Discipleship - Conditioning 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Discipleship Conditioning

Introduction

We’ve all watched sporting events in admiration of those who compete. What we see are the results of a lot of hard work, self-discipline, and proper conditioning.

This afternoon, if you are into football, you will probably watch the super bowl. One person that the news has covered is the 41 year old New England Patriots Quarterback, Tom Brady. Everyone is amazed as to how he performs at the age of 41, so they talk about his eating habits and his training routine.

In our text for this morning, Paul is encouraging his reader to pay attention to those who run and wants all of them realize that we are all in the race. Everyone who has made a commitment to follow Jesus goes into strict training as to win the prize for which they have been called Heavenward.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 NIV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

History … Paul wrote this passage in regard to some conflict that existed concerning whether or not it was right to eat meat offered to idols. People wanted to know who was right and who was wrong.

Paul wrote in regard to this issue, it wasn't about who was right or wrong, but how you approach those who are opposed to your way or thought. Jesus taught to love others and live in a way that our lives do not hinder the spiritual walk of another.

Then Paul address his own rights as an apostle and what he did in regard to serving God through proclaiming the gospel of Jesus so that others could know God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

By way of practical application, Paul now gives a strong exhortation for Christian self-denial, using himself as an example and employing athletic figures familiar to the Corinthians at their own Isthmian athletic games, which were hosted every other year by the people of Corinth. The particular events he refers to are running and boxing.

Matthew Henry writes...

He excites them to their duty

“So run that you may obtain the crown...

The Christian life is different from the races they knew. He is saying in those Isthmian (Olympic type) games only one wins the prize. But in the Christian life, we all run to obtain the prize. Therefore he encourages them to persist constantly, diligently, and vigorously. There is room for all to run the race and obtain the prize. In Christ, you you cannot fail.

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 4328 Creed of Olympic Games

These words were spelled out in lights at the 18th Olympics at Tokyo, in 1964.

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part; just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is … to have fought well.”

He Directs them in their Course

Every person who trained kept to a set diet.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do not indulge themselves, but restrain themselves from the food they eat.

ILLUSTRATION: About a week ago, Jeniffer Lopez challenged the host news anchors on the Today show to a no carb - no sugar diet for 10 days. You should have seen the look on their face. No sugar… What does the means?

He points them to the finish line

An athlete goes into strict training to win the prize and only one person wins. Paul states that the purpose for the Christian is an incorruptible prize to be obtains as one finishes the race as a Christians…

He writes in …

In

1 Timothy 6:12 NIV

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Philippians 3:14 NIV

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

In He says “I discipline my body”

1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV

No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

The term discipline literally refers to being hit in the face just below the eyes. He knows being a follower of Jesus is going to be tough so he puts his body through whatever it takes so that he can finish victoriously.

To “Run” the race is to run with a purpose

To “Run” the race is to run with a purpose

To “Run” the race is to receive that which is imperishable

To “Run” the race is to do so with every ounce of energy that you have, until you cross the finish line

Paul defines himself as a person set on the purpose of doing all that he does for the Glory of God!

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 7388 Relay Games in Corinth

In ancient Corinth there used to be staged the Isthmian Games, the forerunner of the modern Olympics. There were many events, but the one which received the most attention was the relay race. The competitors lined up side by side at the starting line, each bearing a torch. In the distance waited still another line, of men, and still farther on other lines.

When the signal was given, the men started to run, bearing their lighted torches. When a runner reached his partner in the next line he would pass on his light, and so on from man to man until the finish line was reached. With the famous relay race in mind, the Greeks coined a phrase: “Let those who have the light pass it on.”

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 5100 Queen’s Crown Jewels

The crown of Queen Elizabeth II has 2,783 diamonds, 277 pearls, 18 saphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies—all priceless gems; but many of the saints of God will wear crowns of far greater value.

—The Bible Friend

How should we respond to what Paul is saying?

1. Know that you are in a race...

2. Know that being a disciple requires discipline, dedication, proper conditioning, and persistence.

3. Know that it is not easy, but there is a reward when life is over on this earth... A heavenly crown.

What is your spiritual diet like?

2 Timothy 4:7–8 NIV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

What part does Bible study and pray have in your life?

What part does worship have in your life?

Romans 8:29 NIV

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

What part does prayer have in your life?

Do you set aside time to meet with God? With other brothers and sisters in Christ where you can be encouraged and strengthened in you