Tuesday, June 15
Read I Corinthians 9
Think About It:
What does it take to be a champion in a given sport? For one, it is necessary to have a dedication to succeed no matter what the cost. A passion for the game is certainly essential, as is a single-minded determination to accomplish the task at hand. A willingness to train incessantly is also required. And a burning desire for the trophy or prize awarded to the one who wins is an absolute must.
In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul drew a direct comparison between the Christian life and an athletic competition. This comparison would have an immediate resonance with Paul’s Corinthian leaders. Corinth was the site of the Isthmian games, a great athletic festival that was very similar to the Olympic Games of today. Contestants in the Isthmian games endured 10 months of mandatory training. Anyone who failed to complete this training was barred from competing in the games. The highlight of the Isthmian games was the great endurance race. It was this race that Paul used as an illustration to depict the faithful Christian life.
In the Isthmian games, several athletes competed for one prize; there could only be one winner. In contrast, the Christian life offers the opportunity for many people to be the winners. The winner of the Isthmian games received a pine wreath crown. Those who faithfully complete the Christian life, on the other hand, will receive an unperishable crown.
Paul illustrates the “champion” mindset required to faithfully complete the Christian life with his statement, “I run thus: not with uncertainty” and “thus I fight not as one who beats the air”. Paul was not an aimless competitor. He had clearly defined the goal. Like an athlete preparing for a race or a boxing match, Paul knew that he had to discipline his body; he had to force himself to maintain the strenuous consistent practice needed for success.
The race that Paul prepared himself for, the race that all Christians need to prepare themselves for was the calling of God. Paul taught that Christians are rewarded for the calling that God gives them. Paul had an apostolic ministry for which he sacrificed all things. He knew that if he was faithful to his calling, he would receive a reward from the Lord for his service. Paul knew that if he ignored or treated lightly his mission, he would not receive from God the victor’s crown for his service. The apostle’s overwhelming passion was to fulfill his ministry at all costs, and to stay faithful to the “fight” to the very end. In Paul’s last letter, written shortly before his death, we discover that he had accomplished his goal (see 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
What is it that the Lord is calling you to do?
Family Time:
- How should a preacher be paid? Is it okay for a Pastor to only be a pastor and not have an outside job? (verse 14) Did Paul work? (verse 15)
- What is the prize talked about in verses 24-27?
- Verse 25 mentions a perishable crown. That is a crown that will eventually be broken or thrown away or tossed aside. We run the Christian race for an imperishable crown. What do you think that is? What is one way we can do that listed in this chapter? (verse 27) How about other ways not listed here?
