Running the Race to Win

As we look once again at all the Apostle had to go through to run the race for Jesus, we see a lot about his mindset in his background letter to the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul writes in verse 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! We live in a very apathetic world that just thinks it is ok to be in the race, but have victory in Jesus and run our life race with victory in our heart. This enables us to run with a soul superpower that those who don't know Jesus do not have at all. Paul had this commitment to winning the race, and in the face of much opposition, he kept running. He got better and better in his race to the point he intimidated some very powerful religious people. Those on the sideline who don't understand our commitment to winning the race will doubt us, but we must not listen to them and keep running the race to victory. Since we are running in the victory of the cross, we then give all praise to Jesus when we win that race.

Here is another example of Paul having to deal with those who were not running and the measure they went to stop him. Acts 23: 12 The next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. 14 They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way.” 16 But Paul’s nephew—his sister’s son—heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. 17 Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him.” 18 So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”20 Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. 21 But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way, ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.” 22 “Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man.

Here we get a little glimpse into Paul's physical family as his nephew (his sister's son) is an ally to him. His nephew tells the commander of a plot to kill Paul and it allows the commander to act accordingly. God's protection was all around Paul, and the desire of 40 Jews to kill him was exposed, and the plan was thwarted by the commander. If you are running the race and running the race to win, realize "God is on your side," and he will lead you, empower you, and guide you to victory. Remember to give Him praise because He is worthy of such praise.

Here is what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. What is your goal? What is your prize? 1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

If anyone tells you the Bible doesn't speak to "real" life, then they aren't reading it!! Immerse yourself in the Word of God, and it will do something lasting and wonderful in your life!! That is running the race!!

Vesselogical Out,

David Warren