08
May '20
Finishing Strong
08
May '20
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Introduction: Fill in the blank….”It’s not how you start in the race; it’s how you ____!” We, like Paul, are all racing toward eternity. There are (4) DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE our DESTINY:
1. The 1st DAILY DECISION that DETERMINES DESTINY – We’ve got to get in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:24) “Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may obtain.”
- “Race” (stad ee on) – where we get our word stadium – Paul saw the games
- Hindrances to running (people, problems, pride)
2. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to see the PRIZE for RUNNING in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:25 – 26) “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things… they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
- “Striveth” (agoni-zom-ah) – enter contest
- “Temperate” – self control
- “Crown” (stephanos) – at the Judgment Seat of Christ – Runners crown
3. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to keep RUNNING in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:26) “I therefore so run, not as one that beateth the air.”
- CHRISTian Life = DISCIPLINE (train – i.e. shadow boxing for the real fight)
- Causes of quitting – feelings hurt, burnout, etc.
4. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to give it ALL we’ve got! (1Cor 9:27) “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
- “Keep under my body… bring it into subjection” – buffet, whip, beat black & blue – discipline the FLESH for the life of holiness
- “Castaway” (adok i mos) – reject, not standing the test, disapproved, put on the shelf
Conclusion: How many of us want to finish STRONG…… FAITHFUL? No pain, No gain!
Report card time:
Paul = A+
Moses = A
Solomon = B
Pharisees = F
Me =
You =
Paul = A+
Moses = A
Solomon = B
Pharisees = F
Me =
You =
Love y’all – praying for you,
Dr. Randy Reese
20
Apr '20
Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit
20
Apr '20
Text: James 5:7-11
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Introduction: Have you ever felt like QUITTING? On overcoming sinful habits? On life? On God? On His will for your life? How can we be PATIENT in an IMPATIENT world? There are (3) ways to see if we are losers or winners:
1. Do we have the JITTERS? Or are you CALM (v.7-8)?
“Be patient… unto the coming of the Lord.”
2. Are we HOT-HEADED? Or COOL and COLLECTIVE (v.9)?
“Grudge not one against another, brethren… the judge stands at the door.”
3. Are we QUITTERS or WINNERS (v. 10-11)?
“The prophets… example of SUFFERING AFFLICTION and patience… happy which ENDURE!”
Conclusion: Pass the PATIENCE please! One of the delicious flavors of the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 of 9) is PATIENCE (longsuffering, endurance – Gal. 5:22-23). Remember LOSERS QUIT! And WINNERS ENDURE!! Instead of GIVING UP… and GIVING IN, keep on GIVING OUT!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese