"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” – I Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV).
Paul the Apostle used the example of the Greek athletic contests held every two years at Corinth to teach a lesson on perseverance and spiritual discipline in the Christian life. The outstanding athlete won accolades and a wreath worn proudly. When the winner arrived back in his home town, he was welcomed as a hero, poems were written about him, sometimes a statue was erected to the winner, often the winner was excused from paying taxes, and he was seated in a place of honor at festivals and meetings. Paul urges constant diligence to self-discipline and keeping the body under control. He changes momentarily from emphasis on running a race and winning to boxing thin air, a useless exercise. He gives in these verses two major reasons for discipline: one is to win the race; the other is to be an example. For what use would Paul’s preaching have if he himself would be disqualified by a life that did not practice what he preaches? Vigilance is necessary for a good athlete, right living, exacting practice, and concentration on winning the prize in the race. We as Christians keep our minds and bodies on the race and our eyes on the goal—not a perishable wreath—but eternal life.
The ancient Olympic Games began at Olympia, Greece in Peloponesus in 776 B. C. These lasted until 393 AD. Revived in more modern times, these four-year contests feature both summer and winter sports, with major cities around the world vying for the opportunity to host the games. All participants take the Olympic oath, promising to hold to the highest ideals of sportsmanship. “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) are the ideals to which all participating athletes aspire. In our Christian race, we likewise strive to be “swifter, higher and stronger” for the Lord. We do not acquire the skills of living the Christian life in the same way athletes aspire to enter the Olympics. However, as Paul urged, we are to exercise self-control in all things. We are to bring our bodies into submission and participate in earnest Bible study, prayer, worship, stewardship and service. These should be desired by and practiced eagerly by all who have called upon the Lord for salvation and been saved by grace. The writer of Hebrews gave us a good summary of running the Christian race: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV).
Paul the Apostle used the example of the Greek athletic contests held every two years at Corinth to teach a lesson on perseverance and spiritual discipline in the Christian life. The outstanding athlete won accolades and a wreath worn proudly. When the winner arrived back in his home town, he was welcomed as a hero, poems were written about him, sometimes a statue was erected to the winner, often the winner was excused from paying taxes, and he was seated in a place of honor at festivals and meetings. Paul urges constant diligence to self-discipline and keeping the body under control. He changes momentarily from emphasis on running a race and winning to boxing thin air, a useless exercise. He gives in these verses two major reasons for discipline: one is to win the race; the other is to be an example. For what use would Paul’s preaching have if he himself would be disqualified by a life that did not practice what he preaches? Vigilance is necessary for a good athlete, right living, exacting practice, and concentration on winning the prize in the race. We as Christians keep our minds and bodies on the race and our eyes on the goal—not a perishable wreath—but eternal life.
The ancient Olympic Games began at Olympia, Greece in Peloponesus in 776 B. C. These lasted until 393 AD. Revived in more modern times, these four-year contests feature both summer and winter sports, with major cities around the world vying for the opportunity to host the games. All participants take the Olympic oath, promising to hold to the highest ideals of sportsmanship. “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) are the ideals to which all participating athletes aspire. In our Christian race, we likewise strive to be “swifter, higher and stronger” for the Lord. We do not acquire the skills of living the Christian life in the same way athletes aspire to enter the Olympics. However, as Paul urged, we are to exercise self-control in all things. We are to bring our bodies into submission and participate in earnest Bible study, prayer, worship, stewardship and service. These should be desired by and practiced eagerly by all who have called upon the Lord for salvation and been saved by grace. The writer of Hebrews gave us a good summary of running the Christian race: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV).
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