Run to Win

Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of April 27, 2025

Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.

# Summary

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses spiritual discipline and purposeful living for the Gospel. He uses his own example of voluntarily limiting his rights as an apostle, choosing not to receive financial support despite having that right, in order to remove any barriers to sharing the Gospel. Paul then draws a powerful metaphor from the Isthmian Games, comparing the Christian life to an athletic race that requires discipline, focus, and purpose.

# Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive Your truth. Help us to be honest with ourselves and each other about areas where we need more discipline in our spiritual lives. Guide our conversation and show us how to better run this race You've called us to. In Jesus' name, Amen.

# Ice Breaker

What was your favorite sport or physical activity growing up, and what did it teach you about discipline?

# Key Verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

  • Philippians 3:12-14

  • Hebrews 12:1-2

# Questions

  • What rights or freedoms might we need to voluntarily limit for the sake of sharing the Gospel?

  • How does Paul's athletic metaphor help us understand spiritual discipline?

  • What are some specific areas in your life where you need more spiritual discipline?

  • Why is it important to have 'training partners' in our spiritual journey?

  • How can we maintain focus and purpose in our spiritual lives when facing distractions?

  • What does it mean to 'run to win' in our Christian walk?

  • How can we practice self-control in our daily lives as believers?

  • What spiritual disciplines do you find most challenging and why?

# Life Application

This week, identify one area of spiritual discipline where you need growth (prayer, Bible reading, serving, etc.). Create a specific, achievable plan to strengthen that area, including when and how you will practice it. Find at least one other person to run with. And fix your eyes on Jesus as you run.

# Key Takeaways

  • Spiritual growth requires intentional discipline and training

  • We should be willing to limit our freedoms for the sake of the Gospel

  • Running the Christian race requires purpose and focus

  • Community support is essential for maintaining spiritual discipline

  • The eternal prize is worth the temporary sacrifice of discipline

# Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to run this race of faith. Give us the strength and discipline to run with purpose, keeping our eyes fixed on You. Help us encourage one another as we run together, and remind us that the prize of knowing You more deeply is worth every sacrifice. In Your name we pray, Amen.

1 CorinthiansPastor Jason MookMTN CHURCH