Effectively Winning the Lost

 

“Effectively Win the Lost”

2 Tim. 4:5; Acts 4:1-40

 

SUBJECT: EVANGELISM

THEME: Practice the essentials to win the lost and overcome the distractions, and discouragements involved with evangelism.

INTRODUCTION:

1. You might say that I have it on my heart to speak especially to all who are interested in propagating the Gospel to the ends of the earth. That is carrying out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus and winning the lost of the world for whom He died.  Paul said to Timothy in 2 Tim. 4:5, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

• Do the work of an evangelist. That work is always proclaiming the gospel to all people, calling on them to repent and be saved. Whatever the obstacles, opposition of false teachers, problems of church administration, distractions, or discouragements, Timothy was not to allow any of them to keep him from his appointed task. The phrase means, “do the work of preaching the gospel,” or of one appointed to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation. This is the proper business of all ministers, whatever other position or function we may maintain. This is a major part of our ministry.

• Make full proof of thy ministry. We are to push all our primary duties to their utmost energy and activity! That is carrying out each duty toward all their consequences and trusting God to work with us and through us.  We are not to neglect any part of our sacred functions; perform faithfully all the duties of our ministry; and do God's work in his own way and in his own Spirit.

• Nothing should deter us from carrying out our duties until the day when our ministry would be completed (that is, at our death). How can we know when we have fully carried out our ministry? By defining ministry in terms of lifelong goals instead of temporary jobs, positions, and opportunities.

·       Then, when life ends, we will be able to say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (2 Tim. 4:7). Paul also tells us to “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” (1 Tim. 4:15).

2. These are challenging days however. I need not remind you of that. One thing that amazes me about the Bible is how minutely and accurately it describes the last days in which we currently live.  It characterizes the last days before the Lord Jesus returns as “evil days.”  Currently there are many enemies to fundamental, Bible-believing, soul-winning churches, workers and preachers.

·       Men in the last days will have a form of “godliness, but denying the power thereof.”  This generation is seeing this statement fulfilled like no other has.  There is worldliness and modernism on every hand.  Wickedness occupies high and low places nationally and around the world.  Thus, this presents the modern preacher and Christian worker with some extremely challenging days in which to minister.

·       Consider the prophet Elijah as an example of a man of God discouraged while attempting the work of Evangelism.  In spite of the fact that he reached great heights in the Lord’s work, enjoyed tremendous power in executing his ministry, and experienced great victories over the enemies of the Lord, he still encountered periods of discouragement.

MESSAGE:

I.           We Need to Witness with Reality (Acts 4:13, 20).

Christ had originally chosen the Twelve to be with him and to send them out to preach the Gospel in power and authority (Mark 3:14-15). Here we find Peter and John, fishermen by trade, who had never received formal theological or special training. Yet their testimony before the members of the council was astonishing. Peter and John were bold, composed, confident, and undaunted in their defense. Christ and the Gospel message was a reality to them. As the apostles stood there with the healed cripple man, speaking with authority, the members of the Council recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. Though the Council still rejected Christ, they were certain the apostles totally believed what they were declaring.

A.   To Witness with Reality Means to Really Believe What We Are Declaring (Acts 4:19-20). 

                                             i.     They Were Convinced of the Truth of the Gospel.

Commanded by Christ to be witnesses (Acts 1:8) and utterly convinced of the truth of the gospel, Peter and John announced their rejection of any such ban on speaking in the name of Jesus. 

                                           ii.     They Were Compelled by Their Personal Experiences With Christ.

A.    These men had indeed “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13), and he had completely transformed their lives. They had lived with him; they had witnessed his resurrection; they had experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

B.    And so they said, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” To have obeyed the Council's command would have been to disobey God.

                                         iii.     They Were Careful to Sustain a Credible Witness of the Gospel. 

A.    What if, when threatened by the Sanhedrin, the disciples had abruptly changed their story and curtailed their witness? How credible would the gospel have been after that?

