LIFE AS A FIGHT

Text: TEXT : 1 CORINTH 9:24-27
11 September 2005

(I) THE CONCEPT OF FIGHTING

1. Lexical meaning : Reference to boxing

“Thus I fight:” 1 Cor 9:26

2. Historical meaning : An ancient sport used in the Olympics in Greece.

3. Spiritual meaning : An image used for our spiritual fights.

(II) THE “CHALLENGERS” THAT CAN AFFECT OUR CERTAINTY

1. Dread

2. Difficulty

3. Distraction

4. Drained out

5. Discouragement

6. Down and out feelings

(III) THE CAUSES FOR US TO FIGHT ON IN LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. Fight for survival

2. Fight to sustain

3. Fight for success

(IV) A MOST CERTAIN MANNER IN CONTENDING FOR THE FIGHT

1. Totally committed in our fight

“Thus I fight” 1 Cor 9:26

2. Tempered spirit

“Not as one who beats the air.” 1 Cor 9:26

3. Tough mindset

(V) BEING A CONQUEROR…STILL STANDING AT THE END

1. Be the conqueror rather than the conquered

2. Knock out all the “challengers” in our lives and ministry

3. Be absolutely certain that we will triumph in our fight.