From Trying to Training: Winning Spiritually in Life
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of winning in life from a spiritual perspective, drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:24, which encourages us to "run to win." We began by acknowledging that everyone loves to win, but many of us feel like we are not winning in various areas of our lives—be it spiritually, financially, or relationally. The root cause of this struggle is often our approach to change. We tend to "try" to change, which is a half-hearted effort, rather than "train" for change, which requires full commitment and discipline.
We delved into the difference between trying and training. Trying is an attempt with minimal commitment, often leading to failure and excuses. Training, on the other hand, is a wholehearted commitment to achieving a goal. It involves discipline, planning, and a clear purpose. We need to shift from trying to training in our spiritual lives to experience lasting change.
We also reviewed the key elements of spiritual transformation: a spiritual why, who, what, and not. A spiritual why gives us the right motivation for change, aiming to honor God. A spiritual who helps us understand our identity in Christ, which influences our behavior. A spiritual what identifies the good habits we need to start, and a spiritual not focuses on the bad habits we need to eliminate.
Paul's metaphor of athletes training for a prize that fades away was contrasted with Christians training for an eternal prize. Just as athletes discipline their bodies, we must discipline our spiritual lives. This involves creating a game plan, getting the right "gear" (like a Bible or joining a life group), and committing to the process.
The sermon concluded with a call to action: stop trying and start training. This shift from human effort to spiritual effort, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, is essential for true transformation. We are encouraged to see ourselves as "in training" for every aspect of our lives, from our marriages to our personal growth in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Run to Win: God wants us to win in life, not just participate. This means putting in the effort to achieve spiritual victories, much like athletes train rigorously to win a race. We are called to run with purpose and discipline, aiming for an eternal prize that does not fade away. [12:02]
2. From Trying to Training: Trying is a half-hearted effort that often leads to failure and excuses. Training, however, is a wholehearted commitment to achieving a goal. It involves discipline, planning, and a clear purpose. This shift from trying to training is crucial for lasting spiritual transformation. [16:31]
3. Spiritual Transformation: Lasting change comes from spiritual transformation, not behavior modification. This involves changing the heart from the inside out. A spiritual why, who, what, and not are essential elements in this process, providing the right motivation, identity, habits, and eliminations needed for true change. [19:03]
4. Discipline and Commitment: Just as athletes discipline their bodies for a temporary prize, we must discipline our spiritual lives for an eternal reward. This involves creating a game plan, getting the right "gear," and committing to the process. Training requires an all-in effort, not a half-hearted attempt. [26:58]
5. Power of the Holy Spirit: True transformation is a spiritual effort based on the power of the Holy Spirit. Human effort alone leads to failure, but when we rely on the Holy Spirit, we experience lasting change. This involves surrendering our lives to Jesus and allowing Him to work in us and through us. [42:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:02] - Who Likes to Win?
[13:41] - Run to Win
[14:58] - Why Aren't We Winning?
[16:31] - Trying vs. Training
[17:45] - Spiritual Transformation
[19:03] - Changing from the Inside Out
[20:28] - Spiritual Why, Who, What, and Not
[21:51] - Spiritual How
[23:04] - Paul's Metaphor of Athletes
[24:17] - Training for an Eternal Prize
[26:58] - Discipline and Commitment
[29:57] - Power to Change
[31:40] - Creating a Game Plan
[35:06] - Training Regimen
[36:28] - Commitment Over Feelings
[39:12] - Spiritual Training Steps
[42:10] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[43:22] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
> "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 in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
2. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
> "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 9:24, what is the attitude we should have when running the race of life?
2. What does Paul say about the nature of the prize that athletes compete for versus the prize Christians are striving for? (1 Corinthians 9:25)
3. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, what does Paul contrast with godliness, and what does he say about the value of each?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between "trying" and "training"? ([16:31])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of running with purpose and discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27? How does this relate to our spiritual lives?
2. How does the concept of training for godliness in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 apply to our daily spiritual practices?
