The Grace To Win

Introduction

Nowadays many are losing in the game of life. They are either getting disqualified or totally getting eliminated. Some cannot even stand another round. Others are quitting too soon. The only one who seems to be winning in this game called life is the enemy of our souls. So, how can we win? We need grace. Lots of it. But how do we experience the grace to win? (2 Timothy 2:10-19)

THREE RULES TO WIN

  1. Be *chosen* (2 Tim 2:10-13) – The first rule in the Olympics of the first century was to be chosen. No one can just join the games. Jurors screened every applicant and many were rejected. It was a great honor to be chosen. In the same way, we are chosen by God to be part of his winning team. This is by grace and through faith. We do not deserve to be chosen.
  2. Go through *training* (2 Tim 2:14-15) – Athletes who were chosen to compete went through strict training involving every area of their lives. Failure to submit to this training meant either stiff fines or disqualification. In the same way, even though we are chosen by grace, it doesn’t mean we should not exert effort. We must go through strict training as well.
  3. Play *well* and don’t *cheat* (2 Tim 2:16-19) – Athletes in the first century were expected to play according to the rules. They must not cheat in any way. Failure to do so meant instant disqualification. In the same way, we cannot win the game of life if we are cheating. We must pursue godliness and holiness to stay in the game. Of course, this does not mean losing salvation. But our influence will be compromised if we are practicing wickedness.

Conclusion

  1. Unless we compete by the *rules*, we will *not win*.
  2. Ask yourself these three questions: a) Have you entrusted your life to Jesus? b) Are you being trained? c) Are you pursuing godliness and holiness?
  3. This week, ask God to give you the grace to live according to these rules.

Discussion

  1. Why are some Christians getting disqualified or losing in the game of life?
  2. What would it take for them to win instead?
  3. How will you practice these things in your life so that you can also win?

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