Laurelton Park Baptist Church

Pastor Alex Perednia ~ Sunday February 5, 2012

AN ATHLETIC FAITH (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

On the day of the Super Bowl, we can learn from the athletic imagery in the

writings of the Apostle Paul about what it takes to grow as a Christian:

Growing as a Christian requires thinking like an athlete!

THE ANALOGY…

A The Apostle Paul used the occasion of the greatest sporting venue of his

day – the Isthmian games– to describe the Christian life. (1 Cor 9:25)

B The Christian life is compared to an athletic competition in these ways:

LikeTRAINING for the competition (1 Timothy 4:7b-8)

Like running the RACE (2 Tim 4:7; 1 Cor 9:24a, 26a; Phil 3:13-14)

Like fighting in a BOXING match (2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:26b-27a)

Like working together as a TEAM (Philippians 1:27, 4:3)

Like competing for a PRIZE (2 Timothy 2:5, 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:24b, 25b, 27b;

2 Corinthians 5:10)

THE APPLICATION…

A Growing as a Christian requires thinking like an athlete… It requires our

INVOLVEMENT.... Are you striving as an active competitor for Christ?

Are you personally involved? (1 Tim 4:7b-8)

Are you corporately involved? (Phil 1:27, 4:3)

B Growing as a Christian requires thinking like an athlete… It requires our

DISCIPLINE______.... Are you striving as a fit competitor for Christ?

Are you training hard? (1 Tim 4:7b-8; 2 Tim 2:5; 1 Cor 9:24-27)

Are you playing by the rules? (2 Timothy 2:5; 2 Cor 9:24-27)

Are you determined to finish? (2 Tim 4:7; Phil 3:13-14; 1 Cor 9:28))

C Growing as a Christian requires thinking like an athlete… It requires our

FOCUS__________.... Are you striving as a winning competitor?

What are you trying to attain? (2 Tim 2:5, 4:8; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Cor 5:10)

Are you preparing to stand before the Judge? (2 Tim 4:8; 2 Cor 5:10)

1. Have you entered the competition?

2. What can you do to increase your competitive edge?