Description
Running the Race: Embracing Wholehearted Service in Christ
In this episode, we delve into Paul’s message from 1 Corinth… (visit YouTube for more)
Transcript
Do we take our Christian lives for granted or are we straining for what God has for us next? That is the question that Paul’s asking in 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 24. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Now Paul has his mind absolutely firmly set on the heavenly prize he’s expecting to receive. That is eternal life. That is an enduring relationship face to face with God himself when we see him in the next life.
And Paul says, well if this is our principle for living, then this really ought to spur us on, not to half hearted service, but to whole hearted service. Service in the kingdom. We are so running as if we are going to receive a prize because we are.
Now this is backwards. We’re guaranteed the prize no matter how hard we run. Are we running in a way that someone who knows they’re going to get a prize would run?
Or are we giving up? Do we feel that the race is too difficult? Do we feel that the prize is beyond us?
Take heart. That prize is assured. Once you accept Jesus as your Saviour, once you say, I’m going to go your way, God, not my way, then this prize, this eternal life, this crown of glory awaits you. Does that not provoke gratitude in us?
And it’s that gratitude and our love for God that arises from the love that he’s given us, that encourages us to put in all the effort we can into doing his will on this earth and seeing his kingdom come.
God, please help us and sustain us through this race. Many legs of the race we find are difficult, but we know that you don’t leave us alone. We know that you are cheering us on. We know that Christ himself led the way in his race and paid the ultimate price for us. Amen.
