THE RACE FOR AN INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 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.

There was a purpose intended behind Paul's choice of lifestyle, and his manner of preaching the word of God. That purpose was to bring eternal salvation, through Christ Jesus, to every soul that had an open heart, and was ready to receive and obey it. If it meant self-denial in any way, remaining unmarried, sustaining himself by his own labor, and in any way possible, within the boundaries set by God, becoming all things to all men, Paul did so in order to be as effective as possible, in extending the cause of Christ throughout the known world. His purpose in preaching God's word; the goal toward which he hoped to achieve; the end toward which he was striving, here in the lesson text, he compares to an incorruptible (crown).

This illustration was not only applicable to Paul, but it is just as applicable to the Christians at Corinth and Christians everywhere today. The life, which Paul led, as an apostle of Christ, and the life each Christian leads while here on earth is, indeed, a race; a battle, which can be won with a godly, dedicated effort. To illustrate this to the church at Corinth, and to us today, Paul compares the life of a Christian to an athletic competition. Bible scholars tell us this comparison was very understandable to the Corinthians, because the Isthmian Games were periodically held near their city. In these games, all athletic events were contested that were common to that day and time, including running events, having various distances, and feats of strength involving all forms of wrestling, boxing, weight lifting, etc. The contestants sacrificed all conflicting pleasures; they trained for very long, extended periods of time. They were totally focused on winning their particular event and receiving the prize - a crown that signified their accomplishment. The crown was a garland to be worn on the head of the winner, and was generally made from freshly picked flowers, laurel vines, and leaves. They were beautiful and very meaningful, during that era, and in this particular area of the world, but were corruptible - that is, they soon wilted, decayed, and were destroyed. They were important, but only for a moment in time.

If so much importance was, and still is, placed on winning a corruptible crown, Christians should be even more dedicated to win a crown that is incorruptible - a crown that will never wilt or decay - a crown that is permanent for eternity. Notice how the writer of Hebrews describes the Christian race. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1-2).

Unlike the Isthmian Games, or later, the Olympic Games, which have only one winner in each event, each child of God can be a winner in the Christians Games. Paul told Timothy that the Christian cannot receive the crown unless he strive lawfully (2 Tim. 2:5) - that is, to run the race, or fight the battle, within the rules set by God, as recorded by His inspired writers. Peter describes the incorruptible crown as exceeding great and precious promises awaiting all Christians ...having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The formula for attaining this incorruptible crown is diligently attaining, and putting into practice, these Christian characteristics: faith, ...virtue, ...knowledge, ...temperance, ...patience, ...godliness, ...brotherly kindness, ...(and) charity (2 Pet. 1:4-7).

What a great honor it was then, and still is today, to be the winner of any event in world-wide athletic competitions. As a one-time runner myself, I can visualize the thrill of winning the Prefontaine Classic mile race. Yet the reward is only temporary - it is corruptible. Paul fought a good fight, ...finished (the) course, ...(and) kept the faith. A crown of righteousness is waiting him, as well as for all other faithful Christians (2 Tim. 4:7-8). In James 1:12, he wrote that there is the crown of life ...promised to them that love Him (Jesus Christ). Emulate Paul - strive for the incorruptible crown - refuse to be a castaway. This is Jesus' desire. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be castaway (Luke 9:25)?