10/04/18 RUN TO WIN YOUR GOAL
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 In a race, everyone runs but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win.
To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An
athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that
never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just
shadow-boxing or playing around. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do
what it should, not what it wants to.
1 Corinthians 10:13 Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is
irresistible. You can trust GOD to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up
against it, for HE has promised this and will do what HE says. [Living Bible translation]
Summary
In I Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul describes the need to be disciplined and to persevere. Paul also describes
the battle that each of us must wage against our bodily desires to do things that prevent us from winning our goals.
With regard to food goals, the body may want to overeat or indulge itself, even though it may be detrimental to our
own general health. With regard to fitness goals, the body may become sluggish or demanding, requesting that we
give full attention to every joint pain or discomfort. With regard to spiritual goals, the body may want to become the
center of attention, requesting constant stimulation (e.g. watching TV, focusing on anxieties for us to “fret” about)
rather than allowing quiet meditation on the Word of GOD, bodily demand can cause distractions, cause us to forget
about GOD or to have FAITH. The body may insists on priorities that focus on itself (e.g. constant shopping, doing
“busy work,” focusing on one’s own needs and wants, or always wanting more) rather than focusing on GOD.
As the Apostle Paul says it’s a real battle and there are a lot of temptations to give in to bodily wants! But, it is a
battle GOD can win!
Some of the training tips that Paul gives us include the following:
- Know your goal.
- Run your race (i.e., don’t worry about what’s going on in the other runners’ lanes).
- Be prepared to deny yourself.
- Run to win, with purpose in every step. (Remember if you think you won’t win, you
probably won’t win. Don’t lose the race at the start line.) - Be prepared for a little discomfort during your training (Remember most races are not won
easily, which is why testing the limits, pushing yourself to get to the next level will require
some mental or physical effort.*) - Remember, you are not alone. Others have encountered problems on the way to victory too.
- Trust GOD—HE is more powerful than YOU. HE wants the BEST for YOU. HE is
EMMANUEL/IMMANUEL (meaning “GOD with us”) and HE keeps HIS promises.
*However, if you have a medical problem or an injury, be sure to consult your personal physician about your exercise or dietary goals and plans
in light of your medical condition.