SPIRITUAL TRAINING
Key verse: 24
NIV
The Need for Self-Discipline
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?(A) Run(B) in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown(C) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.(D) 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;(E) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.(F) 27 No, I strike a blow to my body(G) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.(H)
Cross references
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 : Php 3:14; Col 2:18
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 : ver 25, 26; Gal 2:2; 5:7; Php 2:16; 2Ti 4:7; Heb 12:1
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 : 2Ti 2:5
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 : 2Ti 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 5:4; Rev 2:10; 3:11
- 1 Corinthians 9:26 : S ver 24
- 1 Corinthians 9:26 : 1Ti 6:12
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 : Ro 8:13
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 : ver 24
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives (A)the prize? So (B)run that you may obtain it. 25 Every (C)athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we (D)an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I (E)do not box as one (F)beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and (G)keep it under control,[a] lest after preaching to others (H)I myself should be (I)disqualified.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave
Cross references
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 : Phil. 3:14; Col. 2:18
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 : Gal. 2:2; 5:7; Phil. 2:16; Heb. 12:1; [2 Tim. 4:7]
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 : 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:5; 4:7; [Jude 3]
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 : See James 1:12
- 1 Corinthians 9:26 : [Heb. 12:4]
- 1 Corinthians 9:26 : [ch. 14:9]
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 : [Rom. 6:19]
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 : [Song 1:6]
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 : [Jer. 6:30; Rom. 1:28; Heb. 6:8]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Strict training (24-25)
Paul saw himself as a boxer or as a long distance runner in training. Athletes endure strict physical training in order to win the prize. A runner disciplines his body severely. He knows that only one man will win the victor's crown. He wants to be that man. However, the crown he wins will perish. How much more we should be willing to subject ourselves to God's training so that we can win the crown of life- the crown that will last forever.
2. I do not run aimlessly (26-27)
Paul did not run the spiritual race aimlessly. His training had a point. His personal sacrifices and self-discipline were for the sake of planting the gospel in the Gentile world. He did not beat the air; each punch landed on its intended target. Furthermore, he disciplined himself to live according to the gospel he preached, so that he himself might not be disqualified.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live according to your gospel. Help me to discipline myself.
One Word: Don't beat the air; run to win
