THE CHRISTIAN RACE


A. "KNOW YE NOT THAT THEY WHICH RUN IN A RACE RUN ALL, BUT ONE RECEIVETH THE PRIZE? SO RUN, THAT YE MAY OBTAIN?" - 1 Cor. 9:24
  1. Paul was a keen observer of the Grecian games, and he used them to illustrate the Christ-race:
  2. He gives special emphasis to:
    1. The rules controlling those games.
    2. To the prize given to the winner.
    3. The special effort put into the race by the runner.
B. A PROFITABLE COMPARISON
  1. Regulation of the foot races:
    1. Intensive training, including perfect control of the body - 1 Cor. 9:27
    2. Strict observance of the rules, including staying in the lane assigned to the runner.
  2. The Christian race is somewhat similar:
    1. Abide by the same rule - Phil. 3:16
    2. Walk by the same rule - Gal. 6:16
    3. Exercise and self-control are a must, if we wish to win the race that is set before us - 1 Tim. 4:7; Acts 24:16; Rom. 12:3-6
    4. The measure of the rule set by God - 2 Cor. 10:13, 14
    5. Lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us - Heb. 12:1-6
    6. Observe carefully the Christian limitation - 1 Cor. 9:24; 2 Pet. 1:6; Rom. 12:3-6
  3. The Grecian runner had a mark to reach:
    1. The Christian, too, has a mark to reach -
      1. Christlikeness - Phil. 3:14; Rom. 8:29
      2. Christian perfection - 1 John 3:1-3
      3. To obtain a crown of life - 1 Pet. 5:4; 2 Tim. 4:6-8
    2. Let us keep our eyes and our heart set upon the mark of high calling in Christ Jesus - Phil. 3:13- 16
C. THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE WILL GIVE THE REWARD
  1. Grecian judges were, at times, bought by bribery:
  2. But not so the judge of all the earth:
    1. Paul calls him "the righteous judge" - 2 Tim. 4:8
    2. He rewards men without partiality - Jas. 3:17
  3. The Christian runner has a great advantage over the Grecian runner:
    1. There were numerous runners in the Grecian games, but only one could win the prize.
    2. In the Christian race, all may obtain a crown of glory.
    3. The Grecian runner obtained a crown that faded away, left only a memory.
    4. But the Christian has for his goal -
      1. The crown of life - Jas. 1:12
      2. A crown of righteousness - 2 Tim. 4:8
      3. A crown of glory - 1 Pet. 5:4
      4. A crown that fadeth not away - 1 Pet. 5:4
  4. What we must keep in mind:
    1. It will take concerted effort on our part to win the race and obtain a crown.
    2. "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24
    3. It will take complete self-denial on our part - Matt. 16:24; 2 Tim. 2:12
    4. Free ourselves from all the weight of sin and evil habits - Heb. 12:1
    5. Set our face, like a flint, toward the kingdom of God - Phil. 3:13, 14
    6. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith - Heb. 12:1-6
    7. These and other rules of the Christian life must be observed, if we desire to reach the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus - Luke 21:34-36


Design © John Bryant 2011