1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Today is the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is the season of self-sacrifice and personal commitment. In our scripture lesson, Paul compares the athlete and the Christian.

 

The Christian Life Is Compared to a Grueling Marathon: vv. 24-27

Four Keys to Victory:

Key No. 1 Purpose . v. 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.

Key No. 2 Discipline . v. 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.”

– The discipline of our minds . 2 Timothy 2:15

– The discipline of our bodies . 1 Timothy 4:8

– The discipline of our appetites . 1 Timothy 4:3

– The discipline of our speech . James 1:26

– The discipline of our priorities . Romans 6:11-13

Key No. 3 Direction . v. 26

“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.”

Key No. 4 Sacrifice . v. 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.”

 

No Earthly Reward Compares to the Christian’s Heavenly Reward: 1 Corinthians 3:13-14

“his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.”

1. A crown imperishable . 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. 25Everyone 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. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, 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.”

2. A crown of rejoicing . Philippians 4:1

“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!”

3. A crown of righteousness . 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now 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.”

4. A crown of life . James 1:12

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

5. A crown of glory . 1 Peter 5:1-4

 

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).