B.    The fact that they stood strong in the face of severe persecution gave their message a lot more credibility.

C.    Likewise, when we make the daily decision to do what is right, when we stand up boldly for Christ against a hostile crowd, people take notice. They look closer at our lives and listen more carefully to our message. (From Dr. C. Malone)

                                          iv.     Our Conviction for the Truth Can Be Used of God in Witnessing.

A.    We must possess a belief to such a degree that the listener will be compelled to note the authenticity of our faith. 

B.    Even if they reject or disagree with our message, they will still be convinced that we truly believe it.  The message must be real to the messengers of the Lord.

B.   To Witness With Reality Requires a Belief in Heaven and Hell.

                                             i.     I had a lengthy witness with a young man on visitation. While working the front gate and intersection between Katterbach and Bismark Kaserns, a tall young man came along in uniform. So, I introduced myself and extended to him an invitation to the church. Then I asked him if he had a religious background as I customarily do during witnessing encounters and episodes.  He stated that he was Catholic and once studied to prepare to become a priest.  He said he left the movement because his father was a strong ‘Christian’ all his life until he lost his faith on his deathbed.  He tried to find peace with this experience as he wrestled with whether his father went to heaven or did his failure of faith cause him to finally go to Hell instead. His priest could not assure him of his father’s salvation, therefore he dropped out of school. As the conversation continued, I assured him that salvation is strictly through faith in Christ and his finished work at Calvary. I proceeded to share with him the gospel. During the presentation, I pressed home the truth that Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way, Truth and Life. But this very thing he could not accept.  He believed that there were other good religions and that many ways lead to heaven. He rejected the idea that Jesus is the only way, and he said with all the seriousness in his soul. “If you really believed that the rest of the world was dying and going to hell, and the only way they could be saved is through Jesus, then why aren’t Christians telling people all over the world?”

I told him, “I believe this so much that I am a missionary here in Germany to servicemen and their families; I generously support missions around the world; and I am standing here on this corner telling you about Jesus.”  He stood there in disbelief and said, “I have difficulty with accepting one way as the only way to heaven.”  I assured him that I really believe what God said directly about this matter without a single doubt!

Yes, I believe it with all my heart. With all my soul I believe as Jesus taught, that every lost man and woman, buy or girl who has not been born by God's Holy Spirit is forever lost and will spend eternity in Hell.

That young man looked deep into my face and said, “If that is true, it is mighty serious business.”

I prayed, “O God, give to my heart and the heart of every Christian the seriousness of this unbelieving young man.”

 

                                           ii.     My friends, it is true, and it is serious business. Multitudes are lost. They are lost in our city; they are lost all over Germany and America; they are lost on every mission field. We need to enter the holy presence of God in travail of soul and in earnest supplication and prayer until we can go out with a message and the people can say, “Those people actually believe what they are saying.” We need to witness with tremendous reality.

 

                                         iii.     It is said that some years ago in England there was a great actor giving a reading in a room filled with people. Someone suggested that he give the 23rd Psalm.

                                           He asked, “Do you really want me to?”

                                           An old clergyman stood up and said, “Yes, Sir. Give the 23rd Psalm.”

It is said that the great actor, with the most precise intonations and the finest of elocution, began to recite. When he finished, the people smiled, nodded their heads and applauded.

 

                                           Then the actor said, “I want that elderly preacher to give it.”

That gray-haired preacher rose like a giant for God and began, “The Lord is my shepherd.” He walked with God in the green meadows; he walked with God beside the still waters; he walked with God down in the dark valley that came out on the bright side. Finally, with his face turned toward Heaven, he closed, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

                                              He sat down. Nobody applauded but heads were down and people weeping.

