TOPIC: FINISHING WELL (3)
SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-10:1
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Denial is necessary. Athletes had to give up certain comforts and to “punish” their bodies, foregoing a life of ease and bodily impulses. The same self-denial is necessary for the Christian. After making that point in verse 27, Paul shifted metaphors from running to boxing, saying that we must beat our bodies, wielding a series of knockout punches to fleshly desires. We must resist temptation, mortify sensual lusts that would defeat us, and remain pure. Even Paul feared that having preached to others, he would be disqualified, referring not only to the loss of salvation but also of reward. After the race, every runner was brought to stand before the raised, wooden platform in the middle of the track that supported a throne-like seat for the judge. Each athlete would be crowned, passed over, or disqualified. So it will be for us as believers in Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).
Every step of the Christian life has eternal importance. Right now counts forever! Let us run with growing anticipation of that moment when we will stand before Christ. Receive grace for the journey to finish your race in Jesus name.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for the STRENGTH of GRACE for my race I will not be hindered and I will not quit in Jesus name, Amen.
Goodseed Daily Devotional is the publication of Apostle George Amadi- Senior Pastor Goodnews Bible Church London. If you are in the London area do worship with us at Alperton Community School Ealing Road, Wembley Middlesex HA0 4PW.
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