1 Corinthians 9 - 12.14.23
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV
“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.”
OBSERVATION:
One Race..
Paul describes our life as a marathon race, using the analogy of an athlete in “The Isthmian Games”.
These highly competitive games were held every 3yrs. right outside the city of Corinth [second in prestige only to that of the Olympic Games].
To compete, the athlete had to go into strict training for 10 months, requiring commitment, discipline, and rigorous dedication in order to win a coveted prize that was perishable.
Paul says that he gives this kind of commitment, discipline, and dedication to serving Jesus—understanding that we only have “one” life to live for Jesus—and the outcome will be a consequence we will experience for eternity.
There is no second race.
“But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work [you] each builder has done.
The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.
If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.
But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss.
You will be saved, but only as if you had barely escaped through a wall of flames.”(1 Corinthians 3:13-15 NLT)
APPLICATION:
Dependence on God and Discipline go Hand in Hand--
Two things are required to run this race successfully.
#1. Dependence on God.
We can do Nothing apart from God. HE absolutely has and deserves the FIRST place in my heart. If something comes along the way vying for my attention and wedges into that 1st place—everything in my life suffers. I may think I’m saving time by getting something crossed off my “to do” list by putting that first and then going back to God and my Prayers and Bible reading—but inevitably—nothing ends up going right! It is such a peculiar thing-but I have found that no matter how much I have on my plate-if I put God 1st—the rest of my day goes smooth—and even when it doesn’t—I have the patience and God’s Peace for everything that comes my way—because I am not running on empty. HE has Filled my Gas tank [so-to-speak] I am plugged into the Power source!
“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5b NIV)
#2. Discipline.
It is not easy when other things are pulling for our attention to be in HIS Word each morning. Cell phones light up, dogs are barking, smart devices send messages as your trying to read Bible passages, for some people kids or spouses may need their attention. There is a need to create a time and space when you know this is “my time” with God.
It may require the discipline of setting an alarm and getting up earlier. Or giving up time on a lunch break. Whatever God asks us to do, discipline in Growth and being useful in God’s Kingdom is a factor we will be contending with daily. Our minds and bodies will be pushing back on us AND Paul says— we need to take charge and discipline our minds and bodies.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God Transform you into a New Person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s Will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)
“Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19 NLT)
God cares and takes seriously our stewardship and usefulness of His Gifts in His Kingdom.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word and for Your Holy Spirit to supply us with ALL we need to Live a life pleasing to You. Lord show me how to fan into flames the gifts you have given me since I was first saved. Renew fresh fire in me to serve you without boundaries or fear.
Thank You for Your Love that You Pour into us and Through us. I pray your Loving Presence will be overwhelming and over-reaching and undeniable. In this season when so many are hurting and hopeless-may we light the way to the ONE eternal Hope that never fails. In my weakness may your strength be ever more evident.
Here I am Lord, send me.
Amen.
Tina L Kudelka