These verses come at the end of a section of the first Corinthian Letter where Paul explains that he is compelled by God to let people know the Good News about Jesus.

He explains that:

“I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” (vs. 22b)

The Apostle Paul would often use Sporting Events to illustrate his thoughts

He definitely was focused on making a difference in what truly matters in life.  Notice how many times he uses the word “Win” in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23:

• “…made myself a servant of all, that I might win more…”


• “…I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews.”


• “…I became as one under the law…that I might win those under the law.”


• “…I became as one outside the law…that I might win those outside the law.”


• “…I became weak, that I might win the weak.”

Is it any wonder that Paul drives his point home by asking us to relate this to a race?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?  So run that you may obtain it.

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.  They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

So I do not run aimlessly;  I do not box as one beating the air.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Winning at things that truly matter takes the focus, intensity and training of an athlete.

So if we really want to make a difference, we run with the effort it takes to win!

God Bless and Have a Great Week!

Dan

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.