How Are You Running To Receive Your Prize?

Run to win (1 Corinthians 9:24). You are not running for nothing (Galatians 2:2).

Who stopped you from running in the truth? (Galatians 5:7). Often we find ourselves accepting a lie rather than the truth. It happens because we lose sight of Jesus.

Who cast an evil spell on you? (Galatians 3:1). When you started in the Spirit, why are you now walking in the flesh? (Galatians 3:3).

WHO RECEIVES THE PRIZE?

Qualities in those who run for the prize

RUN WITH HEART — A SPIRIT TO SERVE GOD

John the Baptist said he was unworthy to untie Jesus' shoelaces (Acts 13:25). He had a spirit to serve God. Elisha was known as a servant of God (2 Kings 3:11). Samuel had the spirit of servitude to God (1 Samuel 2:18). Jesus said, being Lord, since I have washed your feet, do the same (John 13:14–15).

RUN WITH PURPOSE — OVERCOME GREED

Do not shadowbox (1 Corinthians 9:26). Do not desire the world or the things of the world (Deuteronomy 5:21). Israel tested God by stubbornly asking for their food cravings (Psalm 78:18).

RUN WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS

Put aside every weight hindering your walk (Hebrews 12:1). Keep encouraging each other so that the heart does not grow hardened by sin (Hebrews 3:13).

RUN EXPECTING SUFFERING

There will be suffering — don't stagger or be shaken (1 Thessalonians 3:3). When we suffer for Jesus, we will go be with Him (Acts 14:22). Jesus has shown us the example (1 Peter 2:21). Follow His footsteps. Joyfully run like the sun (Psalm 19:4–5). The stars fought (Judges 5:20). Who are the stars? Light-givers (Daniel 12:3).

RUN WITH ENDURANCE

Run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1). Endure to receive the fruit of doing God's will (Hebrews 10:36). Endurance protects our soul (Luke 21:19).

RUN LOOKING AT JESUS

Jesus is our prize (Philippians 3:14–15). Falling deeply in love with Jesus happens as we seek Him daily, sincerely.

Run to win.

Run in truth.

Run in the Spirit's track.

Maranatha. Praise God. Amen.