Introduction: The Christian race is not easy but demands that we endure and push past our tiredness in faithfully proclaiming the gospel as we move towards the finish line. Not for boasting but running in such a way as to win the prize, the eternal and incorruptible crowns that last forever.
The Message Points: I Corinthians 9:24-27
- The Outset (Matthew 6:33) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
- The Outlook (Philippians 4:4) “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!“
- The Outreach (2 Corinthians 5:20) “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
- The Outcome (2 Timothy 4:7-8) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.“
Conclusion: The Outset, the Outlook and the Outreach will determine the runner’s Outcome. So, man must consider his very soul while racing on this side of eternity. Those who reject Christ will lose their race and will forever be without hope. May it not be so for you. Instead, choose to race with those who have accepted Jesus as Savior, for they will be receive the Crown of Life. For those who have trusted in Jesus, may we look onward to finishing our course. We do not race to find salvation for that is a precious gift by grace though faith. But we run our race, with a mindset to win the prize.
DeWayne Cason
