
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What is winning in the Christian life? The apostle Paul redefines success in our Christian walk in 1 Corinthians 9. Although Paul uses athletic imagery to depict the Christian race, the key insight is realizing that we've already "won the lottery" through the gospel. We've been given forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, eternal citizenship, and transformation into Christ's image. The remaining prize is to share these gospel blessings with others. It's not about earning God's favor, but about living with self-control and ordered desires, ensuring nothing we do stops others from experiencing this eternal gift. The message also addresses idolatry—not just about statues, but when desires for comfort, control, pleasure or security outweigh our longing for God. We're called to exercise self-rule, not to manipulate God for a better life, but to invite others to share in the incredible gift we've received. In 2026, each day is an opportunity to love Christ, pray for those strategically placed in our lives, and share the gospel's blessings with them.
Chapter 1: The True Prize: Sharing in the Gospel 0:00 - 10:41
Chapter 2: Exercising Self-Control for the Gospel 10:42 - 14:47
Chapter 3: Ordering Our Desires Against Idolatry 14:48 - 22:27
Chapter 4: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Who Loves Us 22:28
By High Desert Church5
2424 ratings
What is winning in the Christian life? The apostle Paul redefines success in our Christian walk in 1 Corinthians 9. Although Paul uses athletic imagery to depict the Christian race, the key insight is realizing that we've already "won the lottery" through the gospel. We've been given forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, eternal citizenship, and transformation into Christ's image. The remaining prize is to share these gospel blessings with others. It's not about earning God's favor, but about living with self-control and ordered desires, ensuring nothing we do stops others from experiencing this eternal gift. The message also addresses idolatry—not just about statues, but when desires for comfort, control, pleasure or security outweigh our longing for God. We're called to exercise self-rule, not to manipulate God for a better life, but to invite others to share in the incredible gift we've received. In 2026, each day is an opportunity to love Christ, pray for those strategically placed in our lives, and share the gospel's blessings with them.
Chapter 1: The True Prize: Sharing in the Gospel 0:00 - 10:41
Chapter 2: Exercising Self-Control for the Gospel 10:42 - 14:47
Chapter 3: Ordering Our Desires Against Idolatry 14:48 - 22:27
Chapter 4: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Who Loves Us 22:28

230,213 Listeners

3,687 Listeners

1,297 Listeners

5,440 Listeners

5,374 Listeners

921 Listeners