Jesus is the Coach, the prize is eternal life

Food
      Athletes in training cannot eat junk food and reach their goal
      The Bible is our food
      Trashy books & reading will inhibit our ability to win the race
      Read Bible daily
            Moral books at Christian bookstores
      TV usually like bad book
            be selective with what shows you watch

Excercise
      Athletes train 8-12 hours per day
      Prayer is exercise for Christian
            Talk to God about everything

Rules
      Obedience to God is obeying the rules
            No athlete got gold medal without strict obedience to rules

Get Rid of Excess Baggage
      How can you win if you run the race with extra weight on your back?
      If closet friends aren't Christians...they'll weigh you down
      Be friends with non-Christians, but closest relationships with Christians

Talk With Coach's Assistants
      If problems...talk with preacher, Sunday school teacher, older Christians

Hecklers
      Always someone ready to put wet blanket on your efforts for gold medal
      Don't listen
      Heckler may say one thing is not so bad..is okay
      Not true. One thing can keep you from winning.

Homestretch
      Philip 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
      Don't let up in the Christian race...we con't know where the homestretch comes
            It could be 100 yd. dash or 2 mile run
            Life could end tomorrow or years from now
      Whenever it is, wonderful to get the gold medal - eternal life
      2 Tim 4:7,8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous just judge, shall give me at that day."

Stumbling
      What happens when an athlete stumbles and falls?
            If the athlete doesn't try again, he will not win the race
      What happens to you if you fall into sin? Heb 10:26 & 27
            confess your sin to God 1John 1:9
            ask Christ back into your heart & life 1 John 2:1
            it is possible to stumble and not recover; talk to God immediately