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I Corinthians 9:24-27(NKJV) 24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.25And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.26Therefore I run thus:
I Corinthians 9:24-27(NKJV) not withuncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
A Key To Success I Corinthians 9:24-27
A Key To Success • Another year is coming to a close and a new one is right around the corner • We know that this is the time of year when new hopes, dreams and goals are imagined • Some will go so far as to write down these goals with the determination to follow through with them
A Key To Success • How many times have we, or someone we know, embarked upon a new year with dreams of greatness, only to not follow through or achieve those things • It seems as though it happens too many times • The question is, how can we make 2014 different?
A Key To Success • We want to achieve success in the upcoming year with all of our goals • There are many “keys” to success that we could focus on • However, this one is really a key ingredient that many are missing from their lives that cause them to fail
A Key To Success • The key ingredient that I am speaking of is discipline • We all have some form of discipline • However, we need to gain more if we wish to accomplish our goals • What can we learn about discipline?
God Speaks • Paul, an inspired writer, spoke of the idea of discipline in I Corinthians 9:24-27 • Paul said those who compete are temperate in all things • Temperate (egkrateuomai) = to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity); can contain; to exhibit self-government
God Speaks • These athletes had a goal; they wanted to win the prize • To do that they disciplined themselves and did not partake of wine, unhealthy foods, or satisfy fleshly desires • Paul here is comparing our spiritual striving to athletes who compete for a prize
God Speaks • “But I discipline my body…” • Discipline (hypopiazo) = to hit under the eye; to tease or annoy (into compliance); subdue (one’s passions); beat black and blue (handle it roughly, discipline by hardships) • Pain is what stands out about this word
God Speaks • Discipline is not a pleasant thing • “Now no chastening (discipline) seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11)
God Speaks • Discipline is certainly not easy • Those athletes who desire to win a prize that is perishable are willing to discipline themselves and suffer just to win • We who are striving for an imperishable crown, are we also willing to discipline ourselves and suffer just to win?
Our Goals • If we have specific goals for our lives, it will take discipline to achieve them • If you want to lose a few pounds, you won’t do it by hitting up the buffet or sitting around on the couch • If you want to be debt free, you won’t do it by buying name brands and eating out
Our Goals • Whatever we want to do in this life, it will require some measure of discipline • If you wish to read your Bible and grow your faith, it will take discipline • You might miss out on time in front of your television, an extra 30 minutes or hour of sleep, or surfing the web
Our Goals • If you wish to have a better prayer life, it will take discipline • You might need to take the time to have a prayer journal to list those you pray for • It might mean getting off by yourself for some time to do this (Matt. 14:23; Mk. 1:35; Lk. 6:12)
Our Goals • If you want to be a better servant like Dorcas or a better encourager like Barnabas, it will take discipline • That means that it won’t be easy and it may cost us in some area • If we are willing to surrender our all to God, then it should be worth it
The Prize • Discipline that is carried through brings about the desired results • The person who watches what they eat and exercises will fell better and can add years to their lives • The person who lives frugally can retire and enjoy life at a younger age
The Prize • Discipline in our spiritual life can bring about the desired results • If we will buckle down and study God’s word, we will grow in our faith and walk with Him • If we are diligent in our prayer life we will find blessings for ourselves and others
The Prize • We strive for an imperishable crown • Our reward is in heaven, but we must show discipline in order to receive it • “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (Js. 1:12)