Title The Faith of the Award Recipient
Contents
Hymn: 401 (New Hymn 359) 'Saints who are heading towards heaven'
Meditation: Do you believe and long for the reward that the God of love will grant us?
Confession of Faith: Apostles' Creed
Text: “Do you not know that all runners on the playground run away, but only one gets the prize? Ham” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Receiving praise and awards is not the result of a day or two of hard work or hard work. Blessings given as gifts to those who have followed a straight path for the rest of their lives are praise and reward. Especially in big sports events like the Olympics, it is not only an individual, but also a national honor and pride to wear gold medals around the neck. There are three lessons to be learned from today's text.
First, it is the belief that makes the goal clear. In verse 26 it says, “I do not run as if there is no direction.” It is the same with the life of faith in Jesus. The clear foundation of our faith life is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the answer to our lives, and we must live with Jesus as the ultimate goal. Let us remember that the Apostle Paul confessed, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Second, it is a faith that does not give up. In order to live as a person of faith who receives a prize, it is important to have faith to run without giving up until the prize is obtained. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is a matter of giving up. Anyone can fail. However, it takes courage to not give up in the process of rising from failure again. We did not choose God, but Heavenly Father called us, so no matter what difficulties and trials come, we must overcome them with courage. Because when the time comes, you will surely win.
Third, it is a restraining faith. Verse 25 says, “Everyone vying for victory is temperate in all things.” Temperance of thought, moderation of speech, and moderation of life are necessary. Thoughts are free, but invisible thoughts also require right thoughts and the habit of thinking right thoughts. Such usual attitudes and thoughts accumulate and live a life that smells like a child of God. As in Hebrews 12:1, we must look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In this way, I earnestly pray that you will become the victor of faith with excellent self-control in the gospel. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, guide us so that we may receive a reward when we come before you. I pray in Jesus name. Amen
Lord's Prayer