"The Race of Your Life" Pt. 1
Click here to download the MP3 file. It's 9.7MB and 41 min. long.
Reference Verses:
1 Cor 3:10-15
2 Cor 5:10
1 Cor 9:24
Gal 5:7
2 Tim 4:7-8
Recap of 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
1. Paul often used athletic metaphors of the Christian life. One of his favorites was that of a runner in a race.
2. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul encourages Christians to contend for the prize, i.e. rewards for faithfulness in Christian life and service. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10
3. Salvation is not the prize in this context, for all the runners in this race are already believers.
4. To win this prize believers must discipline themselves, even as an athlete does. We must discipline our bodies, minds, emotions to serve God.
5. Unlike the athlete who competes for a crown that will not last, we compete for a crown that will last forever. Four crowns mentioned in Scripture are: the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8 for living in light of Jesus' coming; the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19) for those active in sharing their faith; the crown of life (James 1:12) for those who patiently endure trials and testings of their faith; and the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4) for those who lead and feed the flock.
