1. A Grand CHOICE -- Deuteronomy 11:26-28
1. Genesis 3 -- Adam & Eve
2. Genesis 4 -- Cain
3. God's choice is for our GOOD -- Deuteronomy 6:24-25
4. One day our choice will be removed:
1. Philippians 2:9-11
2. Romans 14:11-12



2. A Glorious RACE -- Hebrews 12:1-3
1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
2. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
1. 2 Timothy 2:5 -- must run according to the RULES
2. Hebrews 10:35-37 -- must run to the FINISH
3. (See Chrysostom quote at bottom)



3. Golden OPPORTUNITIES -- Revelation 3:7-8
1. Galatians 6:9-10
2. Mark 14:8-9
3. Acts 3:6
4. 2 Corinthians 8:12
5. Luke 12:47-48 -- ability + opportunity = responsibility

1. Great EXAMPLES -- Some bad and others good
1. Bad examples:
1. Cain -- 1 John 3:11-12
2. Israel -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
3. The angels who sinned -- Jude 5-7
2. Good examples:
1. Dorcas -- Acts 9:36-39
2. the Thessalonians -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
3. Paul -- 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 4:9
4. Jesus
1. John 13:12-17
2. Philippians 2:5-8
3. 1 Peter 2:21-24



2. Glittering HOPE -- 1 Peter 1:3-5
1. Hebrews 6:18-19
2. Romans 5:5
3. Romans 8:24 (cf 1 John 1:1-3)

Chrysostom said: "He that runs looks not at the spectators, but at the prize. Whether they be rich or poor, if one mock them, applaud them, insult them, throw stones at them-if one plunder their house, if they see children or wife or anything whatsoever-the runner is not turned aside, but is concerned only with his running and winning the prize.

He that runneth stoppeth nowhere; since, if he be a little remiss, all is lost. He that runneth relaxeth in no respect before the end, but then, most of all, stretcheth over the course."