Bible Readings:
John 17
1 Corinthians 9
Sermon Outline:
2Tim. 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Tim. 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2Tim. 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
I The Christian life is a race
Heb. 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Deut. 33:25 ………. As your days, so shall your strength be.
1Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Is. 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
1Cor. 9:24 Do 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.
1Cor. 9:25 And 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.
1Cor. 9:26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
1Cor. 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
2Tim. 2:5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
John 17:4 I have glorified You on the earth.
I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
It is finished!
II The Christian life is also a stewardship
Col. 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
Eph. 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling,
what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Eph. 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
Eph. 1:20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph. 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
Eph. 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph. 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
Eph. 3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
III There shall be a reward for faithfulness and endurance
James 1:12 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.
Rev, 2.10 Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Rev. 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
Rev. 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”
The crown of glory for elders who serve well
1Pet. 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
1Pet. 5:3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
1Pet. 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.