Bible Verse of The Day – 11-25-22

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV) 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

In keeping with the theme from the devotionals on Monday and Wednesday, let’s talk today about running the race.

Paul urged the Corinthians to run the race in such a way that they may obtain (win) the prize.

He used this analogy because the Greeks were quite familiar with athletic races, which took place in their regions regularly, including the Olympic games. In this way he gave them an illustration that he knew they could easily understand and relate to.

The prize he referred to was salvation; eternity in heaven, in the presence of God.

He urged them to run the race well, so that they would not run in vain.

His goal was not so much to instill fear in them that their salvation would be lost, but to urge them to be diligent in “running the race”, that they may run it well.

In verse 25 he stated that athletes who compete in the natural world are self-disciplined and temperate (self-controlled), being careful to train to the best of their ability, even though they are competing for a prize that will fade away.

How much more, then, should we discipline ourselves to compete for a prize that is eternal in nature?

Paul reinforces the importance of this, stating, “they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown”.

In verse 26, Paul gets personal by telling them he runs the race “not with uncertainty”, and he goes on to state that he does not fight “as one who beats the air” (shadowboxing).

But he disciplines his body (verse 27) and “brings it into subjection”, so that, after preaching to others, he himself should not “become disqualified”.

This is a sobering message coming from someone with the spiritual stature of Paul, especially considering the fact that he wrote 2/3 of the New Testament and traveled the known world at that time to spread the gospel of Christ, also planting and raising up many new churches across those regions.

People of God, this is something we all need to pay attention to. This should cause each of us to want to examine ourselves and make sure we are sincere and diligent in our walk with Him, running every step with purpose, finishing the race well, so that we ourselves should not be disqualified.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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