant” (9:27).
1. Understand the believer’s relationship to sin:
A. “Declare yourself to be dead to sin” (6:11; we repeat what God has already said about sin; “for he who has died is freed from sin” 6.7).
B. “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body” (6:12; do not let sin set your direction).
C. “Do not yield the members of your body to sin (6:13; to give permission).
D. For sin shall not be master over you” (6:14; master or dominion means ownership.) Don’t let sin own you.
2. Understand what it means to be strong in the Lord:
Pray for strength; Eph. 3:16 “That you may be…”
Focus on your source of strength:
“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1)
1. Endure hardship as a soldier (v. 3)
2. Be disciplined as an athlete (v. 4)
3. Work hard like a farmer (v 5)
3. Understand what it takes to win spiritual battles:
A. STRUCTURE:
“I discipline my body” (v. 27).
B. SELF-CONTROL:
“Everyone who competes has to exercise self control” (v. 25).
C. CONSISTENT PRACTICE AND PREPARATION:
“Practice makes permanent.”
“Discipline builds resilience.”
D. CLEAR GOALS: “Run in such a way to win” (v. 24).
Don’t be satisfied with unsatisfactory living.
