God Calls Us Strong in the Grace that is in Jesus Christ part 3

Concept: 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

2 Tim 2:1-7 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. NASU

Living for God was compared by Paul to competing in the Olympic Games in Greece.

1 Cor 9:25-27 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.

26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary.

27 But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. AMP  

Enjoying the Christian Life requires that we are disciplined. We are saved and live by grace. That grace requires that we do our part by living according to God’s Word. There are times when we must discipline ourselves in living for God by not participating in the world’s ways or pleasures. Our lives and resources are to be used in such a way that God is honored and that we are in truth His light to those around us. This may require that we struggle against desires and those ways of thinking, speaking and acting that do not honor God.