1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Running the Race for Jesus

1 Corinthians 9:24-27:  Running the Race for Jesus

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul talks about running the race to obtain a prize.  This race, of course, is our walk in the Lord and the prize at the end is not just a crown but is an eternal life spent in peace and joy with the King of Kings!  

Notice in verses 26-27 that Paul reminds his readers that he too must discipline himself in order to be successful.  He must keep his body under subjection (which means not giving into the temptations to sin).  Just as a runner must train for a race, a Christian should study the Word of God to know what it says.  Think of the Holy Trinity as your coaches to help correct and guide you when you are unsure of what is right and wrong, comfort you when you feel exhausted or defeated, and forgive you when you make a mistake.  

Paul was a very prominent apostle appointed by Christ, placed in prison multiple times, beaten for his faithfulness, and extensively traveled to spread the good news of the gospel.  Yet Paul reminds us that even he is not exempt from running his own race and could even be cast away from Heaven if he is unsuccessful.  This is another good example to remind us that no one is eternally saved, and that failing to follow the rules of Jesus Christ could cause us to be disqualified from the race.  That we could lose our crown of salvation if we actively choose to live in rebellion against what the Bible teaches.

May we all be successful by reading the Bible in order to know what Jessus, not man, expects of us.  May we then strive to obtain the prize and not give in to sin.  May we someday lay that golden crown at the feet of Jesus as He welcomes us to our eternal Home of glory.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.