Proverbs 12:1 (ESV)
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
WE ARE CALLED TO TRAIN LIKE AN ATHLETE
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NLT)
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Peter 5:4 (ESV)
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Revelation 2:10 (ESV)
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
James 1:12 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
WE ARE CALLED TO BE DISCIPLINED IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS, & ACTIONS. WE DON'T JUST EXIST, WE ARE CALLED TO BE ON PURPOSE IN ALL WE DO - RUNNING TOWARDS THE WILL OF GOD
2 Timothy 2:5 (NLT)
And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
What’s the will of God?
Live a disciplined holy unashamed life unto God and tell the world that Jesus saves!
That’s why…
THE TRAINING IS TO DEVELOP ENDURANCE AND PERSEVERANCE IN HOLY LIVING & HOLY PURPOSE
Hebrews 12:1–3 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
There is no endurance without resistance and pain!
WHAT WE PLACE IN OUR FACE IS WHAT WE CHASE! TO TRAIN PROPERLY WE NEED TO LOCK OUR VISION ON THE END GOAL
THE END GOAL IS TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS & RECEIVE THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
To train we need a trainer...
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Scripture provides guidance, correction, and instruction, helping us to grow in righteousness and be equipped for every good work. Just as athletes study their sport and adhere to training regimes to improve their skills, Christians are called to immerse themselves in God's Word and apply its teachings in their lives to become spiritually mature.
WE SUBMIT OUR MENTAL & PHYSICAL TO THE TRAINING MANUAL SO THAT WE SAY NO TO THE NOT GOOD AND YES TO THE RIGHTEOUS GOD HAS CALLED US TO
2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NLT)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
OUR REWARD IS OUR CLEAR GOAL. WE STRIVE TO RUN OUR RACE TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY, WITH THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOD'S PRINCIPLES. IN DOING SO, WE RECEIVE AN ETERNAL REWARD THAT NEVER FADES AWAY
In essence, the Bible employs the metaphor of an athlete's unwavering discipline and rigorous training to impart crucial revelations on holy perseverance, self-discipline, spiritual maturity, and the eternal reward awaiting those who stand firm in faith until the very end. These unchanging truths are not merely theoretical; they are actionable principles that solidify believers, instilling in them immovable resolve, enduring strength, and an undying dedication to living out God's divine purpose. We must engage in this process to prevail in this life!