How to Excel in Our Faith - Sermon

Kowloon International Baptist Church - Dr. James "Butch" Tanner's sermon titled "How to Excel in Our Faith" 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 delivered on 8 September 2024. Please visit us at: www.hkkibc.org
Sermon Notes:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
An athlete attempting to gain the ultimate prize does everything they can to win. They train hard, eat a proper diet, and get their rest. As they train, they depend on the coach to help them improve. All of this is done to receive a prize that is only temporary.
Paul compares the Christian life to that of an athlete. We are called to excel in our faith and develop our lives with the motivation to win the reward. As we look at this passage let’s apply its truth to our lives.
To excel in my Christian race, I need to
1. Keep my eyes on the goal.
Philippians 3:14, Proverbs 11:30, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12, Matthew 16:27, 1
Peter 5:4
2. Determine to work hard.
James 2:26, Matthew 13:21, Luke 8:15, Hebrews 10:36, 12:1, 1 Corinthians 9:22
3. Say “yes” to the things that help me reach the goal.
Matthew 6:33, Romans 8:5-6, Colossians 3:2, Philippians 2:15
4. Devote my life to the long game.
1 Timothy 1:18-19, 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7-8