24 Know ye not that
they which run in a race run all, 
but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye
may obtain. 25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an
incorruptible. 26
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one
that beateth the air: 27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that
by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be
a castaway.
Webster defines Victory as 1) The decisive winning of a
battle 2) Success in any struggle. Webster defines a Victor as
1) One who is a winner or conqueror.
Real victory seems to be elusive. We associate
Victory with success and impressive power and in reality it is 1)
Consistent inner peace 2) Quiet confidence 3) Solid security 4)
Unswerving love. It is in and through these things that we
overwhelmingly conquer.
Four Things Victory
Includes
- Victory is Action - In verse 24 the key word is 'run'. In
verse 26 the key words are 'I run' and 'fight'. In verse
27 the key words are 'I keep under my body'.
- Victory is Aim - Having direction
- Victory is Discipline. Many see discipline as a dirty
word for self-control. Temptation is not overcome without
it.
- Victory is Reward. II Timothy 4:7-8
- 7 I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall
give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all
them also that love his appearing.
Five Things
Victory is NOT!
- Victory is not a once-for-all automatic inheritance.
There is no instant success. It is a chain of broken
experiences. The strength we need is there to be claimed.
There are no magic potions.
- Victory is not an emotional high (Romans 8). For the
Christian, victory does not rely on being psyched up or
in the mood.
- Victory is not a dream reserved for super saints. Christ
shows no partiality. He shows no distinction or certain
class. It's for everyone.
- Victory is not an independent achievement. The Christian
who conquers does so "Through Him Who Loved
Us". .
- Victory is not something that happens to us while we
passively wait. There is not a more subtle adversary than
passivity. Passivity is an enemy to anyone who hopes to
live a Life of Victory.
TWELVE EVIDENCES THAT YOU
HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE
1. When my delight in the Lord is not as great
as my love and delight for someone else.
2. When my soul does not long for times of
fellowship with God in love.
3. When thoughts in leisure moments are not on
God.
4. When I claim to only be human and easily
give in to those things which displease the Lord.
5. When I don’t willingly and cheerfully
give to those in need and for God's work.
6. When I cease to treat every Christian as I
would the Lord.
7. When I view the commands of Christ as
restrictions to my happiness.
8. When I inwardly strive for the approval of
the world rather than for approval of the Lord.
9. When I fail to make Christ or his word known
due to fear of rejection or embarrassment.
10. When I refuse to give up any activity that
I know is offending a weaker brother or sister.
11. When I become complacent to the sinful
conditions around me.
12. When I am unable to forgive one another or
someone for offending me.
Henard's Chapel
website is established for the glory of God, the edification of
the saints, and the salvation of sinners