1 Corinthians 9:24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. I. ITS NATURE — "So run." It implies — 1. Piety towards God. The love of God must be the all-constraining principle, the Spirit of God the Guide, and the Word of God the constant companion of every candidate. 2. Equity towards all their fellow-creatures. They will, by God's grace, endeavour to render to all their dues, and it will be their daily habit "to do unto others as they would others should do unto them." 3. Sobriety as to ourselves. It is not enough to abstain from drunkenness, &c., but the candidate's Christian course must be temperate in all things, even in lawful matters, keeping under his body, and bringing it into subjection. He is to use this world as not abusing it, and to let his "moderation be known unto all men," because "the Lord is at hand." II. THE MANNER. "So run." 1. Lawfully. 2. With the understanding. We must, ere the resolution be formed, "sit down and count the cost." 3. Looking forward to "Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith." 4. Penitently — i.e., godly sorrow for and hatred to sin. 5. Prayerfully. 6. Cheerfully. 7. Believingly (Hebrews 11:1). 8. Continually. The Christian, unlike the Olympic race, which was celebrated but once in five years, is to be run every day of our lives. 9. Perseveringly. Nothing honourable and desirable is obtained, even in this world, without this. III. THE RESIGN. "That ye may obtain." (T. Sedger, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. |
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