1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: I. YOU MUST ENTER THE LISTS. 1. You must be a Christian. An infidel, a pagan, cannot run this race, nor can a mere nominal professor. A sound faith must be united with an exemplary life. 2. Preparation is needed. The racer is careful in his diet. The Christian is to show sobriety, to be master of himself, subduing every passion. The athletes oiled themselves, both to give suppleness in motion, and to render it difficult for their antagonists to grapple them. The grace of Christ, the anointing of the Holy One, is indispensable to the believer. With the aid of Christ we can do all things. 3. The racer was presented in the circus. The Christian must free himself from everything that may hinder his progress. II. YOU MUST RUN CERTAINLY. 1. Men fail who have no aim in life. One thing is needful. "Beware of the man of one book," it has been said. You cannot stand in discussion with him. Others are readers of many books, but forget their contents. Some are distracted with business, polities, and pleasure, and so lose the reward. Of course, if God gives you varied gifts, you are not to neglect them, but to subordinate all to one aim. 2. Having chosen that aim, be conscientious. It is your conscience, not that of others, which is to guide. Do not falter and be turned aside, as were David and Peter. Don't beat the air, as a gladiator who, through fear or lack of skill, swung clear of his foe, giving the air the blow instead of his adversary. 3. Be candid. Look to yourself. We all live in glass houses, and should not throw stones. Do not listen to a sermon for another, and think how well the reproof fits another, and say, "Bravo for the preacher who has nothing for us." III. KEEP YOUR EVE ON THE GOAL TILL YOU REACH IT. We are to be "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith," for looking at Him will keep us from turning aside. We arc all running a race, willingly or unwillingly. Is it a heavenly one? (A. Gavazzi.) Parallel Verses KJV: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:WEB: I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, |
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