1 Corinthians 9:24-27

1 CORINTHIANS Correction With Confidence Because of The Faithfulness Of God Toward  His Saints!        1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (ESV) — 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.   Don’t live your life as a perishing spectator of the Gospel, but as fruitful participant in the Gospel! Run the race, for an imperishable prize, with grace filled intensity!   Titus 2:11–15 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.     A HELPFUL ILLUSTRATION….                                                                                                                                                       RUN THE RACE v24 Isthmian Games in Corinth           CLARIFYING  MOTIVATION…                                                                                                                   FOR AN IMPERISHABLE PRIZE v25 Disciplined for an imperishable prize!               INTENTIONAL DETERMINATION…                                                                                      WITH GRACE FILLED INTENSITY v26-27 SO…!         2 Peter 1:3–11 (ESV) — 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   Application: Consider  2 Peter, Titus above!  Reflect on his grace! Depend on Christ! He  has saved and is training you! What joy! What effort in grace can you purse to honor Christ in. Purity and good works!