1 Corinthians_9

Scripture

1 Corinthians 9: 24-25

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 such games goes into strict training. They do it to get the crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

 

Observation

Paul continues his letter to the church of Corinth by telling them the rights that he has as an apostle, and then by talking about his freedom in Christ. He ends this section by urging the people who follow his example, to do so with excellence and not halfway.

 

Understanding

Have you ever seen someone get disqualified at the Olympics? It’s pretty heart-breaking… especially because they’ve trained for so long to not even get the opportunity to run the race. They have no chance at a medal, no chance at recognition, no chance to compete. I say all this because I feel like we do this to ourselves sometimes. We disqualify ourselves before the race even begins. But Paul presents a really important idea here: the race needs to be run, no matter the cost. And I want to add onto what Paul says here to: RUN THE RACE, DON’T DISQUALIFY YOURSELF! We train and train, but when the time comes we decide to disqualify ourselves. But that isn’t the point of a race or journey at all.

We do it to get a crown that will last forever… that seems to carry some heavy implications. A race that gives eternal life as the prize, I mean who wouldn’t want to run that race to the best of your ability? When I reach the end of my race I want to hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant.” And that only only comes through full dedication, and choosing to actually run the race.

 

Life Application

So how exactly do we engage in strict training?

• Have a good trainer (and there is no better trainer than the Holy Spirit)
• Have a good training manual (the Bible is probably the best instructional you can get)
• Have a group that holds you to your goals (like a discipleship partner or a group of people you trust with your life)

All these ensure running the race with the utmost effort and honor, and you are sure to win a prize :)

-Allison Khan