Run To Win

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." 1 Corinthians 9:24

Paul often used athletic analogies in his letters to describe the Christian life. The Greco-Roman culture in which he lived and ministered was obsessed with sports much like today’s culture. In those days there was a huge emphasis on physical training and the pursuit of winning athletic events. Paul harnessed this cultural phenomenon and applied it to how every follower of Christ should live their lives. We must exercise the same kind of discipline to become a godly Christian as an athlete does to become a great champion. In these four verses, Paul acted like a seasoned, storied athletic coach who used TWO TACTICS to motivate us to be a spiritual winner.

TACTIC #1 = EXHORTATION (vv. 24 - 25)

A. You must have direction to win (v. 24)

B. You must have discipline to win (v. 25)

TACTIC #2 = EXEMPLIFICATION (vv. 26 - 27)

A. Paul's personal direction (v. 26)

B. Paul's personal discipline (v. 27)