The great actor arose and said, “The difference between me and this preacher is that I knew the Psalm, but he knew the Shepherd.” (From Dr. C. Malone)

                                          iv.     Beloved, our witnessing must be done with a reality that will grip hearts. It must not be vague. It must not be filled with doubt. We must witness so that the lost shall take knowledge that “we have been with Jesus.” Listen, the world today has enough doubt without getting anymore from you and from me. We must witness with the tone of reality.

Exhibiting Discipline I

 

Phil 3:12, 15-16

 

SUBJECT: Spiritual Progress

THEME: Fulfill God’s purposes as we exercise discipline to run our race. 

RELEVANCE:

We must not allow our behaviors to be unruly, disorderly, disobedient, uncontrolled, disingenuous-not serious, or of embarrassing manners that derail our progress in Christ. To be winners who fulfill God’s plan, we must remain discipline throughout our race. 

INTRODUCTION:

Having seen achievement, we look now at the final ingredient in this formula for spiritual maturity and progress. Discipline is necessary to reach new heights in spiritual triumphs and finally reach the finish line of life as a winner.

Again, we are considering our need to grow spiritually by making continual progress. All of us want to be “winners” and fulfill the purposes for which we have been saved. But what is essential for winning?   

MESSAGE:

THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF DISCIPLINE. (Phil. 3:15-16)

ILLUSTRATION:  Frederick the Great of Prussia was walking on the outskirts of Berlin when he encountered a very old man proceeding in the opposite direction.

“Who are you?” asked Frederick.

“I am a king,” replied the old man.                                                                                      

“A king!” laughed Frederick. “Over what kingdom do you reign?”

“Over myself,” was the proud reply.

“Reigning” over yourself requires personal discipline.  – John Maxwell

     1.  Note the Extreme Importance of Discipline to a Christian.

 Temperance– Discipline, or Self-control is the ability to resist immediate gratification for the sake of a higher goal– Self Restraint.  (Ac. 24:25; Ga. 5:23; 2 Pe. 1:6).

         A.  Great Christians Always Have Self-discipline—without Exception.

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2 Peter 1:6, And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

               1. Discipline is Produced by the Spirit.

Ga. 5:23 shows that “temperance” is produced by the Holy Spirit.

               2. Discipline is Produced by Personal Effort.

2 Pe. 1:6 shows us that it is a product of the Christian growth experience. 

APPLICATION: Therefore, we must diligently invest our hearts and minds to experience a development of temperance throughout the course of our lives by the power of Holy Spirit.  This wonderful quality will solve the Christian’s struggle with emotional outbursts such as wrath, rage, anger, fear, and jealousy and cause us to avoid emotional excesses of any kind. We will have the ability to say “no,” to sinful desires and we will know when to say, “enough” to too much of anything. Thus the Spirit-controlled believer will be consistent, dependable, under control, disciplined, and well ordered.

         B.  Unfortunately, Our Society Seeks Instant Gratification Rather than Self-discipline.

ILLUSTRATION: We want instant breakfast, fast food, movies on demand, phone apps for immediate transactions, and quick cash from ATMs. But spiritual success doesn’t come instantly. Neither does the ability to consistently grow in Christ.

QUOTE:  As General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “There are no victories at bargain prices.”

APPLICATION:   Because we live in a society of instant gratification, we cannot assume that most Christians have self-discipline—that they will be willing to pay the price of greater growth, ministry, and responsibility.

         C.  When it Comes to Self-discipline, People Choose One of Two Things:       

               1. The Pain of Discipline Which Comes from Sacrifice and Growth or     

               2. The Pain of Regret Which Comes from the Easy Road and Missed Opportunities.

Each person in life chooses.

QUOTE:  In Adventures in Achievement, E. James Rohn says that “the pain of discipline weighs ounces. Regret weighs tons.”

Once again let’s turn our hearts to Christ, His Word, and the example of Paul— a Christian who was truly a higher achiever— as he shares more of the secrets to his personal success in growth and development.

