1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: I. THE SUBJECT TREATED OF — eminent personal holiness. 1. Its spring. The Divine influence on the soul of man. 2. Its marks. (1) A constant keeping of the great end in view. The attaining a crown (ver. 25). (2) A habitual conflict with all difficulties. "So fight I, not as one that beateth the air." Paul felt that he had not to skirmish shadows. (3) The prevailing dominion of the Spirit over the flesh. "I keep under my body," &c. II. ITS IMPORTANCE TO THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER. 1. It is essential. (1) To his freedom. He is a soldier; the various indulgences which would enslave are not for him; the softnesses which would prevent his warfare are not for him. But that he may be thus free, he must be eminent in holiness (2 Corinthians 6:4-7). (2) To his happiness. The unhappiness of many ministers arises from the consciousness that they are not what they ought to be. (3) To a well-grounded assurance of the Divine favour and approbation. (H. March.) 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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