The Prize Matters

The Prize Matters

1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Serve, teach, preach, work, win souls and be disciples with the "Prize" in mind. A prize that money can't buy.

Have you ever heard a Pastor of a Church say, "I'm in my career because I am passionate about it, I don't care if I spend eternity in hell" ? No, I certainly haven't heard of a Pastor who is in ministry merely out of passion, status and pride. As servants of God we should live and work on purpose. The main purpose is to spend eternity with God.

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.

We should run the race not only with passion but with purpose. We should also stay in the race to "obtain"

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Philippians 3:14 - I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

What is the call to action? I feel that being in unity with Christ is a part of the call. In this dark world, we are set apart as stewards of God, working as servants to inspire people by embodying the light, God-fearing wisdom and love. Our behavior must be distinct from that of the world. We should lead spiritual lives rather than carnal lives.

Heaven is another component of the prize. Reaching Heaven is a goal worth striving for since it guarantees that God will have His children with Him for "eternity." After all, God created us to have a relationship with Him first and foremost.

Our souls will not evaporate into thin air when we die, nor will they be reincarnated as a frog to return to this horrible world. After a difficult race, spirits just vanishing after death, and 'reincarnation' appears to be robbery.

The good news is that we may be going to Heaven to spend eternity with our supreme, almighty Jesus Christ when we depart from this planet. Spending eternity with Christ is a Prize that proves the value of human life. The devil also wants to gain souls; he wants you to spend eternity with him in hell. Therefore, choose God. Choose to run with Jesus Christ and make every effort to stay on course. Be cautious, persevere in the race, and keep your eyes on the prize.

1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses

According to Bible Hub https://biblehub.com/greek/73.htm The greek word for Race is agṓn(a masculine noun, and the root of the English words, "agony," "agonize") – properly, a contest (struggle), a grueling conflict (fight); (figuratively) positive struggle that goes with "fighting the good fight of faith" (1 Tim 6:12 – which literally states, "Struggle"

When a marathon runner runs, he is doing it with endurance, ignoring the hot weather, politics, and all of the mental, emotional, and physical challenges that come with the his career. He focusses on the prize and the purpose. There will be many diversions in our Christian run, but we must remain faithful and devoted through trials and tribulations since these are the only obstacles we can overcome through Christ.

Jesus fasted frequently and prayed constantly, as should we. We should pray and speak with our Heavenly Father throughout the race. We must have a deep relationship with Him, trust Him entirely, and, most importantly, speak to Him as you would a therapist, a close friend, or your spouse. In order to run the race with endurance He will provide us with wisdom, strength, good health, and financial resources.

Jesus began His ministry at a young age. We, too, began as seeds. When we choose to run firmly, the seed grows, we gain wisdom, knowledge, and insight, and we grow into better individuals, tougher, stronger, we gain a firm foothold, we establish ourselves, and we triumph through Christ.

The Christian race is about love

Luke 10:27 ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’

If you are gone off track, pray and seek forgiveness from God. Repent sincerely, get back on track, God will restore you. Our God is gracious, and His love is eternal.  Move forward with Jesus Christ and live for the main purpose, the prize of spending eternity in Heaven.

Our God is alive.

God bless you. ~ From Natlie Loots