Paul Runs The Marathon In The Olympics!

This is exactly what the apostle Paul is telling the church in Corinth. He is saying you must:

1. Run the Race to win; 2. Discipline yourself; 3. Stay on the Track; 4. Buffet your body daily

If you are one of those who are trying to ride across the finish line on the back of somebody else, you will be disqualified from the race. Listen to Paul’s words:

1 Cor 9:24 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.

1 Cor 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Cor 9:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

1 Cor 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Paul is speaking here about a very long race that pays tribute to a Greek soldier who almost 2500 years ago after the battle of Marathon was dispatched to run to Athens to announce the victory. He delivered the news and collapsed dead from over exertion. In honor of his death the marathon race, an event well known to 1st century Christians became part of the Isthmian games held only 10 miles away from the Corinthians to whom Paul was

writing. As a matter of fact The Corinthians alternated hosting those games every other year.

Run the Race to Win:

Paul is challenging these Christians go ut and run the race in such a way that you and many others may win. God wants us to be winners not losers, but He wants each one of us to run the race.

No one who just shows up for the marathon race wins, oh you might win the short race, but you will not win the long race without a strong resolve to win.

The resolve one needs to win this race is to agree to be:

1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

It is not enough simply to be in the race, Paul is saying once entered:

1. We must take our spiritual life seriously

2. We must push ourselves to the limit

3. We must be deeply committed to winning the prize, just as if we were running for only 1 prize.

4. You see in a Marathon there is only one first place wreath.

These Isthmian runners ran for a crown made of leafy greenery from the Laurel called a stephanos. Upon winning they had instant fame, tax exemptions and a free education, many statues would be carved in their image and those statues would actually line the road that led to the site where the games were held.

Our verse says 1 Cor 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

If a Marathon runner 2500 years ago would be so dedicated to win a withering pine wreath and some short lived fame and a few bucks, how much more should the Christian be resolved and determined to gain what is eternal?

The reality of the prize God has for us at the end of this life should ignite us in our faith and inspire us every step of the way.

Paul says to Timothy (2 Tim 4:8) in the future there is laid up 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 loved His appearing.

Are we intent on winning the crown, just as if there were only one to get? (Now, you need to know Christian’s there is more than one crown, there will be one for each of us when we finish the race, but God is asking us to run as if there were only one.)

He is asking us to live this Christian life, according to His rules, so we might not be disqualified.

My heart absolutely burns for lost people and when I hear someone say about the death of a non-believer. "Oh, they are in a better place, "it hurts real deep.

Because I know they have been deceived and I hold in my heart and my hands the rules for the race and so do you.