Westhill Episcopal 4 July 1999

Theme: Competing for the Prize

 

Reading
1 Cor 9:19-27

1.      Introduction
Get two children to play tennis for a trophy. One in light clothing. The other dressed up in boots, thick gloves, jumpers, jackets, hats, rucksack, shopping bag, etc.

2.      The Opponent
Each of us who follows Jesus is competing in a contest. Not football, tennis or racing. Not trying to beat one another. But a contest against evil. 1 Peter 5:8,9. The enemy tries to score points against us, and often succeeds. His desire is to triumph over us.

3.      The Trophy
The trophy we are seeking is not a plate made of gold or silver, or a cup. Paul calls it a ‘crown of righteousness’ 2 Tim 4:7,8. Trophies and cups will perish. The Crown of Righteousness will never perish. It will be presented by royalty. But not the Duchess of Kent or another member of the British royal family. Rather it will be presented by the Lord Jesus Himself, the King of kings.

4.      The Training

Those who compete in sporting events must dedicate themselves to training. It’s no use attempting to win if you haven’t developed the skills required to overcome your opponent. Don’t think you will overcome the evil one without the weapons that can defeat him Eph 6:10-12. We need to learn how to use these weapons. How to be truthful in every circumstance, how to do what is right, how to bring peace, how to exercise faith, how to know your salvation, how to understand and use the word of God, how to pray, how to be alert.

5.      The Contest
You can’t win a contest if you are not dressed for it. You can’t win Wimbledon if you are dressed for an expedition to climb Everest. So in the Christian life, there’s lots that has to be laid aside in order to win the contest. Not just bad things. Anything that hinders you Heb 12:1-3.

6.      The Coach
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Don’t lose heart. Persevere.