Going for the Gold in Life
1Cor. 9:24-27, 2Tim. 3:16-17
By Pastor Brad Rigney
Olympic Stories – from the Torino Games. Leading up to the necessity for these athletes to Train.
What do we need to Go for the Gold in Life?
Motivation of Love, 1John 4:7-21
Faith; active and persevering, Heb. 12:1-3
TRAINING ; 1Cor. 9:24-27, 1Tim. 4:8
What do we learn about our part in the Training Process?
1. We need Determination , vs. 9:24b
Paul says to “run the race as to win the prize.” It takes determination. The athletes for the Olympics are determined to do their best so they must determine themselves to Train.
2. We need Destination , vs. 26a
Paul says not to run aimlessly – i.e. run to a goal – run for the prize. So athletes seek a destiny for Olympic Gold. They train precisely to make that happen.
3. We need Discipline , vs. 26b-27
Paul says that he makes his body a slave. So many athletes in these Olympics have demonstrated their discipline, just to get here to these games. They wake up early. They train and perform, even with injuries, etc. In our Faith to Go for the Gold we too need to be disciplined in our efforts to be Trained up in the Lord!
What resources do we need for our Training? 2Tim. 3:16-17
We could say that Worship is part of our training. Or prayer. Or even Accountable Fellowship – a Mentor, like an Athlete with a trainer.
But the primary means according to 2Tim. And 1Peter 2:2 is God’s Word.
God’s Word – it is His Word, He breathed, inspired the words in this Book. It is not my word, or yours, or anyone elses – They are His words for Us.
It’s useful for… Teaching, Rebuking, Correcting, and Training so that we may thoroughly Equipped for every good wok.
How does God’s Word Train us for life? Let us learn from the metaphors used to describe the Word of God.
1. Heb. 4:12; God’s Word – a Sword
Cuts, when a person receives surgery they are too pleased to go under the knife, but after the tumor, etc is removed and they recover, they are glad they did so.
2. James 1:22-25; God’s Word – a Mirror .
The Scriptures show us for who we really are as we read it.
3. Eph. 5:26; God’s Word – like Water .
It cleanses us like water – It refreshes us as we take God’s Word into our lives.
4. Luke 8:11; God’s Word – a Seed .
Even as the Farmer plants the Seed and it grows up into a tree and reproduces itself, so God’s Word is planted within us every time we hear or read it and it too wants to take root, nurture, grow and reproduce itself in us. But we must realize there will be opposition to this process.
5. Psalm 12:6; God’s Word – like Silver .
The Word Refines us like Silver and so makes us precious and more valuable in living for God in our lives.
6. Jer. 23:29; God’s Word – like Fire and Hammer .
Sometimes when we hear or read the Word of God, it will burn through us as it convicts us it will feel like the Hammer is coming down on us. Just as 2Tim. 3:16-17 says, it will rebuke us, correct us.
I use to have a Deacon in New Mexico who every once in awhile after church would say Pastor, I am glad that I was wearing my boots today, because you were really stepping all over my toes in your sermon.
We really need those times in our lives to be thoroughly trained. They are pleasant but we need them – The Word of God is like Fire and a Hammer.
7. Psalm 119:105; God’s Word – a lamp .
God’s Word will light our way in life. It guides us with wisdom and helps us in life’s situations: from relationships, to marriage, parenting, work ethics, finances, community relationships, neighbors, spiritual matters, ethics/morals, Hope, love, forgiveness, growth, etc.
Getting Trained for Life by Grasping the Word of God
The Hand that Grasps God’s Word is one that Memorizes, Reads, Listens, Studies, and Meditates. The Five fingers for us to Grasp God’s Word.
The Challenge of Training for the Gold in Life
What’s Your Motivation?
How’s Your Faith?
How’s your Determination?
What’s your Destination?
How’s your Discipline?
How are you doing in the areas of Grasping the Word?
