The Christian Race

1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the
prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

1. Three Classes
• Non-Competitors (Phil. 3:18, 19; Hebrews 2:3).
• Failing Competitors (1 Corinthians 3:15).
• Winning Competitors (2 Timothy 4:7,8)

2. Conditions for Competition

• Must be a citizen (Ephesians 2:19)
• Blameless (Romans 8:1)
• Must offer himself (Romans 12:1)
• Must be accepted (Ephesians 1:6)

3. Conditions in the Race

• He must start right (John 10:9)
• Keep to the course (John 14:6)
• Must strip (Hebrews 12:1)

4. Causes of Failure
• Turning or backsliding (Psalms 78:9; Acts 7:39)
• Tripping or careless walking (John 11:10)
• Tired or weary walking (Malachi 1:13; Isaiah 40:31)

Phil. 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in
their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him.
1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he
himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
2 Timothy 4:7 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.
Ephesians 2:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto
lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us
accepted in the beloved.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall
go in and out, and find pasture.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Psalms 78:9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned
back in the day of battle.
Acts 7:39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in
their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
John 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light
in him.
Malachi 1:13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed
at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame,
and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith
the LORD.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint.