What Does 1 Corinthians 9:24 Mean?

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

1 Corinthians 9:24(NASB)

Verse of the Day

We are saved by grace through faith in Christ and once we are born again, we are to live our Christian life in a manner that is worthy of our position in Him. Paul often used images of an athlete to illustrate the way that we are to live the Christian life.

We do not run the race set before us to win our salvation or get to heaven, for that is a free gift of grace. We participate in the Christian race to win a promised reward and gain the approval of our Father in heaven.

We are not to live our Christian life in a half-hearted manner, but rather we are to give it our all. We should run the race with single-minded resoluteness of purpose, determined to do our very best to the glory of God. We are to run so that we may obtain the prize.

We can run the race in a bed of sickness or at the kitchen sink. We can run to win at the office or at the supermarket, for the promised prize is for all who live godly in Christ Jesus and who conduct their Christian life in spirit and in truth.

We are to be faithful to the point of death, and stand fast in the Lord and in the power of His might. We are to be disciplined in our lives, exercise self-control, and consider the needs of others before our own.

We are to endure patiently through our trials, rejoicing in the Lord always, praying continually, and in everything giving thanks, for this is the will of God for all who are running the Christian race.

Let us run to obtain the reward - let us run to win.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that I will run the race that is set before me, to Your praise and glory. May I conduct my Christian life in the power of Your Holy Spirit. May I exercise self-control and consider the needs of others before my own. And may I endure patiently in the trials of life. Lord, I want to run the race to win, to Your honour and glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Choose a Verse from 1 Corinthians 9

  • 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627