November 8, 2025

FIGHTING FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING (PART 4)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:5 KJV – “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: In the heavenly race, it is not enough to run; you must run lawfully according to God’s Word. Many begin well but deviate by choosing their own paths, compromising truth, and bending to worldly standards. Beloved, your relationship with God must be one of obedience and alignment with His will. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Fighting for the prize demands walking in truth and holiness, not seeking shortcuts or alternative ways. The crown is only for those who endure and obey the rules of the Master.

YOUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION: A believer who desires the prize must cultivate self-discipline and godly character. Paul declared that he kept his body under subjection so that he would not be a castaway after preaching to others (1 Corinthians 9:27). The Christian life is not careless living; it is a disciplined walk of faith, prayer, fasting, and the study of God’s Word. If your spiritual condition is lax and disorderly, you cannot endure the race. Spiritual discipline and integrity are non-negotiable for anyone striving for the crown of righteousness.

THE VOICE OF YOUR CONSCIENCE: Your conscience will constantly remind you whether you are running lawfully or unlawfully. When you compromise, cheat, or justify sin, your conscience will prick you. Do not silence it with excuses. A tender conscience aligned with the Holy Spirit will urge you to repent, correct your steps, and continue running faithfully. Remember, the righteous Judge will not bend His standards for anyone. Only those who obey His rules will be crowned.

PRAYER:

Lord, keep me from unlawful striving. Help me to run faithfully and obediently, and let me never be a castaway in this race, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

REFLECTION:

Revelation 2:7 KJV – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

PRAYER POINTS

1. My Father and my God, help me to run this heavenly race according to Your Word. Deliver me from every form of compromise and disobedience that could make me miss the crown, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

2. Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen me with divine discipline to keep my body and spirit under subjection. Let my life reflect holiness, purity, and total obedience to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

3. O Lord my God, awaken my conscience by Your Spirit. Let me never silence Your voice within me; give me the grace to repent quickly and correct my steps whenever I go astray, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

4. My Father and my God, empower me to endure to the end. Let nothing in this world distract or discourage me from pressing toward the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.