1Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB 24 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. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I disciple my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. Hypocrisy is an awful thing. To say one thing and do another is confusing for the one who hears your words then sees you contradicting them. As believers, we have a high calling. We have a higher standard. When we do not practice what we preach, it does not go unnoticed. And what is worse is that people stop listening to the truth. It sounds like a lie when we live that way. Paul wanted to guard himself and the church from such hypocrisy. This is why he writes, for the sake of the lost and those who are part of the flock. Our very words impact them.
It's a terrifying thing to read disqualified. But read carefully what Paul is saying. Paul says I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. He is not saying he will be disqualified from heaven. He is saying that those to whom he preached will no longer hear his words as truth. In a sense, they will lose their power. The Bible clearly says, So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 NASB But we don't want to be the reason a person rejects the truth of God because of our actions. Paul loved God and loved people. So he made it his goal to disciple himself for their sake. Our goal should be the same, not so we won't be disqualified but for the joy of being qualified and having the opportunity to tell others about Jesus. This is Good News! Have a great, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good!
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1Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB 24 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. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. No one should beat themselves up over what God gives us grace and forgiveness over. But Paul, in our passage today, literally says I give myself a black eye. The English words I discipline my body in the Greek language of Paul's day means black eye. Although he doesn't mean he literally gave himself a black eye, Paul clearly says that he tells his body what to do. He does not allow his body to tell him what to do.
Today, many allow their emotions to drive them. They say it feels good and that God gave them feelings, so they can't be wrong. But what God has said, He will never contradict. So it is that we, like Paul, should be making our bodies our slaves and telling it what to do based on what God has already said. Of course, this is easier said than done, but as they say, If we aim at nothing, we will hit it every time. There is a severe motivation behind what Paul is saying as well. We will talk about that tomorrow. For today think about what and why you do what you do. Is it centered on what God has said or on what you feel? Paul was in no way boasting when he said he would discipline himself. He was doing the very thing that God expects us all to do. Jesus Himself said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Matthew 16:24 NASB It is sort of like getting on a moving sidewalk. You get on, but the machine does the work. We make a choice, but it is the Holy Spirit who works in and through us. So, what will you deny yourself today to follow Him? What good thing can you deny yourself for today and replace it with worship to Him who is worth it? Let's give it a try. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! 1Corinthians 9:24-27 24 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. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. As we continue studying our passage this week, look at the words- exercises self-control. The church of Corinth was a church that understood they were free in Jesus, but they took that freedom as a license to do whatever they want. Paul is writing to the church to correct them and teach them how to live according to grace. We are not only saved from the penalty of sin. We are also being saved from the power of sin. We do not have to on doing what we've done in the past. Jesus wants to break those sin patterns that have us enslaved to them.
Those qualified to run the Christian race of life are freed from sin and are free to run as Children of God. Holiness is our call. We are not free to do whatever we want. We are free to do whatever Jesus wants. The church in Corinth was supposed to be a lighthouse shining the very light of Jesus in what they say and do. Instead, they were a selfish church that lived to make themselves happy. If we know we have been promised eternity with God and an eternal prize, or as Paul says imperishable, how much more should we be willing to give up certain rights we have to strive for those eternal rewards. Remember, the prize is not eternal life. That is a gift God gives by grace through faith. The imperishable prize the believer receives is for faithful service to the Lord. Those in Paul's day disciplined themselves for the Isthmian Games. They denied themselves even good things for the sake of something better- the praise and prize rewarded to one who finished first. It cost them something, but the reward for them outweighed the cost of training for the race. What does it cost you? We need to deny ourselves some things to run the Christian race of life well to win that imperishable prize. We should set sin aside, but good things can be as well, for a time, to devote ourselves to better things. What time and activity can you deny yourself today so that you can train for the Christian race of life that your words and actions would impact those around you? Don't think hours; think minutes for now. As we discipline ourselves, we will grow in our love for Jesus, and it will be evident in what we say and do for the sake of others. He is worth it, and you will be rewarded for it, not with a prize that will fade away but with an eternal reward. Although Olympians get a gold, silver, or bronze medal, we will get an everlasting crown to give to Jesus. I do not want to show up empty-handed, do you? Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! Running To Win is the name of one of the radio program of Pastor Erwin Lutzer. It is a recording from his preaching ministry as the Pastor of Moody Church. It's named so to remind us of how we are to run this race called the Christian life. The program title is based on the passage at the end of the ninth chapter of first Corinthians which says- 24 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. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB The rest of this week, we will tackle a verse a day to clearly understand what God is telling His people through His servant, the Apostle Paul. He says, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?" Paul was speaking to the church in Corinth, a big city in Greece. This city hosted the Isthmian Games, muchlike our modern-day Olympics. So it is that the saints there in Corinth would have seen the picture painted by Paul.
