1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Be Still: Father, thank you for your breath in my lungs. I praise you today. Holy Spirit breathe your life in me as I read your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:15-27
'Do you not know that in a race all the 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 prize. '(vv 24-27)
Encounter: When it comes to running, I’ll run if I need to catch a train, but I can’t claim much more than that. I once went for a jog and came home to announce proudly to my family, 'I’m now a runner!'
The Apostle Paul picks up the theme of the need for self-discipline, self-control and perseverance in the Christian life and uses an analogy of competitive athletes going into strict training. This is not the kind of running that I’ve dabbled in, which Paul describes in verse 26 as 'someone running aimlessly.' This is Olympians, at the very highest level, training to win the prize. Paul’s point is that the goal of winning dictates that athlete’s lifestyle.
The serious Olympians he has in mind, would have had months of abstinence from certain food and drink in the run-up to a competition, with a razor-sharp focus on getting hold of that wreath crown. Paul points out that we Christians, running the race of faith, don’t train and run for a crown of foliage, but 'to get a crown that will last forever.'
Our training in this life - the spiritual disciplines, habits for holiness and giving ourselves to preach the gospel of Christ - must be determined by an eternal perspective.
Apply: To what extent do you allow the eternal perspective of the Christian faith to determine the choices you make today? Paul applies the athletic analogy to his ministry as a preacher and gaining the prize. His life is marked by self-control. It’s important to remember here that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 23). This strict training does not come about by human effort alone - but as a work of the Holy Spirit.
Devote: Come, Holy Spirit. Grow in me the fruit of self-control. Help me by your Spirit, to train and to run to reach the wonderful, eternal prize you’ve won for me.