Run your race as to win the prize

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Hello friends! 

How about some Bible study tonight? These verses are highlighted in my Bible from my cross country years but I hadn't really thought about them until i opened my Bible this morning to their exact page. This book, written by Paul, is especially applicable to the American people now, in 2013. We've been studying it at The Church at Brook Hills for about a month now because God put it on the hearts of our Elders. I was surprised how easily their early-church problems applied to us. Corinth was emersed in sexual immorality, idolatry, and had many divisions in their church. Mirrors America, right?

This verse teaches us about the discipline Christ requires when we give our lives to Him. We should constantly strive to be holy and to die to our sinful desires. Train yourself to be like Him. Faith alone is not what Christ told us would grant our salvation, but also not being of this world. Run your race to win the prize! Achieving the prize will be worth the hard run, the training, and the sacrifices to yourself. 

Christ tells us to go and tell all who will listen about His Gospel. Verse 27 reminds us that even some who profess to being a Christ-follower will not win the race. So be sure of your faith! Love your God and be kind to all people. 

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord"

Hebrews 12:14

-My heart is not afraid