     2. Discipline Yourself to Run by the Established Rules.  Vs. 15

Philip. 3:15, Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

It is not enough to run hard and win the race; the runner must also obey the rules. In the Greek games, the judges were very strict about this.

          A.  Beware of Disqualification.

Any infringement of the rules disqualified the athlete.

               1.  Participate According to Established Spiritual Rules.

                     A.  A Disqualified Runner Did Not Lose His Citizenship (Though He Disgraced It).

                     B.  But He Did Lose His Privilege to Participate and Win a Prize.

ILLUSTRATION:   One of the greatest athletes ever to come out of the United States was Jim Thorpe. At the 1912 Olympics at Stockholm, he won the pentathlon and the decathlon, and was undoubtedly the hero of the games. But the next year officials found that Thorpe had played semiprofessional baseball and therefore had forfeited his amateur standing. This meant that he had to return his gold medals and his trophy, and that his Olympic achievements were erased from the records. It was a high price to pay for breaking the rules. (Thorpe's medals were reinstated in 1985 by the Olympic Committee.)

APPLICATION: We should run the race to win the prize, and this means participating by the spiritual rules laid down in this passage. We cannot loose our salvation, but we certainly can loose our reward (1Cor. 3:10-15).  Keep the Lord’s pleasure in mind as you run the race and not your pleasure.

               2. Emphasize the Importance of Obeying Spiritual Rules.

In Phil 3:15-16, Paul Emphasizes the Importance of the Christian Remembering the "Spiritual Rules" Laid down in the Word.

                      A.  The Christian Race Requires Discipline and Self Control.

QUOTE: “This word [self-control] describes people who are willing to get a grip on their lives and take control of areas that will bring them success or failure.”  — John C. Maxwell

APPLICATION:  To be disciplined means that we are “getting a handle on our self” in order to overcome sinful desires, spiritual pride, attitudes of self-reliance, spiritual laziness, extreme self-gratification, past failures and success, and overreacting.

                       B.  Spiritual Growth and Victory Requires Discipline and Self Control.

Therefore, discipline prepares us to fulfill God’s claims and will for our lives as we seek to practice what we have learned from His Word.  Discipline is the ability a person has to rule himself in following the example of Paul in Phil. 3:7-17.  It is the power to say “NO,” to rivaling desires that hinder our progress and say, “YES,” to everything God has outlines for our spiritual progress and success. This is key to our success. 

               3.  Practice Self Control–Discipline– to Remain in the Race.

1 Cor. 9:24-27, Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

This is what Paul has in mind in this passage. The idea is that any athlete who enters a competition prepares himself to win by rigid self-control, strict conditioning, and rigorous training.

                       A.  Spiritual Growth Results from Discipline.  “. . . striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. Paul uses this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation.

APPLICATION:  As Christians, we are running toward Christlikeness and our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, witnessing, and public worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently -- your spiritual progress depends upon it.

                       B.  Spiritual Growth Results from Self-denial.  “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:”

Any athlete who intends to win will prepare and restrict himself in all things: his diet, his activities, his associations, and probably even his friendships.  The winner knows that he must restrict himself in order to accomplish the ultimate task.

                            1.  At times we must give up something good in order to do what God wants.

                            2. Each person's special duties determine the discipline and denial that he or she must accept.

                            3. Without a goal, discipline is nothing but self-punishment. With the goal of pleasing God, our denial seems like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will be ours.

ILLUSTRATION: Tenor Luciano Pavarotti is such a winner. He is often described by his admirers as “the new Caruso.” In a newspaper interview, the six-foot, three hundred-pound tenor asked: “Do you want to know the hardest thing about being a singer? It is to sacrifice yourself every moment of your life, with not one exclusion. For example, if it is raining, don’t go out; eat this, do this, sleep ten hours a day. It is not a very free life. You cannot jump on a horse. You cannot go to swim.”

