Title: Running the Race
Scripture :
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"An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules" (2 Timothy 2:5)
Training
Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for the one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finishing line; that is why I am like a boxer who does no waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Fair Play
What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God.
But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; He must also control our lives. (Galatians 5:19-25)
The Race
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed -- that exhilarating finish in and with God -- He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He's there, in the place of honour, right alongside God. (Hebrews 12:2)
Winning the Prize
I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to Himself. Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above. (Philippians 3:12-14)
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