Rhapsody of Realities
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc, D.D ;
NO SHADOWBOXING
(Get Coached And Spiritual Trained)
TO THE BIBLE Ephesians 4:11-13
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the
saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”
LET’S TALK➡
The Bible says that we’re running a race, likening us to athletes: “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me!” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 MSG). Also, in 1 Corinthians 9:26 (TLB), Paul, by the Spirit, writes: “…I fight to win. I’m not just shadowboxing or playing around.” Did you notice that? We’re not shadowboxing; we’re actually in the ring. We’re sportsmen for the Lord, and sportsmen need seasoned coaches to put them through.
Can you see why being a member of a church can’t be overemphasised? Going to church shouldn’t be taken as something casual to do on holidays alone. The church is a place of worship, where we assemble to be blessed, refreshed, strengthened, and energised for victory by God’s Spirit. We come to church to learn the Word of God, to be trained, and to be coached.
Notice our opening verse one more time. It says God gave the ministry gifts, the five-fold offices, for the edification and equipping of the Church, for the perfecting of the saints, and for the work of the ministry. This will go on until we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto perfection, and unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That’s where He’s taking us. That’s the reason for the coaching, the spiritual training that we’re receiving through the Spirit.
Go Deeper?
Luke 4:16
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 AMPC
25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a [a]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].
26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing].
27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].
Pray?♂
Dear Father, thank you for the Church of the living God, the ground and pillar of truth, where I’m trained in God’s Word. I’m a sportsman, equipped for the work of the ministry; I wax stronger and more effective in the ministry of the Gospel in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Luke 7:1-35, Deuteronomy 33-34
TWO YEAR
Romans 3:20-25, Psalm 97
Act▶
Right where you are, lift your hands and praise the Lord for the opportunity to receive spiritual training and coaching.