Run to complete the race
1 Corinthians 9:24-27(NLT) Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Paul encourages us to approach our spiritual lives with the same zeal, discipline, and focus that athletes exhibit in training and competitions.
Here are some key points from the passage:
- Run to win – Paul emphasises the importance of running the race of faith to win the ultimate prize, eternal life with God. This involves a wholehearted commitment to following Christ.
1 John 5:4(NIV) For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - Run with a purpose – Paul declares that he runs with purpose in every step. He intentionally focused God’s calling on his life. He does not merely go through the motions but approaches his life with determination and purpose.
1 John 5:4(NIV) for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Philippians 3:14(NIV) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:7-8(NIV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- Be disciplined – Paul compares the disciplined training of athletes, to achieve a temporary prize, to the spiritual discipline required of Believers. Just as athletes undergo training to improve their performance, Believers are called to discipline themselves in prayer, obedience and studying God’s Word.
a. Prayer – 1 Thessalonians 5:17(NIV) pray continually,
Philippians 4:6-7(NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
b. Obedience – John 14:15(NIV) “If you love me, keep my commands.
James 1:22(NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
c. Studying the Word of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17(NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalm 119:105(NIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
I conclude with Philippians 1:6(NIV) being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.