Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Luke 9:23-25; Titus 2:11-12; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:27-29

Sermon Notes:

Intro: We gather to train to be like Jesus, not just try. Trying often fails (loving enemies, not being anxious). Training builds capacity. Like an athlete, becoming like Jesus requires discipline and sacrifice, not just desire (baseball player analogy). Today, we explore the foundation needed for all spiritual disciplines: self-control, inspired by 1 Corinthians 9.

Key Points:

1. Training vs. Trying Illustrated: You can't just try to run a marathon; you train by doing what you can do (run shorter distances) to eventually do what you can't (run 26.2 miles). Similarly, if you try not to be jealous and fail, have you trained? Training involves actionable steps: remove triggers (social media), practice gratitude, memorize Scripture, bless those you envy.
2. The Athlete Analogy (1 Cor 9:24-27): Paul urges us to run the Christian race purposefully, like athletes in "strict training," exercising self-control to win an imperishable prize. He disciplines ("strikes a blow to") his body, fighting desires that could disqualify him. This requires effort, not passivity.
3. Self-Control is Foundational: It's the bedrock for discipleship and all disciplines. It's doing right when you don't feel like it, resisting impulses daily. Following Jesus requires self-denial (Luke 9:23). Can you be faithful, generous, kind, or selfless without it? No.
4. Self-Control is Future-Oriented: Discipline isn't for its own sake; it aims at a future reward (God's "crown"). It demands delayed gratification – choosing the greater, later reward over the smaller, immediate one. This involves ordering our loves, ensuring God and others come before lesser desires (comfort, pride, pleasure).
5. Self-Control is Spirit-Empowered: While requiring our effort ("make every effort" - 2 Pet 1:5), self-control is ultimately a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:23). It's a "both/and": we strive, wrestle, run (our part), empowered by God's divine power working in us (His part - Phil 2:13, Col 1:29). It's like sailing: we work the sails; God provides the wind.
6. Grace Trains Self-Control (Titus 2:11-12): God's grace—His unmerited favor and cleansing—doesn't excuse effort; it teaches and empowers us to say "no" to ungodliness and live self-controlled lives. Experiencing a fresh start motivates positive change.

Conclusion: Becoming like Jesus requires disciplined training, grounded in self-control. This self-control is foundational to following Him, requires a future focus on His eternal rewards (ordering our loves correctly), and is ultimately produced and empowered by the Holy Spirit as we partner with His grace.

Call to Action:

• Embrace the mindset of an athlete: Commit to training, not just trying.
• Identify 1-2 areas where you lack self-control and need to train.
• Make every effort, choosing discipline over ease, but rely fully on the Holy Spirit's power.
• When you fail, receive God's grace as a fresh start, empowering you to get back into training. Don't let failure lead to giving up ("what the hell effect").

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