Word@Work 1Cor58 - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Published: Wed, 08/05/15
Word@Work from BeaconLight
DISCIPLINED GOSPEL
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 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. 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 for ever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and
make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (NIVUK)
Although the basic structure of the Roman Empire was well ordered, the military forces were disciplined and they knew how to keep the peace with a good degree of success; the legacy of Greek culture was morally ill-disciplined. That was affecting the church. So the new believers had to be taught that they must control their fleshly appetite (to please themselves), for Christ's sake (2 Timothy 1:7).
Personal disciplines were well practised in sports which were a big part of Corinthian culture. The Isthmian Games were held there the year before and after the Olympic Games (in the second and fourth years of an Olympiad). Paul uses two of the sports, athletics and boxing, to illustrate that it is right to be self-disciplined in order to do well and win. Strict training was the same pattern of graded exercise, good diet and enough rest which is necessary for modern day sports people who are competing at high level. Their prize was a wreath of leaves which would soon fade and rot.
The Christian life, Paul says, requires a similar focus and dedicated attention to the small details which make a sporting competitor efficient and effective in winning. Run to win, he said; box to score points. In the same way leave the distractions and concentrate on pleasing Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:1); live to win His approval (Philippians 3:13-14). Practise godliness, practise holiness and always be aware that the eternal 'crown' is not a fading halo of foliage but an eternal inheritance (James 1:12).
For many, sport is an occasional leisure activity when they have the time and inclination. Compared to the dedication of Olympic athletes, they are feeble minded and give up when training becomes too arduous. Once enjoyment is overtaken by pain they stop; and many Christians have the same attitude. They are thinking about their own pleasure rather than the glory of God. They are not living with their eyes fixed on the second coming of Christ. They are living for themselves and not for Him. Where that happens, as in Corinth, the church becomes dysfunctional and disunited: even a few such people can wreck the gospel impact of the believers. So we should each ask the Lord to help us to focus on Him and consider our Christian lives as a series of serious relational actions instead of being a leisure activity (Hebrews 12:2).
Prayer: Wonderful Lord. Thank You that the Lord Jesus chose to endure the cross and lived a disciplined life in perfect harmony with You. Forgive me when I get distracted by the pleasures of this world and forget my eternal destiny. Please help me to be serious about following Jesus, willing to sacrifice my preferences for His glory. In His Name. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Although the basic structure of the Roman Empire was well ordered, the military forces were disciplined and they knew how to keep the peace with a good degree of success; the legacy of Greek culture was morally ill-disciplined. That was affecting the church. So the new believers had to be taught that they must control their fleshly appetite (to please themselves), for Christ's sake (2 Timothy 1:7).
Personal disciplines were well practised in sports which were a big part of Corinthian culture. The Isthmian Games were held there the year before and after the Olympic Games (in the second and fourth years of an Olympiad). Paul uses two of the sports, athletics and boxing, to illustrate that it is right to be self-disciplined in order to do well and win. Strict training was the same pattern of graded exercise, good diet and enough rest which is necessary for modern day sports people who are competing at high level. Their prize was a wreath of leaves which would soon fade and rot.
The Christian life, Paul says, requires a similar focus and dedicated attention to the small details which make a sporting competitor efficient and effective in winning. Run to win, he said; box to score points. In the same way leave the distractions and concentrate on pleasing Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:1); live to win His approval (Philippians 3:13-14). Practise godliness, practise holiness and always be aware that the eternal 'crown' is not a fading halo of foliage but an eternal inheritance (James 1:12).
For many, sport is an occasional leisure activity when they have the time and inclination. Compared to the dedication of Olympic athletes, they are feeble minded and give up when training becomes too arduous. Once enjoyment is overtaken by pain they stop; and many Christians have the same attitude. They are thinking about their own pleasure rather than the glory of God. They are not living with their eyes fixed on the second coming of Christ. They are living for themselves and not for Him. Where that happens, as in Corinth, the church becomes dysfunctional and disunited: even a few such people can wreck the gospel impact of the believers. So we should each ask the Lord to help us to focus on Him and consider our Christian lives as a series of serious relational actions instead of being a leisure activity (Hebrews 12:2).
Prayer: Wonderful Lord. Thank You that the Lord Jesus chose to endure the cross and lived a disciplined life in perfect harmony with You. Forgive me when I get distracted by the pleasures of this world and forget my eternal destiny. Please help me to be serious about following Jesus, willing to sacrifice my preferences for His glory. In His Name. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@W1Cor58 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2015 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group