i. to compare rewards of earthly races and that of the heavenly or eternal one and
ii. to help us re-capture and concentrate on pursuits that has eternal value.
While earthly rewards are good and laudable, they are temporary. In our Bible passage today, we can see the reward for the good works of Joseph in Potiphar's in Gen 39:1-6. His master made him the commander in chief of his household. However, things changed for Joseph when he failed to compromise his godly position in Verse 7-18. An excellent reward therefore turned to life in imprisonment in Verse 19-20. Our study guides shall open us more into how to run our race in order to win eternal reward.
1. How can you describe temporary rewards in line with our study today? Compare with 1Sam 18:1-2,6,8-11.
2. How can a Christian participate or be engaged in earthly race without compromising his/her focus on things that have eternal value? Col. 2:8;3:5; 2Tim 2:5,22-23.
3. How would you compare the rewards of earthly races and that of the heavenly one? 1Cor. 9:25; 2Cor. 4:18.
4. The Church today appears to be succumbing to earthly attractions and its reward system and are losing sight of the heavenly one. Discuss in line with Col 3:1-2; 2Tim 2:19-21.
Surely, the goal of earthly races is laudable rewards. However ,the serious-minded Christian must know and be able to set boundary of convictions to safeguard his or her soul in those pursuits. A steady gaze on the goal of the heavenly race cannot be compromised if this must happen.
The focus reflects the affection.
Col. 3:1-2 "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth".