Faster, Higher, Stronger Part 3 PRIZE

PRIZE


Philippians 3:14 - The desire to win
Hebrews 12:1-2 - Fix our eyes on Jesus
II Timothy 4:2 - Preparation
I Corinthians 3:13-15 - The test
I Corinthians 9:24-25 - Getting the Prize


The Crown:

1. Crown of Righteousness - II Timothy 4:8
2. Crown of Joy - I Thessalonians 2:19
3. Crown of Glory - I Peter 5:4
4. Crown of Life - James 1:12

Faster, Higher, Stronger 2 PERSEVERANCE

PERSEVERANCE

(Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:1-2)

• Ø  Unlike any other race, the race in Christian life is not to compete with one another but to finish the race
• Ø  Finishing the race = PERSEVERANCE
• Ø  No one can run the race for us
• Ø  We are on a race called LIFE

LIFE – comes from a Greek word “zuke/bios” which means everyday existence

-          “Zuwe” means the way, the truth, to live

Existing – just making it through the day.

·         There is more to life than merely existing

·         We are here not to start the race but to finish the race

 

Hebrews 11 – is the chapter of Hall of Faith

Things that hinder:

1. 1.       Mindset
2. 2.       Distraction
3. 3.       Habits
4. 4.       Encumbrances
5. 5.       Sin

Faster, Higher, Stronger Part 1 PREPARATION

PREPARATION

(II Timothy 2:13)

·         Can we see the dreams and visions in our lives?

·         Is there something that is hindering dreams and visions in coming to pass?

GOD GAVE US WISDOM TO SEE THE DREAMS AND VISIONS (I Corinthians 9:23-24)

ü  Through training and discipline, we become victorious. Be motivated to work in the right direction.

ü  It is more tiring to miss than to hit

3 ways to be disqualified

1.       Running in the wrong way

Ø  Earthly things hinders (Hebrews 12:1)

Ø  We are not in competition with one another

2.       Don’t compete according to rules

Ø  II Timothy 2:5

Ø  I Corinthians 10:1-2

Ø  I Corinthians 3:5

3.       Lacking spiritual discipline

Ø  We must be spiritually strong

Ø  God’s dream and vision motivates us to live spiritually disciplined lives

Ø  Proverbs 29:18

Ø  The more you see it, the more it gives restraint

Sacrificial Giving

Stewardship - more than money

1. God is our treasure
2. Be smart, wise and prudent
3. Be rich in good work - generous
4. Generous and cheerful giving
5. Sacrificial Giving

Luke 21: 1-4

• giving that hurts
• it pains the giver

1. 3 wise men (Matthew 2:1-12)

Ø  The first step to sacrificial giving does not hurt because they are wealthy

2. Shepherds

Ø  Giving time, energy to seek and worship the Lord

3. Story of Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25)

Ø  Giving reputation, name and fame to obey God

4. Story of God (John 3:16)

Ø  Giving most precious possession, His son

5. Story of Jesus (Mark 10:45)

Ø  Giving our life  (1 John 3:16)

SACRIFICIAL STAIRWAY

God does not measure our giving by the size of our gift but by the size of sacrifice

The Shrewd Steward

Luke 16:1-15

• Using material wealth properly
• Manager is not commending the steward for his "dishonesty" and shrewdness

Shrewdness - idea of keen awareness; sharp intelligence and resourceful

PRINCIPLES

• Make proper and wise use of all material resources entrusted to us
• Use them shrewdly to invest in people's lives with view of eternity and must be warned of its possible trap to draw us away from true (spiritual ) richness
• Be faithful in all material richness entrusted to us for they are not rightfully yours
• We must acknowledge God's ownership with everything in this world including our lives, talents and resources (1 Titus 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:17-19)

God is the master of all (Luke 16:12)

• You cannot serve masters at the same time

God is the owner of everything

• Strength and wisdom to get wealth ( I Chronicles 29:12 )
• Acknowledge Him to gives to us (Deuteronomy 8:18)

God hates anything we highly esteem in this world

• Justify yourself in the sight of man but God knows your heart
• Use wisely worldly wealth for God's glory
• Be faithful stewards of God's resources
• Serve God above all

Integrity and Honesty

I Samuel 12:1-5 ; Psalm 78:70-72

Integrity - state of being complete and unified
             - from the word "integer"
             - implies wholeness as a person

Person of Integrity

• living rightly
• not divided
• being a different person in different circumstances
• words, deeds, attitudes motives match up

I am who I am, no matter where I am, and who I am with.

HOW?

1. Walk intimately with God - read and live daily in His word
2. Live by the Holy Spirit in order to live a life "above reproach" - overcome human tendencies to compromise and do evil and live life pleasing to God.
3. Cultivate honesty and trustworthiness in small or big things 

Integrity

I - Involve God in your decisions and actions


N - Nurture your intimacy with God


T - Trust in God when faith is put to a test


E - Evaluate your own standing before God and man


G - Go to God and make right with HIM

R - Restore your relationship with people


I - Implant the "Fear of God" in your heart


T - Think of Christian virtues


Y - Yield not to temptation

The Attitudes and Actions of A Heavenly Man (Woman)

AUDIENCE: Ephesians Church
 Timothy 6:17-19


 1. What should be the attitude of a rich person?

• not to be arrogant
• not to put their hope in wealth
• put your hope in God

Being rich should not change you. Being rich does not make you more superior.

Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19

• Riches can deceive.
• Riches give a sense of superior worth that is not really true.

2. Do not count on your riches

• it can disappear overnight (uncertain) Matthew 6:19-20

It is foolish to count riches for security, protection and power/

3. Remember: It is God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy

• God is the giver
• God allows wealth to come

How do we enjoy riches?

 

     By making somebody happy with them

• Use them in a way that others are helped and blessed

Timothy 6:18      COMMANDS

1. Do Good - use riches in a way that helps people
2. Be rich in good deeds - be personally involved in things that are good and helpful
3. Be generous and willing to share - Matthew 10:8b

Timothy 6:19     

GREAT RESULTS

    

APPLICATION

1. We should not think highly of ourselves because we have more.
2. Do not put trust in any material riches for they are temporary and not dependable.
3. Strive to be rich in good deeds.
4. When God entrusted His riches to the world, sharing a portion is not an option but a command.