10.1.17 // STAY IN THE GAME

STAY IN THE GAME
Whose Team Are You On?
Pastor Mark Groover

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT)- Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

4 Essential Plays to Help Us Win In The Game of Life

1. Preparation
Hebrews 12:1 (NAS)-Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

- The game of life isn’t necessarily won on the field.
- Games are won in the weight room, film room, and the locker room.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)-Guard you heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 (MSG)-Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.

-Where you set your heart at the beginning is going to determine where you end up and how you finish.
-Worship flows from the heart.

2. Daily Discipline
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NLT)- All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

- Unless giftedness is coupled with a complementary work ethic, it will result in wasted potential.
- We can’t just pray as if it depends solely on God; we also have to work as if it depends on us

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)- But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

- It’s the small choices no one sees that result in the big impact that everyone wants.

3. Build Endurance: the ability or strength to continue despite fatigue, stress or adverse conditions. The capacity to bear up under difficult circumstances. Hopeful fortitude that resists weariness. It means: To remain under

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)- Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us [a]fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

- Praise precedes the Victory!
- Praise is not a denial of our circumstances but it declares that God is faithful and trustworthy regardless of our situation.

Acts 16:25-27
2 Chronicles 20:21-22

4. Finish Strong
Hebrews 12:3 (NASB)- For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Don’t focus on the frustration or struggle. 
Focus on JESUS. He has already overcome the cross and grave.
Give Him your praise. Not your situation.