Sunday, September 21, 2014

Run That You May Win


I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.

Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run I such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 

1 Corinthians 9:23-27

The Apostle Paul had plenty of faults to overcome when he became a Christian.  He was a bully and unmerciful.  He put himself above the laws of God which he thought he was enforcing.  But Paul’s conversion put all those things behind him and created in him a new attitude of mercy.  Out of this came the dynamic evangelist who boldly proclaimed the gospel.

How did Paul become such a dynamo?  It was the power of God in his life which transformed him, and Paul not being timid readily admitted that he struggled with temptation.  Paul is an example to us, that we too can purposefully live our lives in service to God, so that we can gain the imperishable prize – eternal life.

Do not discount your salvation.  Seize the promises of God, and run in such a way that you may win.

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