An Eternal Goal - Part 1

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
"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. 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. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

"run in such a way"

Galatians 2:2
"And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain."

2 Timothy 4:7
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Hebrews 12:1-2
"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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

How does a race compare to my walk/run with God?

1. There was a beginning - a starting place.
2. There is an end to look forward to - heaven.
3. In a race you don't stop - sometimes you fall, but you get right back up.
4. In a race you keep going forward - sometimes you may go back to help a friend up, but if they refuse to go you don't stay behind with them if you plan to win.
5. You meet many people along the way who are running the race with you.
6. There is a goal!
7. Not everyone you meet in the race has the same background, opinions, etc. but all have one goal.
8. There are stumbling blocks/rocks on the way.
9. There is a wrong way to go.
10. There is a prize.