BC - Day 327

Reading:  1 Corinthians 9-12


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 a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27


Footnote:  Winning a race requires purpose and discipline.  Paul used this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard word, self-denial, and grueling preparation.  As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward.  The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina.  Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning.  Train diligently -- your spiritual progress depends upon it.


At times we must even give up something good in order to do what God wants.  Each person's special duties determine the discipline and denial that he or she must accept.  Without a goal, discipline is nothing but self-punishment.  With the goal of pleasing God, our denial seems like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will be ours.


The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12


Footnote:  Paul compares the body of Christ to a human body.  Each part has a specific function that is necessary to the body as a whole.  The parts are different for a purpose, and in their differences they must work together.  Christians must avoid two common errors:  1.  being too proud of their abilities, or 2.  thinking they have nothing to give to the body of believers.  Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different gifts, together, to spread the Good News of salvation.


JUST KEEP READING..........

All footnotes in italics taken from Life Application Study Bible, New International Version.