The Way We Fight

25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

2 Timothy 4:6–8 NKJV

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 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.

Introduction

Paul frequently used sports to explain the Christian Life.

Champions

++Must have the right attitude.

++Prepare for the race

++Run The Race

++Stay focus on the prize

++Run to attain

Ecclesiastes 9:11 NKJV

11 I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.

In a Race

++The Same Time

++The Same Chance

1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 9:25–27 NKJV

The Way We Fight

In this fight, we honour our relationship

2 Corinthians 6:1 NKJV

1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

We are not alone

We are working together with Christ

We belong to God

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NKJV

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

In this fight, we recognize his promises

2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV

1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Something happens when you know.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We know its working for good

++Because we know God’ love

++Because we said yes to God’s calling

++Because we are here for God’s purpose

Hosea 4:6 NKJV

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

Luke 19:43–44 NKJV

43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Daniel 11:32 NKJV

32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV

12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

In this fight, we embody the message

You can not separate the message from the messenger

2 Corinthians 4:5 NKJV

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

It’s all connected

1 Corinthians 9:25 NKJV

25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

For a perishable crown

++People will eat differently

++People schedule activity differently

++People train differently

What would you do for an crown that will not perish?

1 Corinthians 9:26–27 NKJV

26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

We have a choice

Maked a choice for life

1 Corinthians 6:12 NKJV

12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Things that Matter

• ++My Word (Psalms 19:14)

• ++My Walk (Ephesians 5:15-16)

• ++My Work (1 Peter 2:12)

The Way We Fight

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