Sermon:Competition among believers

WHAT IS COMPETITION?

Competition refers to the rivalry between individuals or groups who are striving to achieve a goal or succeed in a particular area. It often involves efforts to outperform others or attain recognition.

In the context of believers, competition is about striving to grow in faith, serve others, and excel in spiritual gifts.

A godly competitor encourages and supports others, recognizing that each person's success is part of God's greater plan.

GOAL OF COMPETITION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST 

The goal of competition in the body of Christ should not be to outdo others but to glorify God and build one another up in love and unity. It is about pursuing personal growth and spiritual maturity for the benefit of the community, rather than seeking personal victory over others.

WHY DO PEOPLE COMPETE?

▪︎To demonstrate superiority and prove they are better off: Some individuals compete to show that they are more capable, skilled, or successful than others, seeking validation of their abilities or status.

▪︎To motivate self-improvement and personal growth: Competition can drive individuals to push themselves, improving their skills, performance, and personal growth in order to reach higher standards.

▪︎To demonstrate strength and dominance over competitors:For some, competition is a way to assert their power, strength, or influence over others, aiming to assert their position or control.

▪︎To achieve success and recognition: People compete in order to accomplish goals, win accolades, or gain recognition for their achievements, which can be a source of pride.

DIFFERENT FORMS OF COMPETITION

i)Healthy competition 

ii)Unhealthy competition 

■Healthy competition is motivated by a desire for growth, improvement, and encouragement. It fosters an environment where individuals strive to better themselves, not out of pride or comparison, but to honor God and grow spiritually.

In the context of the Church, healthy competition should focus on the development of spiritual gifts, mutual encouragement, and the pursuit of excellence in serving others.

▪︎HEALTHY COMPETITION IN THE CHURCH 

□Encouraging Growth and Excellence:

Healthy competition in the Church encourages believers to grow in their spiritual gifts and use them to serve the Church and build up others.

 - Ephesians 4:11-16 ,"And He himself gave some to be apostles,some prophets,some evangelists,and some pastors and teachers..."

Examples of Healthy Competition:

◇Believers should pursue spiritual gifts, not as a form of comparison, but as a way to grow and develop in their spiritual walk.

-1 Corinthians 12:31,"But earnestly desire the best gifts.And yet I show you a more excellent way."

◇Success in spiritual pursuits comes from following God’s principles and striving in obedience and integrity, rather than by competing with others for status.

- 2 Timothy 2:5,"And also if anyone competes in athletics,he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."

□Fostering Unity through Healthy Competition:

Believers should compete in a way that strengthens the body of Christ, not causing division or discord. Healthy competition encourages believers to strive together for the common goal of advancing God’s kingdom, while maintaining love, humility, and unity.

- Philippians 1:27," Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. "

 ■Unhealthy competition: Driven by pride, comparison, jealousy, and division.

When competition among believers becomes unhealthy, it causes division, jealousy, and pride, which are harmful to the unity of the body of Christ. Such competition shifts the focus from glorifying God to seeking personal recognition and status.

▪︎ THE DANGER OF UNHEALTHY COMPETITION.

◇Comparison and Pride:Comparison and pride can distort our sense of worth. When we compare ourselves to others, we either become prideful or insecure, both of which lead to unhealthy competition.

-2 Corinthians 10:12,"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they,measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves,are not wise."

-Romans 12:3,"For I say,through the grace given to me,to everyone who is among you,not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think,but to think soberly,as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith."

◇Division and Disunity:When unhealthy competition arises, it leads to division and disunity within the church. Jealousy and quarrels among believers are signs of a worldly mindset that distracts from the unity Christ desires for His body.

-1 Corinthians 3:3,"For you are still carnal.For where there are envy,strife,and divisions among you,are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

-James 4:1,"Where do wars and fights come from among you?Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

◇Focus on Christ, Not Personal Glory:Instead of focusing on personal glory or status, believers are called to serve Christ and others selflessly. True greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service, not in competing for recognition or status.

-Colossians 3:23, "And whatever you do,do it heartily,ad to the Lord and not to men."

