‘To Run Our Race Well.’
1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
a) 1 Corinthians 9:24. We need to remember this, that everyone has a race to run but only one person gets the prize.
b) 1 Corinthians 9:24. We must run in such a way so as to win.
c) 1 Corinthians 9:25. We need to practice self control.
d) 1 Corinthians 9:26. Run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. We should not be like a boxer who aimlessly misses his punches.
e) 1 Corinthians 9:27. We should discipline our body as an athlete, training it what to do.
f) 1 Corinthians 9:27. We do not want to be disqualified.
(Through this QT I want To Run My Race Well)
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‘The Church’s Armour.’
(When Apostle Paul wrote about any form of spiritual conflict he was not addressing primarily the individual Believer about their “spiritual warfare”. Paul wrote to two Churches, Corinth and Ephesus, about this spiritual conflict. Both of these Churches were undergoing a very terrible persecution that is why the Church’s Armour was and is relevant and very important for the persecuted Church today.)
a) Ephesians 6:10. Church, be strong with the Lord’s Mighty Power.
b) Ephesians 6:11. Church, put on all of God’s Armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies and tricks of the Devil.
c) Ephesians 6:12. Church, our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness.
d) Ephesians 6:13. Church, use every piece of God’s Armour to resist the enemy in the time of evil. (It means any time that the Church faces evil.) So that after the battle you will be standing firm.
e) Ephesians 6:14. Church, stand your ground and put on the sturdy belt of Truth as well as the body Armour of God’s Righteousness.
f) Ephesians 6:15. Church, for shoes put on the Peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
g) Ephesians 6:16. Church, in every battle you will need Faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.
h) Ephesians 6:17. Church, put on Salvation as your helmet and take the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
i) Matthew 16:18. Jesus said that all the powers of hell cannot conquer the Church.
j) Colossians 2:15. God has disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His Victory over them at the Cross.
k) 1 Corinthians 15:25. Christ must Reign until He humbles all of His enemies beneath His feet.
l) Romans 16:20. Church, the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
(This Second one teaches me the importance of The Church’s Armour)
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Chris.
In many of the Nations of the World the Church is facing persecution. For some it has been going on for years, for others it is a new experience. During the times of persecution two things are important: firstly the Prayers of God’s People throughout the World and secondly that the persecuted Church puts on its Armour.
