1. “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT
Christians, like runners, must train to run the race called ‘life’. Our goal is Christ, so we must keep our eyes focused squarely on him and him alone. This is easier said than done. Distractions abound, so don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked or slowed down. If you adjust your focus to see Jesus instead of that which surrounds you, you will be rewarded in God’s Kingdom.
2. “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” - Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Forgetting the past can be a difficult proposition. The Christian life demands 100% of our attention. The enemy is hellbent on knocking us off track. As we strive to reach our eternal goal, we understand that our striving is not in vain for Christ promised and still does promise that we will reside with him throughout eternity. So run your race with diligence.
3. “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” - 1 Timothy 4:7-10 NLT
Training for Godly living helps us grow in faith and character. Training ourselves to be spiritually fit isn’t much different than exercising to become physically fit. As our faith grows we become better Christians by following God’s will. When we do this others will be drawn to Christ. That will pay dividends now and in the afterlife.
4. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT
Some may not realize this, but as Christians, we are at war against evil forces from the pit of hell. They attack us from without and from within. Abject sin confronts us on all fronts. If we stay true to God and his standards for living we are promised eternal life, which results in an end to conflict, rest, and a crown. We shouldn’t live for Christ to get the reward. We should do it because Christ is worth living for, remembering that he considered us worth dying for.
5. “And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.” - 2 Timothy 2:5 NLT
Paul is calling all Christians, both then and now, to train diligently for the Christian life. He uses the word ‘must’, as in, we MUST do this. It is imperative. It will take all that is within us ... a full commitment to that which is prescribed in God’s Word. The rules are simple: if you imitate Christ in his thoughts, words and deeds, your Godly character will grow and flourish. Understand that with Christ at our side and the Holy Spirit within us there is NOTHING that can take us down. Train yourself to hear from God thru the Spirit within. Be still and concentrate at eternal things, which are far more important than anything in this world. The tools to succeed are right in front of us. Cease them and put them to use. Trust God to see you thru any and all dilemmas, then rest in the comfort of his loving arms.
Up next is a look at the Three Stages of Perfection. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
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