Running towards the Goal - Philippians 3:12-16 Additional Bible passages: No one wins an athletic contest without obeying

the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5, CEV The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired. Isaiah 40:29 - 31, CEV You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. 1 Corinthians 9:24 - 26, CEV Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete... Hebrews 12:1 - 2, CEV Here's something else I've seen on this earth. Races aren't always won by those who run fast. Battles aren't always won by those who are strong. Wise people don't always have plenty of food. Clever people aren't always wealthy. Those who have learned a lot aren't always favoured. God controls the timing of every event. He also controls how things turn out. Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIRV Have you learned through many experiences in your life that sometimes you have to endure challenges that ultimately strengthen your faith and prepare you for the plan and purpose that God has for you? On many occasions we may feel like simply giving up, but the apostle Paul urges us to pick ourselves up and complete the race. God wants us to fulfill our potential even if we sometimes doubt our own abilities and worthiness. In the New Testament of the Bible, we find snapshots of illustrations about running. For example: ...run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1); ....I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14); ....exercise yourself toward godliness... (1 Timothy 4:7); ...Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24) to run This more than likely is a reference to the ancient Greek Olympiad where selected athletes, from the various Greek provinces, ran in order to win the converted laurel wreath, which was placed on the winners head. However, the reference to running may also refer to the Roman games, where in the Coliseum in Rome, winning meant survival. Here the games were a life and death race. Even then the certainty of survival after the race rested with the decision either of the Emperor at the games or with the vestal virgins, who indicated whether a winner was to live or die by pointing their thumbs up or down. It is more than likely that he had the former in mind, as it was during the month that training took place and that the Greek games were held. The often-conflicting Greek city-states set aside their disputes and dialogues in order that the Olympiad could be successfully held. This truce was

temporal and the point being made is that if earthly conflicting states can agree on a temporal peace than surely this fellowship can establish an eternal peace both among themselves as well as with God. * Fill in the responses from the power point *Think about these in regard to your own life as a Christian * Review your daily relationship with Jesus Christ

Running Towards the Goal - Philippians 3:12-16

v 14 Paul uses an illustration from the ancient Greek Olympiad of the athlete stripped of all non-essentials ready to run the race of his life. The athletes one aim was to win the winners laurel wreath. v 1214 Running towards the goal v 12 An_____________sprinting or striving towards the finish line. The purpose of Paul is that he _________________. 3:12 _______________pressing on with the goal. 3:12________________diligently to keep going on. 3:14________________to aim consistently towards the goal. 3:12 Still a Work in Progress It has this idea to enter into a___________________ To become______________and reach the________ 3:12-13 Pressing in to Take Hold ________________ or_____________. Meaning to move rapidly and decisively toward an objective. an award for______________________ performance Pauls final words to Timothy, I have finished my course. We are only going to be spiritually mature a. if we________________in Gods Word. b. if we are_____________Gods Word. c. if we are_____________in prayer. d. if we are____________________ and__________________together. 4: 9 Pauls Pastoral Example Whatever you have ____________from me do ____________from me do ____________from me do ____________in me do Paul writes from the position of one who:Has____________________the lessons who is__________________ who is still_______________ For the Christian, running the race to know and honour Christ is not a sprint but a life-long race of consistency