3. The sermon mentions the need for a "spiritual why" as a motivator for change. How does understanding our identity in Christ (a spiritual who) influence our behavior? ([19:03])
4. What are some practical steps mentioned in the sermon that can help us shift from trying to training in our spiritual lives? ([31:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on an area of your life where you feel like you are not "winning." How can you apply the principle of "running to win" from 1 Corinthians 9:24 to this area? ([13:41])
2. Identify a habit you have been "trying" to change. What would it look like to approach this habit with the mindset of "training" instead? ([16:31])
3. What is your "spiritual why" for wanting to grow in your faith? How does this motivation help you stay committed to your spiritual disciplines? ([19:03])
4. Think about a "spiritual who" in your life. How does understanding your identity in Christ help you overcome challenges and temptations? ([20:28])
5. What are some "spiritual whats" (good habits) you need to start, and "spiritual nots" (bad habits) you need to eliminate? How can you create a game plan to address these? ([20:28])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of discipline and commitment. What specific steps can you take this week to discipline your spiritual life, such as setting aside time for prayer or Bible study? ([26:58])
7. How can you rely more on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than your own efforts to experience true transformation in your life? ([42:10])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the concepts discussed in the sermon and apply them to their daily lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind participants that the goal is to support each other in their spiritual growth.
Devotional
Day 1: Run with Purpose and Discipline
Description: God desires for us to win in life, not merely to participate. This means putting in the effort to achieve spiritual victories, much like athletes train rigorously to win a race. We are called to run with purpose and discipline, aiming for an eternal prize that does not fade away. This involves a clear focus on our spiritual goals and a commitment to the process of growth and transformation. By understanding that our ultimate reward is eternal, we can find the motivation to persevere through challenges and stay dedicated to our spiritual journey. [12:02]
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
Reflection: What specific spiritual goal can you commit to running towards with purpose and discipline this week? How can you remind yourself daily of the eternal prize that awaits you?
Day 2: Shift from Trying to Training
Description: Trying is a half-hearted effort that often leads to failure and excuses. Training, however, is a wholehearted commitment to achieving a goal. It involves discipline, planning, and a clear purpose. This shift from trying to training is crucial for lasting spiritual transformation. When we train, we approach our spiritual growth with the same seriousness and dedication as an athlete preparing for a competition. This means setting specific goals, creating a plan, and consistently working towards those goals with determination and perseverance. [16:31]
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life where you have been "trying" rather than "training." What steps can you take today to shift your approach and begin training with full commitment?
Day 3: Embrace Spiritual Transformation
Description: Lasting change comes from spiritual transformation, not mere behavior modification. This involves changing the heart from the inside out. A spiritual why, who, what, and not are essential elements in this process, providing the right motivation, identity, habits, and eliminations needed for true change. Understanding our spiritual why gives us the motivation to honor God in all we do. Recognizing our spiritual who helps us understand our identity in Christ, which influences our behavior. Identifying the spiritual what and not helps us establish good habits and eliminate bad ones. [19:03]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What is your spiritual why? How does understanding your identity in Christ (spiritual who) influence your daily actions and decisions? What good habits (spiritual what) can you start, and what bad habits (spiritual not) do you need to eliminate?
Day 4: Discipline and Commitment for an Eternal Reward
Description: Just as athletes discipline their bodies for a temporary prize, we must discipline our spiritual lives for an eternal reward. This involves creating a game plan, getting the right "gear," and committing to the process. Training requires an all-in effort, not a half-hearted attempt. By developing a disciplined approach to our spiritual growth, we can stay focused on our goals and make consistent progress. This means setting aside time for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, and being intentional about our spiritual practices. [26:58]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to create a game plan for your spiritual growth? What "gear" (resources, tools, or support) do you need to gather to help you stay committed to the process?
