Know ye not that they that run in. race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.

'run in. race' -'Why does he go to all this trouble? Why is he so serious about his forfeiting of rights. He told us--to save some and enjoy the triumph of the gospel. Is that strange? he wants to know. Every two years here in Corinth, he'll remind them, the Isthmian games take place. The runners in those races strain to do their very best. They don't wish to deliver. poor performance. Should he (or they)?' (McGuiggan p. 131)

'but one receiveth the prize?' -no prizes were given for losers!

'Even so run; that ye may attain' -'Run in such. way that you may win.' (NASV); 'run, then, for victory.' (Knox) 'Paul writes, like these prize winners, that you may capture the prize.' (Lenski p. 383) 'Entering the race is not winning it; do not be satisfied with running, but make sure of winning.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 855)

Point to Note:

1. How the world often puts members of the Church to shame! People in the world will sacrifice all, for some temporary prize or honor. They will dedicate their whole lives to some transient goal. They will exercise, diet, etc..to obtain. fleeting reward. And some Christians, who are striving for an eternal reward seem to have. hard time just showing up, not to mention "running the race".

2. And then the accusation is made that the "Church demands too much of its members", especially in the realm of attendance. Listen: Our three times. week and what we expect from our members and their children in bible class, PALES in comparison with the dedication and involvement DEMANDED of us and our children in..secular education, after school sports, etc....

3. Right now, as. examine the level of my own dedication to Christ, 'am. running to win?' (Luke 13:24; 2 Peter 1:10)

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Old Testament