Upon our salvation, we have been entered into what Paul calls a race: "...let us run with patience the race that is set before us..." (Heb 12:1).
Elsewhere, he compares the Christian walk to a race, with a prize to be won at the end: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Cor 9:24).
Interestingly enough, he encourages us to run in a certain way, in order to win this prize. In other words, he tells us HOW TO RUN effectively!
"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor 9:26-27).
Rest assured, we are not running to earn our salvation; heaven is the free gift of God for all those justified by the blood of His atoning Son (Eph 2:5, 8; Rom 3:24). Rather, we are running to obtain a crown (1 Cor 9:25). Crowns are not given, they are earned. Prizes and rewards are not given, but earned. Our reward is not heaven, rather, our reward is said to be "IN heaven" (1 Pet 1:4). Thus Paul's admonishment for his readers to run this race in a certain way. We are to be running unto successful completion, and not in vain. Let it be readily understood that Paul's fear was not being castaway from the race, but from the prize! In other words, our finishing status (win or lose) can only disqualify us from the greatest of all rewards: becoming the bride of Christ, because only ONE obtains it. It does not disqualify us from the race itself (salvation).
So how ought we to run?
We are to run "not uncertainly". In other words, not ignorantly nor unaware. We are never to trek this course as runners unaware of our goal and destination. Rather, this goal is to be "an expected end" (Jer 29:11). He who runs with a clear aim, looks straightforward to the goal, makes it his sole aim, casts away every encumbrance, is indifferent to what the by-standers may say, and sometimes even a fall only serves to rouse him the more!
Furthermore, we are to run "not as one that beateth the air". In other words, not as one who is ill-equipped and unprepared for battle. This image is borrowed from the boxers (pugilists) of Paul's day, who would air box in preparation for their coming fight. These efforts, however, were carnal ones, and were not to be superseded upon the "race" or "fight" of the child of God (1 Tim 6:12). Contrariwise, the Christian did not miss his aim purposely; he did not exert himself and spend his strength for nothing. Every blow that he struck was one pregnant with purpose and filled to capacity with fervency and Godly zeal! This attitude alone could bear fruit (2 Tim 4:7). The believer was not to waste his energies on that which would produce no result. He did not strive with rash, ill-advised or uncertain blows; but all his efforts were directed to the great purpose or subjugating his enemy - sin - and the corrupt desires of the carnal flesh - and bringing everything into captivity to God!
Reader, every need we will ever have possesses a solution found within the Word of God. How wonderful that we are not expected to run this Christian race of our own accord and ability! How grateful we are that God enables us to run such a race, teaching us the very means to run effectively and come to a prosperous completion! Thank you, Jesus!
So how else are we encouraged by Scripture to run this race? What other means are vital to adhere to that ensure a successful and crown-bearing completion?
To Be Continued...
No comments:
Post a Comment