The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1959-04-23

ali 1lNbll u uptlDlG.
i Corinthians 9:25
The context in which our text
is found is dealing with Chris
tian service and the importance
of faithfully fulfilling the obliga-
tions involved in such service.
As we read through the New
Testament we learn that God has
promised rewards to those who
are faithful in their Christian
responsibilities G Corinthians
3:11-15; II Corinthians 5:1-10).
Christians do receive some
rewards in this life, but the
best and most valued will be re-
ceived at the judgment seat Of
Christ. Among the rewards are
five crowns which a child of God
can receive Il Cor 9:25; l Thess.
2:19; l Peter SD; II Timothy 4:8;
James 1:l2; Revelation 2:l0).
To illustrate his point Paul
refers to those who take part in
athletic contests. The contestant
must faithfully abide by the
rules. He must refrain from all
that is definitely harmful, and
he must exercise self-control in
what he eats and in his daily
habits. Something's may morally
good and legitimate in them
selves, but the contestant must
refrain from such in order that
he might conserve and apply all
of his time and energy to the
game Those who desire to par
ticipate in the game must learn
to deny themselves and be sub
ject TO strict discipline in obey
ing the rules.
Only a few, comparatively,
"sign up for the contest. The
majority are not interested or
do not care for that kind of a
life. Others would rather watch
from the sidelines. So it is for
Christian service-pastors, mis-
sionaries. evangelists. Sunday
school teachers, visitation, etc.
Many are content to be known
as Christians, but they are not
interested or do not care for such
a life. They want others to do
the work while they watch from
the Sidelines.
There are those who gladly
Sign up" because of anticipated
fun and glory that might be re-
ceived from the game, or it is
passing fancy with them, but
when they find out that il means
blood, sweat and tears" they
drop out. So II is in the Christian
life. Many, because they think it
is a SNAP" and easy life, or be-
cause some relative or friend
talked them into it, or because
of shallow enthusiasm, gladly
volunteer for Christian service,
but as soon as they realize that
they must discipline themselves,
that they cannot have every
thing they want, that it is not
"a bed of roses" they quit.
The others are determined to
play in the game so they endure
the strict training and the pun
ishment of their body knowing
that they will be better able TO
take part in the contest. But even
d slight infraction of the rules
can keep them on the bench, not
having the opportunity even TO
start, or they may play a good
portion Of the game and, because
of lack Of self-control or failing
to follow instructions, then be
benched for the rest OF the game.
They still are recognized as a
member of the team, they may
be used in Scrlmmage or practice,
but they lose the privilege Of
playing III the game. So it is IN
Christian service. There are those
who are sincere and determined
to do good job, but their en-
thuslasm gets the best of them
or they are so eager to see results
that they act contrary to Gods
methods-His rules. Others,
though they started out well, be-
come careless in their personal
life and in their conduct. Con-
sequently God puts them on the
bench. They would like to be
in the game, but they must learn
that obedience is better than
service.
Paul tells us that the athletes
of his days received a crown
(made Of leaves or flowers) that
would soon fade and rot. He also
tells us that crown which the
Christian can receive is incor-
ruptible; it will never fade or
rot.
Paul was in Christian service,
servant of God He was deter
mined to put all that he had into
it. Using his figure of speech
(verse 27), he beat his body into
subjection - brought it under
complete control to his will. He
would endure any pain or sacri-
flee for the privilege of being a
true minister of Jesus Christ
(verse 27).
Paul was determined to prac-
tice what he preached. He lab
ored TO win the coveted prize of
Gods approval and blessing.
Roy e. Wikander