Running To Win

The Corinthians must have loved sports almost as much as Americans do. The apostle Paul used the analogy of running a race to illustrate to the Corinthians that they should run life's race in service to Jesus Christ. That lesson applies to us today.

 

In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul tells us to run the race in an effort to win the prize. In other words, he's telling us we shouldn't just flounder along through life. We must constantly be seeking to find God's purpose in our life and to run to win the race.

The Bible also says we must "fight the good fight." Paul encourages Timothy to fight on and to fight the good fight. Paul likens Timothy’s service to the Lord as an intense struggle and says Timothy's struggle is not against flesh and blood but against powers in high places.

The Bible gives us several spiritual principles for how we should run our race. First, it says we must pursue righteousness. In 2 Timothy 2:21-23, it says we should flee youthful lust and pursue faith, love and righteousness.

Second, if we want to finish the race, we must be willing to endure hardship. Paul tells Timothy to be prepared to suffer persecution. Third, we must seek to fulfill our purpose. 2 Timothy 4:5-8 tells us to fulfill the purpose that God has before us.

Finally, we must never lose hope. John 3:16-17 tells us that whoever calls upon the Lord shall not perish but will have everlasting life. We must place our trust in Christ as we run our race. He is always here to help us. Romans 8:31 says if God is for us who can be against us, and 2 Timothy 4:17-18 promises us that God will deliver us from every evil.

Don't grow wearing in running your race. Run to win.