November 6, 2025

FIGHTING FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING (PART 2)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV – “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: Running for the prize of the high calling is not a collective effort where everyone is automatically crowned. It is a personal walk with God. Your salvation is personal, so is your race. Many run, but not all run lawfully or diligently. Beloved, you must ensure that your relationship with God is based on truth, holiness, and obedience. God is not mocked; what you sow is what you will reap (Galatians 6:7). To obtain the prize, you must walk daily in sincere fellowship with Christ, refusing to be entangled with the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4).

YOUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION: Fighting for the prize demands a spirit of endurance and resilience. Trials, temptations, and persecutions will arise, but they must not take you off the track. The Christian race is not for the faint-hearted. It is for those who endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). The condition of your spirit should reflect steadfastness, humility, and joy in suffering for the sake of the kingdom. Remember, crowns are reserved for those who finish well, not for those who start and give up midway.

THE VOICE OF YOUR CONSCIENCE: As you press toward the prize, your conscience must serve as a referee, reminding you of the rules of the race. You cannot win if you run unlawfully (2 Timothy 2:5). A conscience aligned with the Word of God will rebuke you when you attempt to compromise, cut corners, or live carelessly. The Spirit-filled conscience points you to righteousness, peace, and purity. Beloved, take heed to that inner voice so that your running will not be in vain.

PRAYER:

O Lord, help me to run faithfully and lawfully, and grant me the grace to endure to the end, that I may receive the crown of life in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

REFLECTION:

Revelation 3:11 KJV – “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

PRAYER POINTS:

1. My Father and my God, strengthen my relationship with You; help me to walk in truth, holiness, and obedience daily, that I may run this race lawfully, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

2. O Lord, grant me endurance and resilience to overcome every trial, temptation, and persecution on my way to the crown of life, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

3. Heavenly Father, deliver me from spiritual distractions and worldly entanglements that can take me off the track of righteousness, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

4. Lord Jesus, purify my conscience and align it with Your Word; let it continually guide me in righteousness and convict me whenever I go astray, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

5. O Lord, empower me to hold fast to my faith till the end; let no man, situation, or temptation take my crown away from me, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.