               4. Play by the Rules in Order to Win the Race.

2 Tim. 2:5, And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

                       A.   If the Athlete Breaks Training, He Is Disqualified.

                       B.   If He Breaks the Rules of the Game, He Is Disqualified.

Only the contestants who compete by the rules will win the crown at the end of the race.

APPLICATION: Each of us as Christians ought to be pressing on toward the goal of Christlikeness and eternal rewards.  As maturing believers, we should understand that we could not, in our own humanity, gain perfection and acceptance by God (Phil. 3:8-10).  Salvation and Sanctification come through faith and dependance upon the Lord.  Yet because of our love for Christ, we willingly pressed on to follow his example in order to become more like him in life, all the while knowing that we are promised that we’ll know him fully upon our death or his return for us in the Rapture. (W. W. Wiersbe)

        B.  Be Aware of Revelation.  Phil 3:15, “. . . God shall reveal”

in order to play by the rules we must turn to the rule book–the Word.  This verse betrays some of the problems that faced the Philippian church.

            1.  God Will Reveal Spiritual Pride.

Spiritual pride had found its way into some of the believers;

                     A.   Apparently a Few Felt That They Had Reached a Holier Status than Their Fellow Believers

                     B.   This Was Causing Them to Look down on Those Whom They Thought less "Mature."

APPLICATION: There is never room for spiritual pride nor a ‘holier than thou’ attitude toward younger and struggling Christians. Spiritual pride is a mark of spiritual immaturity and infancy!  Spiritual maturity is marked by humility and service to others.

Philip. 2:3-4, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Galatians 5:26, Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:1-2, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. [2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

            2.  God Will Reveal Spiritual Maturity.  Vs. 15, “As many as be perfect be thus minded”

                  A.  Notice Some Characteristics of a Faithful Mature Saint of God.

                        1.  They Depend on God!

Paul made it clear that those who were truly mature were those who realized their dependence on God.

                        2. They Determine to Press on!

They pressed on, not to make themselves good enough or to gain credentials by their accomplishments.

                        3.  Their Devoted to Knowing Christ!

Rather then spiritual pride, they pressed on to know their Savior better. This is their goal!

                   B.  The Goal of Every Believer Is Spiritual Maturity.

Col. 1:28, Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

                         1. The Word Perfect Means Mature or Complete, Not Flawless.

                         2. Paul Wanted to See Each Believer Mature Spiritually.

APPLICATION: Like Paul, we must work as wholeheartedly as an athlete, but we should not strive in our own strength alone. We have the power of his Spirit working in us. We can learn and grow daily, motivated by love, not by fear or pride, knowing that God gives the energy to become mature.

                   C.  Jesus Christ Is the Basis and Goal of Spiritual Maturity.

Hebrews 13:20, Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

The letter to the Hebrews is a call to Christian maturity. It was addressed to first-century Jewish Christians, but it applies to Christians of any age or background.

                          1.  Christian Maturity Means Making Christ the Beginning and End of Our Faith.

                          2.  To Grow in Maturity, We must Center Our Lives on Him,

                                 *  not depending on religious ritual,

                                 *  not falling back into sin,

                                 *  not trusting totally in ourselves,

                                 *  not letting anything come between us and Christ.           

                          3.  Christ is sufficient and superior.

            3.  God Will Reveal Spiritual Misconception.  Vs. 15, “Otherwise minded”           

Whatever problem of pride threatened to divide the Philippian church, Paul stopped it.

                    A.  God Will Show and Clarify Matters Concerning Spiritual Growth.

This was the final word on the matter; Paul invoked the illumination of God himself to clarify the truth of his words to those who thought differently. Those who were mature were to be committed to what Paul had said. And to anyone who thought differently about minor points, God would clarify the truth. God would lead them to the truth if they would keep their minds open.

