Sunday School 07/19/2026

Topic: THE LIFE THAT WINS

Memory Verse

“And if also a man strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned unless he strives lawfully. “2Timothy 2:5

Lesson Text

1 Corinthians 9: 24-27, Philippians 3:12-15

Lesson Introduction

A critical examination of living things and their environment shows the ever-increasing intensity in competition and the desire to win. From plants to animals to humans alike. As you move above the food chain, we see a higher intense overpowering. It is then important to examine or study what it means to win. Is winning even important? Are believers expected to compete? Should winning be a goal? If yes, how do we win? How do we compete? Overarchingly, what does success mean to a believer? May the Lord instruct our hearts as we study tonight.

Lesson Outline

A. THE EXPECTATION AND PROVISION TO SUCCEED

B. THE LIFE THAT WINS

A: THE EXPECTATION AND PROVISION TO SUCCEED

One fundamental feature of people who are the praise of God is that they stand out amongst their peers. The scripture is replete with examples of people whose lives were a testimony of God’s glory because they stood out in their respective fields. In the scriptures, we see biblical examples of men and women who were high performers, who went beyond the normal and did beyond what was expected of ordinary men/women.

Isaac received a hundredfold from his investment in Agriculture. Gen. 26:12-14
⁠Daniel had an excellent spirit in him, and he was able to produce results that the astrologers and the magicians could not produce. Dan. 5:12
Joseph was able to weather the storm of food insecurity in the land of Egypt and provided food to the neighboring countries. His start-up idea to stock food, which took about 7 years, became a Unicorn. His idea made so much money for Pharaoh in Egypt. Even when money failed-(Hyperinflation) he was still in business.
David’s defeat of Goliath was a testament that he was a high-performing veteran. No Israelite could confront Goliath, but he was able to confront and defeat the enemy. 1 Sam. 17:45
Joseph of Arimathea Mk 15:43-45
If we agree that all these people were successful,how about the numerous kings in the Bible? Were they successful people? – King Herod, Caesar, King Nebuchadnezzar, etc. We then should probably look beyond success.

B: THE LIFE THAT WINS

The life that has found purpose in God. Eph. 3:11
The life that is running the race in God and with patience. Heb. 12:1
One that is on the path to finish the race. Lk. 9:62
The life that obtains victory by the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:57
The life that lives by Faith. 1 Jn. 5:4
One that is temperate in all things. 1 Cor. 9:25
The richest and wisest man on earth considered himself and made a conclusion – fear God and keep His commandments. Ecc. 12:13

Questions

What does it mean to succeed?
What does it mean to win?

Conclusion

1 Cor. 9:25 tells us that the definition of winning for believers is to obtain an incorruptible crown, not a corruptible one. So, as beautiful as it sounds that we have the best jobs, it doesn’t qualify as a success, except it keeps us on the path to obtain an incorruptible crown. In the testimony of that achievement, who won? God or your antics and politics?