-Matthew 23:11-12,"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

BIBLICAL TEACHINGS ON COMPETITION 

Competition among believers should be focused on personal growth,unity,and love,rather than rivalry or strife.

Believers should support one another in faith and striving for holiness,rather than competing against each other.

□The Christian life is compared to athletic competition in 2 Timothy 2:5,but emphasizes discipline and focus on the mission rather than rivalry.

-2 Timothy 2:5,"And also if anyone competes in athletics,he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."

□Believers shared everything in common, emphasizing community over competition.

-Acts 2:44,"Now all who believed were together,and had all things in common."

□Believers are encouraged in Hebrews 12:1 to run the race of faith with endurance, suggesting that the focus should be on personal spiritual growth rather than competing with others.

-Hebrews 12:1,"Let us lay aside every weight,and the sin which so easily ensnares us,and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

□ Believers should put on compassion and humility,indicating that competition should be rooted in love and support rather than rivalry.

-Colossians 3:12,"Therefore,as the elect of God,holy and beloved,put on tender mercies,kindness,humility,meekness,long-suffering."

□Competition driven by desires leads to strife, urging believers to seek peace.

-James 4:1,"Where do wars and fights come from among you?Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

□Philippians 2:2,urges believers to be of one mind, reinforcing the idea of unity over competition.

-Philippians 2:2,"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded,having the same love,being of one according,of one mind."

□Believers should love one another, indicating that love should be the foundation of their relationships, overshadowing any competitive spirit.

-John 13:34-35,"A new commandment I give to you,that you love one another;as I have loved you.....By this all will know that you are my disciples,if you have love for one another."

□Believers should examine their own lives rather than compare themselves to others, as every gift comes from God.

-1 Corinthians 4:7,"For who makes you differ from another?And what do you have that you did not receive?Now if you did indeed receive it,why do you boast as if you had not received it?

□Believers are encouraged to be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,to give preference to one another,to be diligent and fervent in spirit.This advocates for a spirit of collaboration instead of competition.

-Romans 12:10,"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor or giving preference to one another.

□2 Corinthians 10:12,warns against comparing ourselves with others, which can lead to a false sense of superiority.

-2 Corinthians 10:12,"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves,and comparing themselves among themselves,are not wise. "

□God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, suggesting that competition rooted in pride is contrary to God’s will.

-James 4:6,"God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. "

□Galatians 6:4,encourages believers to examine their own works rather than compare themselves to others.

-Galatians 6:4,"But let each one examine his own work,and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone,and not in another."

□Believers should spur one another on toward love and good deeds, promoting support rather than competition.

-Hebrews 10:24,"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. "

□Colossians 3:23,emphasizes working for the Lord wholeheartedly rather than for human approval,shifting focus from competition to service.

-Colossians 3:23,"And whatever you do,do it heartily,as to the Lord and not to men

□Believers should do everything in the name of the Lord, promoting a focus on serving rather than competing. 

-Colossians 3:17,"And whatever you do in word or deed,do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

□Believers should compete with a right motive by not seeking selfish ambition or looking out for only their interests.

- Philippians 2:3-4,"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others. "

 □Believers should compete in a way that brings honor to God and focuses on eternal rewards rather than worldly accolades.

-1 Corinthians 9:24-26,"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run,but one receives the prize?Run in such a way that you may obtain it......Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. "

□Believers should strive to build up, not tear down.   

-Romans 14:19 ,"Therefore  let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another."

□The body of Christ is made up of different members who each play a unique role. Competition should not lead to division but should foster mutual respect and cooperation.

-1 Corinthians 12:12-27,"For as the body is one and has many members,but all the members of that one body,being many,are one body,so also is Christ.....Now you are the body of Christ and members individually. "

□Believers should avoid Jealousy and pride in competition.

- James 3:16,"For where envy and self-seeking exist,confusion and every evil thing are there."

□Galatians 5:26,warns believers against becoming conceited or provoking one another or envying one another.

- Galatians 5:26– "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

□Believers should compete for spiritual growth:Fighting the good fight of faith and finishing the race,is a competition not against others but a pursuit of Christlikeness.