                    B.  Are You Aiming for a Perfect Score with God?

Sometimes trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves us drained and discouraged. We may feel so far from perfect that we can never please God with our lives. Paul used "perfect" (3:12) to mean mature or complete, not flawless in every detail. Those who are mature should press on in the Holy Spirit's power, knowing that Christ will reveal and fill in any discrepancy between what we are and what we should be. Christ's provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel driven. (W. W. Wiersbe) 

CONCLUSION:

Hebrews 12:1-2,  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is an exciting experience to run the race daily, "looking unto Jesus" (Heb 12:1-2). It will be even more exciting when we experience all that the “high calling” entails when Jesus returns to take us to Heaven! Then we will stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to receive our rewards! It was this future prospect that motivated Paul, and it can also motivate us.

Fixed on the Future Now

 

Phil 3:12-14

SUBJECT: Progressing

THEME: Fulfill God’s Purposes for Saving us by fixing your eyes on your future now. 

RELEVANCE:

We must not allow our fears, worldly pleasures, failures, procrastination, or temptations to throw us off track. To be winners who fulfill God’s plan, we must remain focused in the present moment with an eye on our future.

INTRODUCTION:

In Phil 3:12-16, Paul is partly focused on our present experience, our immediate concentrations with a focus on the future. Again, his desires are set on learning Christ every day, undergoing the power of Christ’s resurrection, and connecting with Christ’s anguishes (Phil. 3:9-11). This points to our need to grow spiritually by making continual progress.

All of us want to be “winners” and fulfill the purposes for which we have been saved. What are the immediate essentials for fixing our focus on the future? How can we navigate this race in a way that wins?

MESSAGE:

INTENSE CONCENTRATION FOR THE PRESENT (Phil. 3:14).

“I press!” (to set in rapid motion…to journey) is the same thought as is “I follow after” (to move quickly and energetically towards an objective) in Phil 3:12, and it carries the idea of intense endeavor.

 The ancient Greeks used this kind of language to describe a hunter eagerly pursuing his prey.

“Thus he pressed on in order that the purpose for which the Lord Jesus had saved him might be fulfilled in him. The apostle had been apprehended by Christ Jesus on the road to Damascus. What was the purpose of this momentous meeting? It was that Paul might from then on be a pattern-saint, that God might show through him what Christ can do in a human life. He was not yet perfectly conformed to Christ. The process was still going on, and Paul was deeply exercised that this work of God’s grace might continue and deepen.”^[a]

  1.  Determine to Run the Race.  Phil. 3:14

We must possess this same kind of determination to grow in our fellowship with the Lord and explore all the depths of spiritual growth and progress. Like anything worth having it will take a great deal of personal determination throughout our natural lives.

        A.  Run With Intensity.

Don’t merely stand on the race track of the Christian life but get to running, what are you waiting for!

             1.  Refuse to be a Spectator.

A man does not become a winning athlete by listening to lectures, watching movies, reading books, or cheering at the games.

             2.  Run the Race Like You Really Want to Win.

He becomes a winning athlete by getting into the game and determining to win!

             3.  Be Zealous About Your Progress.

The same zeal that Paul employed when he persecuted the church (Phil 3:6), he displayed in serving Christ.  Come to think of it, wouldn't it be wonderful if Christians put as much determination into their spiritual life as they do their golfing, fishing, or bowling?

        B.  Run With Balance.

There are two extremes to avoid here:

             1. "I must do it all"— This of course describes the activist!         

             2.  "God must do it all!"— The second extreme is the quietist! "Let go and let God!" is a clever slogan, but it does not fully describe the process of Christian living.

             3.  Both are heading for failure.

ILLUSTRATION:  What quarterback would say to His team, "OK, men, just let go and let the coach do it all!" On the other hand, no quarterback would say, "Listen to me and forget what the coach says!" Both extremes are wrong.  

             4.  Live in the Balance of Phil. 2:12-13.

The Christian runner realizes that God must work in him if he is going to win the race.

Philip. 2:12-13, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.                                                                                       

        C.  Run With Power.

               1.  Bear in Mind That Christ is Essential.

John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

God works in us that He might work through us. As we apply ourselves to the things of the spiritual life, God is able to mature us and strengthen us for the race.

               2.  Be Sure to Apply Yourself.

1 Tim. 4:7-8, But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

APPLICATION:  Some Christians are so busy “dying to self” that they never come back to life again to run the race! And others are so sure they can make it on their own that they never stop to read the, Word, pray, or ask for the power of the Lord.  2 Cor. 3:5-6,  Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; [6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

ILLUSTRATION: The early Christians give us a great example of the kind of balance the Lord wants to see in every believer’s life and service.  Acts 11:19-21,  Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. [20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. The believers traveled, preached, and witnessed to the Jewish people in these various regions–this shows their personal effort, energy, sacrifice, and determination.  But then the Scriptures clearly state that, “the hand of the Lord was with them! ” Thus, the Lord was working hard in these individuals and through them!  Finally we see converts, “a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord ” and clearly in their salvation experience God was working in hearts and minds and convicting of sin, but the individual still had to repent and believe the gospel in order to be saved!                          

   2. Determine to Win the Prize.   Phil. 3:14

Toward what goal is the runner pressing with such spiritual determination?

       A.  A Prize of Reaching the Mark–The Goal.

God does not want us to merely drift along in our Christian life casually making progress, but instead he specifies exerting every effort and expending tremendous energy to seize the prize as a winner in Christ Jesus!

            1.  Christians Are Long-distance Runners Pressing Toward the Goal of Finishing the Race.  

Like a dedicated athlete, Paul wanted to run the race and gain full knowledge of Christ. The first-time marathon runner has periodic thoughts about quitting, especially during the last six miles. By then, the novelty of the experience has faded to the dull regularity of the pace; early adrenaline has given way to soreness and fatigue. Others around him or her are limping along, and some have dropped out entirely.  But dedicated runners must keep going. Somewhere out there is a finish line. (W. W. Wiersbe)

APPLICATION:  Ask yourself these questions:

   *  What kind of race are you running for Christ?

   *  What prize do you seek?

   *  What kind of opposition do you face in your struggle to live as a Christian?

   *  How can Christ help you stay on track and reach the goal?

   *  What spiritual workout or training this week will help you run your Christian marathon?

   *  In what way can you renew your commitment to press on toward the goal of being like Christ?

            2.  Christians Will Meet Christ in all the Fullness of His Glory at the Finish Line.

Paul seems to refer to ultimate and final salvation in God’s presence!

                   A.  Realize That Christ Awaits You at the Finish Line.

Also at the end of this life’s race we will appear before Christ to receive rewards at “the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10).  The winner in those ancient games was called to the place where the judge sat in order to receive his prize.

2 Cor. 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

APPLICATION:  We must develop the heart to press and push ourselves with intensity– to bear down hard upon ourselves in the direction of this wonderful goal. The “mark” is Christlikeness. What a goal for a Christian!

                   B.  Remain Focused on Jesus Christ as Your Goal Throughout Your Race.

Hebrews 12:2, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus himself is who we must continually look to as we run this race (Heb. 12:2).

ILLUSTRATION:  We must become like watchman straining our spiritual eyes to see out into the distance hoping for glimpses of our soon coming Lord. Then simultaneously train our hearts on Christ whom we’ll meet personally at  the finish line when we finally reach the mark.  It will be worth it all when we finally see Jesus.                                                                                        

                   C.  Remain Focused on Christ-likeness as Your Goal.

1 John 3:2-3, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. [3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Paul pursued Christlikeness with the enthusiasm and persistence of a runner in the Greek games.

