RUN THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN
RUN THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
9:24 know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain
9:25 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.
9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly. So fight I, not as one that beateth the air
9:27 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 passages above compare the Christian life to a race. In a race, several people run, but only one winner and receives the ultimate prize. Therefore, the Apostle Paul admonishes us not to run anyhow, but run in a way that will obtain the ultimate prize. For Christians this attitude of running well to obtain is very important because, it is possible to be disqualified, even after you have preached and led others to Christ because you do not practice what you preach.
I will elaborate on each verse to bring out the meaning of the Apostle Paul’s message to Christians. Do not run to obtain a consolation price, run to obtain the ultimate prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24
In this verse the Apostle Paul is trying to bring our mind to the fact that there are certain things that God expects from us, as Christians. Our chances of excelling as Christians or ambassadors for Christ is based on how well we fulfill God’s expectations.
The two great commandments that are, to guide us are found in Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
You can obtain the ultimate prize if you obey these two commandments sincerely.
They summarize the ten, God gave Moses. Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
If you love God, you will have no other gods beside Him, you will not take the name of the Lord in Vain and You will keep the Sabbath day Holy.
In the same way, if you love your neighbor, you will not steal from him/her, kill him or covet his processions.
It is also important to note that there are also many other Christians trying to meet God’s expectations. Your ability to excel, depends on how sincere and dedicated you are to God.
1 Corinthians 9:25
This verse says, everyone who enters an athletic competition trains or prepares for it. They watch their diet and their weight. They stay away from alcohol and tobacco products and certain other things that give them pleasure. Athletes take all this stress just to receive a cup or gold medal which can easily be destroyed(corruptible).
Christians however, are in a race for an incorruptible crown or awards with eternal value. Such awards cannot be taken away from you or get destroyed.
We should therefore be very serious about fulfilling God’s expectations for our lives.
Revelations 2:10 says __ __ _ _ _ ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.
1 Corinthians 9:26
In this verse, the Apostle is referring mainly to our attitude in the race or Christian life. Do we have the mindset or demeanor of a winner? Are we putting in all our efforts and making the necessary sacrifices?
Philippians 2: – 8 says
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus!
Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
We should all as Christians have the attitude or mind that was in Christ Jesus. With this attitude, we can run as we ought to in other to win the ultimate prize.
1 Corinthians 9:27
Apart from having the right attitude, this verse in the English standard Version says:
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
That is, we should force our bodies to obey the will of God. Sometimes you know you have to read the bible and pray, but you just do not feel like it. Go ahead and do it even if you do not feel like it.
It is not easy to obey God’s commandments always. Your feelings, challenges and temptations would frequently try to prevent you from obeying God’s commands, but with prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance you can run to obtain the ultimate prize.
Think about the words of this song!
Keep me true, Lord Jesus keep me true
Keep me true, Lord Jesus Keep me true.
There is a race that I must run
There are victories to be won
Give me power every hour, to be true
References:
2. Oxford English Minidictionary
3. Google.com
