Proclamation:
“Do
you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into
strict training. They do it to get a
crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last
forever. Therefore I do not run like
someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my
slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be
disqualified for the crown.” 1
Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
Explanation:
These
words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit
of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth. Paul begins this chapter by talking about his
rights as an apostle. He provides a
justification for them using worldly and Biblical examples to support his
claim. (1 Corinthians 9:1-12) Then he
goes on to say that he did not use or claim that which is rightfully his. (1
Corinthians 9:13-18) He ends by describing the need for
self-discipline among believers, apostles, and preachers, including himself. He states that we ought to run our race in
such a way as to make sure that we get the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24) For the prize which we seek is an eternal
crown.
Application:
In
an athletic race event, there is only one winner. Athletes must train and practice and make
sacrifices to prepare for the race in order to win the prize. However, in our spiritual race all of us can
be winners and get the prize. We must
also work and make sacrifices in order to get our prize. We must walk His way (Psalm 128:1) and
exercise faith and self-control. (Hebrews 11:6)
If we live by The Word of God and follow His way, we will all receive a
crown as our reward. Our salvation is
not our reward; our salvation is a gift from God for those who believe in
Christ. Our rewards will be based upon
the work we do during this life which gives God glory. One day we will receive our crowns. (2
Timothy 4:8 and James 1:12)
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