                          1.  He Knew He Had Not ‘Arrived’ Yet!

Unlike the Judaizers, whose influence was prevalent among the Philippians, the apostle did not claim to have reached complete spiritual maturity. As spiritual as he was, he was still pressing on, vigorously pursuing the goals for which Christ Jesus saved him to achieve.  He knew that he had not yet taken hold of perfect Christlikeness—he had not yet secured perfection or ultimate conformity to Christ. (W. W. Wiersbe)

                          2.  He Knew How to Leave the Past in the Past!

But he was determined that he would forget the past and, like a runner, press on toward the goal. Paul refused to be controlled or absorbed by his past heritage (Phil. 3:5-7) or his attainments (3:8).

                          3.  He Concentrated on the Future Prize Above All Else! 

Vigorously and with concentration Paul sought to win the prize to which God had called him heavenward (Phil. 3:14). Again the Greek games must have been on his mind as he wrote of this wonderful heavenly prize.

       B.  A Prize of Realizing Your High Calling.  Phil. 3:14

This is a wonderful incentive to press on in the race instead of dropping out and being a quitter.  The “High calling” is a term used to describe all that God has planned for believers– His very purposes for saving us in the first place.

            1.  The Christian Runner Has Already Received a Call From Heaven.  (Salvation)

“The high calling” is literally, the calling that came from above and therefore it is a high and heavenly calling.  This race began when we answered the call from Heaven to salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord by faith.  God as a result saved us by His infinite grace.

Galatians 4:26,  But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Hebrews 3:1,  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

“The high,” and heavenly calling, is not limited to Paul’s own calling as an apostle by the summons of God from heaven.  No, this high and heavenly summons is the common calling of all Christians to salvation in Christ, which coming from heaven invites us to heaven!

APPLICATION: Since the redeemed have received a summons from Heaven in salvation we should accordingly turn our minds and hearts to this uplifting perspective and hope as we run the race.

Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

            2.  The Christian Runner Will Receive a Call Up to Heaven.  (Rapture or Resurrection)

 Again, Paul is not suggesting that we attain a right to go to heaven by our own efforts.  The analogy is focused on progressing in Christlikeness until the rapture.  Because of Paul's use of the metaphor of athletic games, it seems more natural to understand the "call" as the calling of athletes up to the winner's stand. Thus, the heavenly call involves the summons to win the victor's prize of Christ-likeness, ultimate salvation, joint heirs with Christ, our eternal home in the New Jerusalem, and countless other blessings. (W. W. Wiersbe)

            3.  The Christian Winner Will Receive a Prize for His Achievements.  (Rewards)

"The prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14). When he reaches the goal he will receive the reward!

                   A.  “The prize” is “the crown of righteousness” (2Ti 4:8).

1 Cor. 9:24-27,  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2 Tim. 4:8,  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

                   B.  “The prize” is the “a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

1 Peter 5:4,  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

He is simply saying that just as the athlete is rewarded for his performance, so the faithful believer will be crowned when Jesus Christ returns.  In 1 Cor 9:24-27 we note a parallel, that while only one athlete may receive a prize, all Christians may receive the reward. Furthermore, the laurel wreath of the Olympic Games will fade, but the crown Christ gives will never fade.

       C.  A Prize Related to God’s Will for Us.

 The important thing is that we reach the goal He has established for us. No matter how successful we may be in the eyes of men, we cannot be rewarded unless we "apprehend that for which also I [we] am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  (Philip. 3:12).

“The upward call of God in Christ Jesus includes all the purposes that God had in mind in saving us. It includes salvation, conformity to Christ, joint-heirship with Him, a home in heaven, and numberless other spiritual blessings.”^[2]

CONCLUSION:

Hebrews 12:1-2,  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is an exciting experience to run the race daily, “looking unto Jesus” (Heb 12:1-2). It will be even more exciting when we experience all that the “high calling” entails when Jesus returns to take us to Heaven! Then we will stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to receive our rewards! It was this future prospect that motivated Paul, and it can also motivate us.

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^[a] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1975.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1975.