1 Corinthians 9:24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. I. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A RACE. Rapidity, energy, &c., required (Luke 13:24; Colossians 1:29; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; see Gr., and cf. Luke 22:44). Running often used in illustration of Christian course (Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16; Philippians 3:3; Hebrews 12:1; and see Song of Solomon 1:4, and Psalm 119:32). Some are walking, crawling, loitering,' &c. (1 Corinthians 16:13). Is not heaven worth running for? (Matthew 11:12). Strive; for many will seek (only) and fail (Luke 13.). II. THE GREAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIGURE AND REALITY. There one receives the prize; here all may, though some come much behind others. Happy those with a finished course, a crown won! Some are lame, halt, feeble, slow, &c. Nevertheless, if in Christ, who is the way, they will yet win, and many first will be last, and last first. III. How? MARK HOW THESE GREEKS WERE TRAINED. 1. What care, pains, self-denial, self-restraint in all things, hours, food, rest, &c. (Romans 8:13). The Corinthians self-indulgent, which St. Paul rebukes (cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8; and especially 2 Timothy 2:3-5). 2. They were to "strive lawfully." So we are "under the law to Christ" (v. 21). IV. THE PRIZE. Great disparity between the reality and the figure. Astonishing what men will undergo to obtain — what? a little fame, gold, power, or authority. All the prizes of this world like those in Greece, which were wreaths, no sooner clutched than gone. But the Christian prize how glorious. A crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8); of life (Revelation 2:10; James 1:12); of glory (1 Peter 5:4; cf. Revelation 4:4, 10; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 7:9). "Hold fast that thou hast," &e. What hast thou? — hast thou Christ? Hold Him fast and run. Soon the race will be over (2 Timothy 4:7, 8). Conclusion: Revelation 3:21; Revelation 2:10. (W. E. Light, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. |
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