"Self-Control" (Part 1)

Theme: Paul exhorts the believers to win the prize. I. Expectation A. An incorruptible prize 1. The athletes competed for a perishable crown 2. But, Christians are after a crown of glory B. "not as uncertainly" 1. We can be certain of the rules 2. We can be certain of the obtaining Overview A. If Olympic (or Isthmian) athletes took so much pain to be the best and win a prize of fading glory, why should we not strive for mastery in the race of life? B. How foolish indeed for us not to compete with all we have! C. This expectation cannot be achieved apart from perseverance and self-control Application A. Run the race with a view to the prize 1. It is an incorruptible crown 2. It is therefore an eternal crown 3. Do not get distracted from the finish line B. Run the race by looking to Jesus 1. He is the author and finisher of our faith 2. He gives us the power and ability to run the race of life 3. He does so because He ran the race to which He was called a. He did not shrink back from the necessary exertion b. He never lost sight of the goal and the victory (1) John 17 (2) Hebrews 12:2