Day 5: Rely on the Power of the Holy Spirit
Description: True transformation is a spiritual effort based on the power of the Holy Spirit. Human effort alone leads to failure, but when we rely on the Holy Spirit, we experience lasting change. This involves surrendering our lives to Jesus and allowing Him to work in us and through us. By depending on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome our weaknesses and experience the fullness of God's power in our lives. This means daily surrendering our will to God, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His strength to help us grow and transform. [42:10]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been relying on your own strength rather than the power of the Holy Spirit? How can you surrender these areas to God and invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through you today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to help you become the very best version of you that you can be. That's what we do here at New Life Church. We believe that, look, this is who we are right now, but this is who God wants us to be. And we're on a journey to become all that God really wants us to be. And if that's who you are, then man, welcome to the New Life Church." [01:01:21] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants you to win. So look at what 1 Corinthians 9, verse 24 says. It says, don't you realize that in a race everyone runs where only one person gets the prize? Can you just shout out the last words with me? So run to win. Now look, before you just thought this was Jeff Baker with his little antics up here as a pastor getting this sermon started. No, no, no, no. I was actually talking about God's word. God's word says, look, if you're gonna do it, do it to win. Run to win." [01:03:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a power to change that comes from training for godliness, guys. And it's worth it because the prize is so much greater than a wreath. The prize is eternal life with God forever. So what's the difference between training and trying? Well, trying is just an attempt. It's an attempt to change with a minimal commitment. Trying, just think about the word itself. I'm trying to do it. So many people say, I'm trying to do something, which means this. I'm kind of half-hearted." [29:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you want to actually experience the power to change? And do you actually want to stop trying and start training? It has to be a spiritual response to God, a spiritual effort based on the power of the Holy Spirit and let God change you from the inside out. There is a power to change. Train. Don't try. Train. Don't try." [42:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let me motivate you today. Let me tell you this. That winning isn't something that happens when you finally completed the change in your life. Winning happens when you wake up tomorrow and you commit yourself to training. Don't try anymore. Trying is a human effort based on human abilities. And when we base things on human effort and human abilities, guess what happens? We fail every time. Training is a spiritual effort based on the power of the Holy Spirit. And when we take a spiritual effort based on the power of the Holy Spirit, here's what happens. God wins every time." [42:10] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Lasting change doesn't come through behavior modification. Lasting change happens through spiritual transformation. Spiritual transformation. We talked about that spiritual transformation is changing the heart. It's changing from the inside out. And then if we don't change the heart, we don't change our life. And if we don't change the heart, then guess what happens? The behaviors come back." [01:07:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to help you change the way you think about change. Today, basically, what I want to do is I want to help you change your perspective on change, and I'm going to help you do that. We're going to get there, but before we do that, let's review this teaching series. This teaching series started with this premise that we want to have lasting change, but lasting change doesn't come through behavior modification. Lasting change happens through spiritual transformation." [16:31] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So we talked about, well, how do you get there? Well, you need a spiritual why. A spiritual why is like the answer to why you're going to change. It's not I'm just changing because I don't like what I'm saying. I'm changing because I want to bring glory and honor to the Lord. I'm not just going to change the way that I deal with my finances because I hate being in debt. No, I'm going to change the way I deal with my finances because I want to put God first in my finances." [01:09:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So let's review. What's the difference between trying and training? Well, when you're trying, it's easy to give up. It's easy to walk away. Why? Because I don't feel like it right now. I don't feel like it. But when you're training, when you're training, then you don't, you don't train, right, according to your feelings. You train according to your commitment. There's a difference. You don't train according to how you feel. I don't feel like it today so I'm not going to church. I don't feel like it today so I'm not reading the Bible. I don't feel like it today so I'm not going to serve, you know, my position that I volunteered for here at the church. You don't do that. That's trying. Trying is based on feelings. Training is based on commitment." [36:28] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You need to get to a point where you start telling yourself about the change that needs to happen in your life. I'm not trying anymore. I'm training. You got to get to that spot where you start telling yourself I'm not going to try anymore. I am going to start training. Can you just say this with me? I'm not trying. I am training. Come on one more time. I'm not trying. I am training. Listen to me. I want you to stop trying to have a better marriage. You have a great marriage. You're just in training. It's a mindset change. You're right. You're right. You're not trying to be good parents. You are good parents in training. Right. You're not trying to be more like Jesus. You're a great Jesus follower in training." [40:46] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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