1 Corinthians 9:24-27
About the Text
(24) What kind of "prize" did Paul have in mind? It was not eternal life, which the casual reader would initially think. Rather, it is the reward that comes from preaching the gospel. The Christian worker's reward consists of (1) pleasing God (1 Cor. 9:18), (2) seeing people saved (1 Cor. 9:22), and (3) receiving certain extra gifts from God in heaven for hard work (1 Cor. 3:12-14, Matt. 5:12, 16:27, Eph. 6:8, Rev. 22:12). Paul compares the Christian life to an athletic competition. In 2 Tim. 3:7 he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race." In Phil. 3:14 he says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Every Christian has a calling from God. We are all called to live as Christians, i.e. to be loving, peaceful, joyful, patient, and kind, etc. Also, each of us has a specific calling, a station in life, such as being a father, a husband, an engineer, a construction worker, or a preacher. We serve God through each of these callings. Paul's calling was to spread the gospel to an entire continent, which was no small task. To do it well meant strict discipline and perseverance. God encourages the Christian who works hard with rewards, the "prize" Paul mentions in this verse. They are not earned, they are yet gifts of God's grace. When the Christian life becomes encumbered with pain, hardship, and trials, God promises us eternal "extras" that give us hope, in addition to the rewards of seeing people saved and God glorified. The Bible does not give us the full details of what these extra rewards are, but that they are simply of great value.
(25) What kind of "games" was Paul referring to? The ancient forerunner of our modern Olympics. These were grand, extravagant athletic events that attracted competitors and visitors from all over the Roman empire. They were held in Corinth every two years. The games consisted of racing, wrestling, jumping, boxing, javelin throwing, and the discus.
Insights
The Bottom Line
Train for the gold. This is the last of four criteria by which we should judge our lifestyle. Paul urges believers to test their activities and their actions with these tests: 1. It must not cause a new Christian to sin. (1 Cor. 8) 2. It must not impose barriers that keep some people from hearing the gospel. (1 Cor. 9:1-18) 3. It must not hinder your ability to relate to the people you're trying to reach for Christ. (1 Cor. 9:19-23, which we studied last week) 4. It must not hinder but promote your ability to communicate the gospel and fulfill your calling in serving God. (1 Cor. 9:24-27) The gospel of Jesus Christ is so wonderful that some will train as hard as an Olympic athlete just to tell others about it. The gospel is this: that Jesus was God who came to earth as a man 2,000 years ago, to take upon Himself the moral punishment that we deserved. By doing that, He won our release from condemnation to hell, and He earned God's forgiveness for us. All those who believe will receive a new, abundant, eternal life - a life that increases in love, joy, peace, and hope. Christ promised this new life to all who admit they are sinners and believe in Him.