THE WINNER’S CHOICE, a sermon by Derek E. Eurales, Jr.

Main Text: Hebrews 4:15

¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Additional Scriptures: Genesis 12:1; Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:10-13

Winners are not people who ALWAYS win, but they are people who have made active decisions in life that minimize the risks of failure. Even when things do not work out as planned, a winner chooses to look at things optimistically and in ways most conducive to peace and rest.

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light – Matthew 11:28-30.

What choices do winners make?

1. The choice to dream – bringing forth God-given ideas, concepts, and insights
2. The choice to pursue – going after those God-given ideas, concepts, and insights
3. The choice to live for today – taking the time to embrace the now.
4. The choice to prepare for tomorrow – understanding the need to take all things into consideration
5. The choice to take wise counsel – realizing that one’s success is often contingent (dependent) upon the wisdom of a mentor
6. The choice of discipline

– the behind-the-scenes work

– working hard for the results you want

– lending a helping hand to others along the way

7. The choice of perspective – observing the importance of life experiences and choosing optimism over negativity (emphasizing the most positive aspects of a situation)

*** If you want to win, do not hang out with negative people. Genesis 12:1 says ¹ Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.  

Observe Philippians 4:10-13:

¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

The Apostle Paul made a choice to operate out of his sufficiency, to be content with where he was, and to approach his life in optimism. His story is an excellent example of how we as believers can also choose to win when the world around us has only created conditions for us to lose.

Conclusion: Many challenges face today’s serious believer, but just as there are challenges for us there are also opportunities. So the question is, are you a winner? If so, make The Winner’s Choice!

Author, speaker, musician DEREK E. EURALES, Jr., loves to share his faith, motivation, and music. His book, Principles of Christian Living,  has become a “must read” for believers of all ages. To order your copy, click here.