I Will Finish Well

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Paul equates the world runners to the Christian race. As many people that compete in running, just only one person receives an award that will not last. But Christians are so blessed that as many that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, walk in and with Him daily, obeying His commandment and running the race of the heavenly kingdom are qualified to win the race and receive the everlasting crown. What a great honor and privilege that our Lord Jesus has bestowed on us. So, if the worldly runners can put in more effort on strict training to win a race, then Christians will have no choice but to must put in extra efforts with great sacrifice and all strength, not to run alone, but win and receive a crown of glory. This calls for great sacrifice! The ability to endure affliction, surrendering yourself and daily commitment to God as a living sacrifice, your gift, your possessions to God Almighty We also need to be productive. To make disciples, preach the word, lead unbelievers to Christ and be fruitful in our dealings with God. Thereafter, we can boldly say like Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

1 Corinthians 9:24

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

Paul said in verse 27 “…after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” Paul and Demas were running the race together, Paul looked forward to the crown of righteousness, but Demas did not make it to the end after he deserted Paul his mentor. Self-discipline is the key! What are you struggling with that can hold you back to receive the crown of righteousness, to receive your labor of unending sacrifice? Is it unforgiving spirit, anger, hatred, corruption, immorality, pride, etc.? Believers need the Holy Spirit to resist temptations because we cannot do it by our own strength. We must desire to please our Master every day and may God help us to do. Amen

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to be focused, I desire to please you, I don’t want to stumble, help me to keep the faith, help me to fight the good fight and win the race, help me to stand firm, finish strong and well so that I will not be a castaway in Jesus' name. Amen