1 Corinthians 9:25: And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
The Christian does not run the race in order to get to heaven. He is in the race because he has been saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Only Greek citizens were allowed to participate in the games, and they had to obey the rules both in their training and in their performing. Any contestant found breaking the training rules was automatically disqualified.
In order to give up his rights and have the joy of winning lost souls, Paul had to discipline himself. That is the emphasis of this entire chapter: Authority (rights) must be balanced by discipline. If we want to serve the Lord and win His reward and approval, we must pay the price. 1
Application
- What “rights” do you possess that may need a greater degree of discipline?
- Why might you consider breaking some of the training rules that you agreed to keep?
Thought to Share
It is better to be temperate with passion, than to be passionate with no boundaries. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, teach me to welcome Your corrective discipline that will only help me to become a “better runner.”
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
