What It Means to Be A

Christian

The Christian is

An Athlete

1 Tim. 4:8• Exercise yourself to godliness•Bodily exercise of little profit•Exercise – means to work at•Godliness – an attitude of devotion toward God•As an athlete works, so must we

2 Tim. 2:5• Following the rules•Rules are important in sports.•Rules are important in our faith•God word is our rule – 2 Tim. 3:16,17; Rom. 1:16•2 John 9-11, Matt. 7:21-23, James 2:10

1 Cor. 9:24-27•Run to win, finish the race2 Tim. 4:7-8•He who competes is temperate – self-controlGal. 5:23, 2 Pet. 1:6

1 Cor. 9:24-27•An imperishable crownJames 1:12, Rev. 2:101 Peter 5:4•We run with certainty - hopeHeb. 6:9-12, 2 Tim. 1:12

1 Cor. 9:24-27•Not just sparring, but actually “competing”cf. Heb. 11:13-16•Discipline my body – 1 John 3:3Phil. 3:12-14

1 Cor. 9:24-27•Lest I be disqualified – I CAN forfeit my salvationGalatians 5:42 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 12:1-2•Lay aside every weight and the sin that ensnares us – anything that hinders us.

•Keep your eye on the goal – on Jesus Christ Himself

2 Timothy 4:7-8•The reward – the crown of righteousness

•We await a home in heaven when this life is over

•The race is worth it!

Have you entered the

race?

Are you faithfully following the course?