BELIEVERS NEED SELF-DISCIPLINE

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)

BLESSED IS HE WHO PERSEVERES THROUGH THE STORMS

Proclamation:

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These Holy Spirit inspired words were written by James, the half brother of Jesus, to the scattered believers after the crucifixion of Jesus, The Christ, and the martyrdom of Steven, the first deacon, when the Jewish believers were being persecuted.  His plea was for them to be uncompromisingly obedient to The Word of God.  The persecution of believers was a test of their spiritual faithfulness and that they would be blessed and rewarded by God if they persevered in the face of adversity.

Application:

As long as we never let go of our belief and faith in God, and focus on our guaranteed victory at the end of our trials, we will receive eternal life as God has promised.  There is a crown awaiting those believers who faithfully endure the storms of this life.  However, there is also a blessing in store in this life for those who persevere through the trials, tribulations, and temptations.  Those of us who pass the tests of the storms of life will be given earthly blessings in addition to heavenly rewards.  Each test that we endure will strengthen our character and help to prepare us for the next test.  Therefore we should count it all as joy when we are tested. (James 1:2-4)  Just as exercise strengthens muscles, the storms of life can strengthen our faith.  By maintaining our faith in God during the bad times we will be blessed.

Faithful Perseverance Under Trials

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12 (NIV)

Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, James, the half-brother of Jesus, The Christ, wrote these words to the people of God, the twelve tribes which were scattered abroad. (James 1:1)  Believers who successfully endure their trials and temptations will be blessed and will receive the promise of God.

We need to understand that we will be tried and tested.  The question is not, 'if we will be tested', the question is, 'will we pass our tests?'  The tests will be in the form of difficult circumstances and temptations to sin.  The believer who can maintain their faithful walk with Christ through their trials and tribulations, will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.  The reward for faithful perseverance is eternal life, and all of the blessings which come along with that.