“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” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
There will always be those who have no desire to advance in the deeper spiritual life and are content to warm a church pew. Others are trying to regain the lost years since they accepted Christ through good works. Some are seeking to hold onto the emotion of their first steps, and so forget that there has to be a move towards maturity. A few believers aim to reap the blessings of a life of faithful commitment. They refuse to quit but take their faith seriously. They are willing to go beyond what is commonly accepted as normal, but is in fact nominal Christianity.
Paul gives us the reasons why it is vital that we pursue victory, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24). When this life is over do we not want to hear those glorious words “Well done, good and faithful servant” from the mouth of the Saviour (Matthew 25:23)?
The problem is that not everyone who starts will finish the course. Many who aim for holiness and faithfulness will fall exhausted by the wayside. Maybe they try to live sanctified lives through good works, rules and legalism; unfortunately such people always look down their noses at those who appear not to be doing as well as themselves. It could be personal sin, that sin which so easily besets them, that hinders their progress (Hebrews 12:1). Voices from the sidelines might attract their attention and discourage them from going any further, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). Only those who reach the finishing post with their faith in tact will receive the reward, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:13) ... “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). God will eternally honour all who put their complete trust in Him.
Our eternal reward is at stake here. We are not suggesting that salvation will be lost, but that certain rewards will be taken away because of carelessness, disobedience and half-heartedness, “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
There is a need for discipline and diligence on our part. Those victorious in the Ishmaian Games in Corinth, which Paul alludes to, only received a perishable wooden crown, but the believer can obtain an eternal one from Christ, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). We are going to have to resist the enemy’s tricks and snares, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). He will do all to get us to relax and compromise our stand in Christ. This life-long battle cannot be avoided, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) ... “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him” (James 1:12). The victory is guaranteed for all who take God at His word and truly live the real Christian life, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4).
All can be lost if lukewarmness controls our Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul writes, “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.” The word “castaway” means, “to be disapproved.” Do we want to receive God’s approval or disapproval at the end of our lives? Are we content to make Heaven by the skin of our teeth and lose our rewards?
Carelessness can be avoided if we cast away that which will make us a castaway, “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29-30). It is better to lose everything in this world and remain faithful to Christ, than to gain hold onto everything and lose the rewards. If we do nothing, then we have lost already.
Are we prepared to be victorious or are we just going to go along with nominal Christianity to the end? Victory is not easy, but God has a sufficient supply of grace to see us through, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Also He has equipped us with His armour (see Ephesians 6:13-18). We need to be certain and convinced about living for the Lord. If we are serious about serving Christ then we will allow nothing to hinder us from advancing to the victor’s podium. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Page created 24 June 2006