1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may win.
Run to win – not all who enter a race finish the race, as we have seen in this and previous Olympics.
Some are confused, they didn’t hear the starting gun, registered and ready, but not running, hard soil.
Some go to hard to fast, they fail to pace themselves, burn out, rocky soil.
Some have too many clothes, too much baggage, get weighed down and trip up, weedy soil.
Run to win says Paul, Jesus says love the Lord your God with all your heart…
Today I will talk about the first part of the race, registration, signing up, then next week we will look at the 2nd part of the race, the race itself, which actually gives you strength to go the whole way. It is dwelling in the kingdom, the spiritual kingdom, Hebrews 4:1
The Jews were looking for a physical kingdom, not a spiritual one, Because of verses like - Daniel 2:44; 9:27; Zechariah 14:9,17,21; Joel 3:14-17; Isaiah 2:2-3; Hebrews 11:13-16;
But the Jews were physically minded so Jesus quoted Isaiah in Matthew 13:14-16
They tried to enter the race but couldn’t find the door Matthew 23:13
Matthew 3:2; John 1:33,34; Matthew 11:3
Jesus said the same in Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15
Two titles one kingdom:
Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 31x, 23 kingdom, Philippians 2:10; 3 heavens, 2 Corinthians 12:2
Kingdom of God Luke 31x, 13x kingdom; Mark 14x – 4x alone; John 3x
Jesus guaranteed the kingdom in His day would come – Mathew 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27
Matthew 16:15-19 build My church, keys to the kingdom – 16:28
John 19:36-37 spiritual kingdom
John 14:3; Luke 23:43; Ephesians 4:9-10; Matthew 12:40; Luke 24:45; Matthew 16:16; John 14:6
Acts 1:4-8 Ephesians 4:8; Acts 2:38-39,47; Colossians 1:13
The race is on but where are we running in the light or in the dark 1 John 1:6-8
John 4:24 - next week
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