Sermon Notes by Glen Kowal
1 Corinthians 9:24–27
• Paul asks, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?”
• “Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
• Everyone who competes trains rigorously.
• Athletes compete for a perishable crown, but we compete for an eternal crown.
• Paul emphasizes: “I do not run like someone running aimlessly. I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”
• He disciplines his body and makes it his slave, so he will not be disqualified after preaching to others.
• This shows that even those actively serving God, even disciples of Jesus Christ , can lose the prize if they do not run with discipline, devotion, and obedience.
• Scripture reminds us: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
1 Corinthians 10:1–13
• The Israelites experienced God’s blessings: the sea, the cloud, spiritual food, and spiritual drink.
• Most did not enter the Promised Land because their hearts were not faithful.
• Being part of God’s people, the church does not guarantee the prize; obedience and a surrendered heart are required.
• They fell into idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling.
• Temptation is real, but God is faithful.
• God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.
• God will always provide a way out, but we must choose to take it.
Hebrews 3:7–11
• The Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
• The Israelites hardened their hearts during forty years in the wilderness.
• God’s anger prevented them from entering His rest.
• Even after witnessing God’s works, unbelief and rebellion kept them from receiving the promise.
• This reinforces that outward experiences (like being part of God’s people) are not enough; our hearts must remain faithful.
Numbers 11
• The people complained about hardships even while God provided.
• Their hearts were ungrateful, showing the danger of focusing on discomfort rather than God’s provision.
Numbers 14
• The Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land out of fear.
• God desires hearts fully surrendered to Him.
Numbers 21:5–6
• The Israelites spoke against God and Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?”
• God sent venomous snakes, and many died.
• Complaining and rebellion have real consequences.
Numbers 16:49
• Fire came out from the Lord and consumed 250 men offering unauthorized incense.
• This demonstrates God’s holiness and the seriousness of disobedience.
Main Themes
• Israel’s history shows blessings alone do not secure faithfulness.
• God is jealous for our hearts and desires full devotion.
• There is no salvation by association. Experiencing spiritual things or baptism does not guarantee the prize.
• Scripture warns: a believer can fall away and forfeit the prize through unbelief, rebellion, or disobedience.
• Examine what your heart chases, complains about, and values.
Our Actions Matter
• Our choices affect family, community, and the church.
• Private and public behavior influence others.
• Encourage one another daily to prevent hearts from hardening.
• Complaining, grumbling, and comparison weaken both individuals and the community.
Temptation and God’s Faithfulness
• Temptation is real, but God is faithful.
• He will never allow a temptation beyond what we can endure with His help.
• God provides a way out: prayer, wise choices, stepping away, calling a brother or sister, or obeying Him in the moment.
• Temptation is not sin; ignoring God’s escape route is.
Point 1: Our God
• He is faithful and jealous for our hearts.
• He warns, teaches, disciplines, strengthens, and provides escape routes.
• He desires real devotion, not surface participation.
Point 2: Our Relationships
• Our lives either strengthen or weaken those around us.
• Israel’s fear, complaining, and unbelief weakened their community.
• We build each other up through encouragement, faith, example, and service.
• Our influence matters at home, church, and work.
Point 3: Our Heart
• Israel fell because their hearts were not surrendered, not because they lacked blessings.
• Guard your heart against drifting, complaining, or spiritual laziness.
• Hardships, temptations, and trials reveal what your heart is truly set on.
• Running in such a way to get the prize requires focus, discipline, humility, and surrendered hearts.
• Scripture makes clear: being baptized, part of God’s people, or experiencing blessings does not automatically secure the prize.
Final Reminder
• Paul gives Israel’s story as both warning and encouragement.
• Learn from their mistakes.
• Run in such a way as to get the prize.
• Guard your heart.
• Discipline your life for Christ.
• Encourage others daily.
• Trust God to provide strength and a way out when temptation comes.
