Running to Win, Lesson 2
April 20, 2010
Running to Win – Biblical Principles for Christian Endurance
Lesson II: “On Your Mark for Jesus!”
Adult Wednesday and Sunday Bible Study
West Broad Church of Christ
April 14, 18, and 25, 2010
J.L. Nesmith, Jr., D.Min., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by Christine Caine, Run to Win: Pursuing God and Finishing Strong)
Introduction:
In our first lesson we learned that some Christians make the mistake of Pheidippides, and some make the mistakes of Matthew 13. We discussed the importance of running to win, and looked at Paul’s formula for doing so (1 Cor. 9:24-27). We ended with a pointed question to each West Broadian: Is that formula being lived out in my life? We will conclude this series by beginning a discussion of important steps that should be observed as we get “on our marks” for Jesus.
I. The “Mark” and Me
What is on a runner’s mind as he begins a race?
· Step toward commitment to preparation. Preparing your mind beforehand allows you to meet the many challenges of your race. Question: Who had a “life plan” in high school? College? Marriage? Children? When people do not have this vision, they typically fail. Question: Are there areas of your life where you have become discouraged because you have lost sight of the bigger picture/whole race? What can you do to recover from this situation?
· Step toward the acceptance of discomfort and pain.
o Messages from a marathon
o Messages from Scripture.
o Messages from members. Question: How does this practice translate to kingdom living?
· Messages from runners. Question: How do the examples above compare to your experience of “pushing past the pain” as you run for Jesus?
· Step toward daily discipline.
o The matter of training
o The matter of habit. Question: Are you living a “day-tight” life? If not, are you ready to?
Conclusion:
What can we say to this idea of “running to win?” Some Christians run hard, but then they run out! Others do not run at all. But an observation of some principles of running and principles of Scripture lead us to believe that if we are going to live successful lives for Jesus, certain essential steps must be taken. When you take those steps, you will be learn that “running to win” is not as difficult as you thought. The question is: are you ready to run?
