Have you run a good race...are you reaching for the prize?Today's Scripture:
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14.
What I want to focus our thoughts on today is the "prize". According to this passage, there is a reward for finishing, a reward that will be given openly to all those who are faithful.
In fact, the Greek word translated prize literally means a reward that is given publicly. This is not something that is given in private. I can remember as a child longing for competition of any kind that had a ribbon, trophy or reward of any kind.
In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul says,
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
This crown of righteousness is synonymous with the “prize.” Paul said, “It will be given to me on that Day.” Not the day Paul died, but rather on a day that has yet to arrive, when we are gathered before God’s throne.
On that day, everyone will be there. King David, Samuel the prophet, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Moses, the apostle Paul, Peter…every saint who has lived for God in every generation since the Resurrection. I ask you today are you running this race we call life with all you have? Have paced yourself so you can make to the end? If you've dropped out of the race all together are you ready to join me in finishing well? God has promised us that if you and I fight the good fight and finished the race in Him that he will have a crown of righteousness awaiting us.
Selah people' and friends on that day when we finish our race, we are going to be standing before God giving an account of our lives. We are going to be rewarded publicly if we have fulfilled our job description and run within the lines of our calling while on this earth.
"I urge you to prepare for that day! Join me in training our body, mind and spirit to be all that God has intended us to be. Lean hard at the end for victory is ours if we trust in Christ."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile - Mount Olive , NC
Audio Sermon link for August 2nd, 2009 can be found on our media site below...Note: Special music before message "This little light of mine." Click link below.
http://selahmedia.tripod.com/
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