Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 9:26–27
God had Paul finish with this in 1 Corinthians 9:26–27: “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” God had Paul proclaim that he did not run his spiritual life without having goals to meet. Just as an athlete sets goals and pushes themselves to go beyond, God had Paul share that our spiritual lives should be similar to an athlete’s, having goals to meet and a purpose for what we do. We should always strive to grow as Christians and fulfill all that God has called us to do. God also had Paul use a boxer as an example. God had Paul explain that he did not just shadow box, but he had a purpose in what he did each day and to make sure he was obeying Christ as his Lord. Paul even said that he strictly disciplined his body to make it my slave. Paul knew he was a slave to Christ and not to his fleshly desires. As Christians, we also are slaves of Christ. Therefore, we must die to our fleshly desires and not succumb to them. Paul declared that after he was used by God to preach the gospel to others, he wanted to make sure that he lived in such a way as not to disqualify himself for God’s service. To be unfit for service would be a tragedy for any Christian.
Challenge & Application
What goals do you set each day to make sure you are walking in right fellowship with our Lord and obeying Him wholeheartedly?
How have the disciplines you practice been an encouragement to other Christians who may be less mature than you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!