-2 Timothy 4:7-8,"I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race,I have kept the faith.Finally ,there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness...."

HOW TO COMPETE IN A GODLY WAY.

□Check your heart.

◇Before engaging in any competition or striving for achievement, ask yourself: Am I doing this to glorify God, or am I seeking personal glory?Are you trying to build others up and encourage them, or is your focus on self-promotion and rivalry?

□Strive for excellence,not comparison.

◇ Rather than comparing yourself to others, focus on developing and using your unique gifts for the benefit of others. Striving for excellence means honoring God with your abilities, not measuring your worth against someone else’s accomplishments.

□Embrace Humility.

◇Jesus is our ultimate example of humility. He demonstrated servant leadership, putting the needs of others before His own. His life and death remind us that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and selflessness, not in competing for status or recognition.

-Matthew 20:28,"Just as the son of man did not come to be served,but to serve,and to give His life a ransom for many."

▪︎Celebrate others' success.

◇Rather than feeling envious or threatened by others' achievements, rejoice in their success. Celebrate how God is using them in their calling and ministry. 

 

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE 

Lord Jesus,I recognize that I have not served you as I should and that my prayers often miss the mark.I repent of my sins and accept you as my Lord and saviour.Please use me powerfully for your glory,in Jesus name.Amen

PRAYERS

1)I am unique,i am created in the image and likeness of the most high God.I am not in competition with anyone because God has given me a specific duty to execute on earth which no one else can do.In Jesus' name.

2)I will not die but live to declare the works of the Lord and His purpose for my creation i will fulfil.In Jesus' name.

3)I bind and cast out the spirits of pride,envy,self-centeredness, jealousy and divison among believers and in various churches.In Jesus' name.

4)I pray for unity in the body of Christ.May we worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.In Jesus' name.

5)In the name of Jesus,I destroy false and fake doctrines that have been introduced into churches by gospel ministers.O Lord,give us the discernment to know right from wrong.In Jesus' name.

6)Lord Jesus,confuse and divide the tongues of fake pastors and prophets that have deceived children of God for so long. Expose them, and let the angels of the God drive them away.In Jesus' name.

7)Let brotherly love reign among believers that they may seek for the good of others and have their interest at heart.In Jesus' name.

8)Lord,help us to love one another as You have loved us.May our hearts be united in purpose, and may we encourage one another instead of competing.In Jesus' name.

9)Father, grant us the humility to recognize that all our gifts come from You.Help us to celebrate each other’s strengths without envy or pride.In Jesus' name.

10)God, teach us to examine our own hearts rather than comparing ourselves to others. May we focus on our relationship with You and seek to grow in Your grace.In Jesus' name.

11)Lord, may everything we do be for Your glory. Help us to serve one another wholeheartedly and to prioritize Your mission over personal ambition.In Jesus' name.

12)Dear God, guard our hearts against the spirit of rivalry. Fill us with Your grace, and help us to rejoice in the successes of others.In Jesus' name.

13)Lord, grant us the wisdom to recognize when our motives are self-serving. Help us to pursue righteousness and to seek You above all else.In Jesus' name.

14)God, empower us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. May we build each other up in faith and never tear each other down.In Jesus' name.

15)Father, redirect our focus from seeking recognition to seeking You.Help us to find our worth in You alone.In Jesus' name.

16)Lord,as we strive for growth,may we do so without comparing ourselves to one another. Help us to grow in grace and knowledge of you.In Jesus' name,.

17)God,strengthen our bonds as a community of believers. May we stand together in unity, supporting one another in all circumstances.In Jesus' name.

18)Heavenly Father, protect us from becoming conceited or provoking one another. Instill in us a spirit of humility and kindness.In Jesus' name.

19)Father,help us to pursue peace and reconciliation in all our relationships.In Jesus' name.

20)Father, help us to run the race set before us with our eyes fixed on You. May we seek eternal rewards rather than earthly accolades.In Jesus' name.

Thank you Lord,for answering my prayers,in Jesus name.Amen