Old Aberdeen Mission 15 May 2005

Theme: Winning the Prize

 

Readings

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ; 2 Timothy 4:7-8 .

Introductory Activity

Get two children to run a race for a prize. One in light clothing; the other dressed up in boots, thick gloves, jumpers, jackets, hats, bags, shopping bag, suitcase, bottles of drink, tins of food, cooker, etc

Talk

1.   The Contest

Each of us who follows Jesus is taking part in a contest. Not football, tennis or racing. Not trying to beat one another. It is more like taking a course like a degree, or training to be a nurse or doctor – everyone who finishes successfully gets a reward. The contest is our struggle against everything that would keep us from following Jesus.

2.   The Cup

People compete to win a cup or a prize. The prize we are seeking is actually not a cup or plate made of gold or silver. 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 a member of the Royal family. But not by an earthly king or queen. Rather it will be presented by the Lord Jesus Himself, the King of kings.

3.   The Cost

Those who compete in sporting events must dedicate themselves to training. It’s no use attempting to win if you aren’t prepared to do what is necessary to prepare. There are things to be set aside that will not help us. Not just bad things. Anything that hinders us ( Heb 12:1-3 ). There are habits to get into to ensure we are fit, other habits to drop that would hold us back.

4.   The Crowd

There are two types of people in the crowd: opponents and supporters. The opponents will boo us, throw things at us, try to get us to stop. The supporters will cheer us, encourage us, try to help us keep going. If you listen to the wrong crowd then you will be tempted to give up.

5.   The Coach

The coach will train us, help us prepare, give us the motivation and commitment we need, and show us how to overcome all obstacles. Jesus has given us Holy Spirit to help us follow Him. Another word Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit is ‘counsellor’ ( John 14:26 ).

6.   The Champion

The champion is our hero, the one who has already gone before us and overcome. The one we look up to for inspiration. The Bible tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, our champion ( Heb 12:1-3 ).