Sunday Morning, July 29, 2012
scriptures: Luke 14, Luke 10, Philippians 3, Hebrews 12, 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Timothy 4, Galatians 6
keywords:
audio file: click to open in a new window or right-click to download
NOTES
The Olympics are an example of dedication of athletes to a cause.
They commit a lot of time, years, diet, training. They lived separate to dedicate and avoid distraction.
The believer only has two prizes – heaven or hell.
As Christians do we “exemplify” the commitment of the determined Olympic athlete.
Luke 14:31-33
God said that if we cannot forsake all, we cannot be his disciple.
Luke 10:26-27
The commitment we must make is to love God with all. Just as the Olympics has a creed for athletes,
God has already given us the commandment to live for. Him, then our neighbors as ourselves.
Do you uphold the creed of God?
Philippians 3:10-12
Striving to obtain Christ. That is the commitment.
What is the sacrifice? For an athlete, sacrifice includes diet, time, experiences of childhood.
What do you sacrifice for God?
Hebrews 12:1-2
Sacrifice – remove all of the things that slow you down in God.
As an athlete listens to the coach, we have to listen to God and trust His plan.
1 Corinthians 9:22-27
Ancient athletes raced for a wreath, current ones for a trophy. Those things do not last, will not last. They don’t have eternal value.
Believers run for an crown that never perishes, a crown of glory.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
This is the race that we have to run. Everyone that runs to the end to win will receive a crown.
REFLECTIONS:
A lot of funerals have been attended. What would be your eulogy?
Ask yourself: Do you think you are a “good” Christian? If you think you are just ok, are you really running/striving to WIN?
When the race of life is over, will you be receiving the prize?
If you’re not competitive to be a Christian, then you will not make it.
Galatians 6:8-11
What you do in your life, what eternal difference is it going to make? You cannot invest everything for people, things here. You have to invest in eternity.
Am I doing something for God right now that has eternal value?
Don’t be weary, giving up, tired, unmotivated. If you quit, you don’t get your reward.
We have opportunity to do right now. Don’t be so caught up into the next thing, that we don’t enjoy current opportunities in life, in God, with people. You are responsible for your opportunity. At the funeral is too late!
What are you here for? Are you seeking to receive Christ?
If you’re feeling not victorious in some areas, have you accepted defeat or are you doing something about it?
Today is the time you have to serve God and show people His love.