Paul asks a question concerning those who run and receive a prize. This question is for those qualified to run as they are for those Olympic-style games. Not everyone races because not everyone is qualified. Believers qualify for the Christian race of life because of what Jesus did on our behalf on the Cross. Now, concerning the prize, it is not eternal life. That is something given to us by grace and a gift from God that He will never take away. The prize is the reward for running the race well. There will be some who run better than others and even some who disqualify themselves for this prize. We'll cover that as we get to that part in the passage. For today, know, if you are not yet qualified to run, first to Jesus and claim what He did on the Cross for sinners. If you already have, know, heaven waits for you, and you have eternity to spend with Jesus. But as long as you are here in the body, He has a race for you to run. We run this race with both our actions and voices. With our voices, we proclaim the Good News, and with our actions, we run in such a way that gives weight to our words. How are you running today? But, first, we must make sure we are not only running your mouth. We must make sure our actions line up with our mouth and are in lockstep with the truth Jesus lived and died for us to receive. This is essential for our well-being as well as those who hear it. Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! CROSS THE LINE will be this new school year's theme for ESM. To "cross the line" is usually a negative term that means going too far or beyond the boundary set. Although it will include this definition of crossing the line, it will not be the focus of our theme. Instead, it will focus on the Cross of Christ and the boundaries we set according to God's word and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our first lesson series will be 7 DEADLY SINS: Where have we gone to far? The request was brought to me by one of our students who saw an anime series with that title and wondered if the term was biblical. I thought that was an excellent question and worthy of our time as a group to investigate where the term comes from and if it is indeed biblical. Sin is a sensitive issue, and we have to approach it with truth and grace as Jesus Himself did. We do not have the liberty to decide what is sin. God has laid out what sin is in the Bible. There are sins of commission- in other words- what we commit or do. The Bible tells us- Everyone who sins is breaking God's law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 1John 3,4 NLT There are also sins of omission or what we omit- what we do not do, knowing we should. James puts it this way- Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17 NLT After this lesson series, we will discuss crossing the line from darkness to light and the eternal consequences of those who don't. We will also discuss what it means to cross the finish line and the disciple's call to endure. These and more will take up our year together with ESM. Please be praying with me as we plan and prepare the lessons for the year to come. Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! Matthew 28: 16-20 NLT The Great Commission 16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” According to an article on childrenshospital.org- Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a condition that causes a child to feel intense worry and fear at the prospect of being away from family members, other people, and even places (most commonly home) that he cares about...Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional and behavioral problems affecting children. About 13 out of every 100 children ages 9 to 17 years old experience some kind of anxiety disorder, such as separation anxiety disorder. Approximately 4% of children suffer from separation anxiety disorder. read more: www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/s/separation-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-and-causes
Anxiety is not something unique to children. Adults experience it as well. There are various reasons both children and adults feel anxiety; trauma is one of them. Consider the trauma that the disciples endured watching Jesus being arrested, tried, and executed. It must have profoundly impacted them. I would imagine their ability to trust was affected as well. Although Jesus told them on at least three different occasions what will happen to Him, they still were caught off guard when it did. The disciples doubted when the women came and told them that Jesus was alive, but they made the 70-mile journey from Jerusalem back to Galilee by faith. Could you even imagine that long walk? What did they talk about? Did they talk at all? The Bible doesn't give us these details but put yourself in their place and picture that walk. What Jesus says to them is essential in understanding how their faith in Him was reestablished and strengthened. Thus, the first two have their foundation in something established or firm, and the third is something that is and will continue to be. The first is that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. He says, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Before He gives His disciples their marching orders, Jesus reminds them that their authority comes from His absolute authority. Jesus sent them before with authority and power. How much more now after His resurrection will they trust He has it to give to them. This is very important because He may have seemed helpless to them as He was crucified, although He was not. Remember Jesus gave His life. No one took it from Him. Knowing Jesus has all authority would reassure them that He is in absolute control. Next is the charge He gives the disciples, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." The charge is to make disciples. They are not to make up new teachings but instead pass on what Jesus taught them. Finally, His promises His presence. "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Knowing that they have Jesus' power (authority), purpose (make disciples-teach), and presence would have given them all they need. Their faith in Him would be reestablished and strengthened for the task ahead. If you are a believer and find yourself discouraged or anxious because things are not going the way you thought they would, these words of Jesus are for you as well. Jesus doesn't just encourage them. He gives them His power, purpose, and presence to move ahead with all they need. So may His words do the same for you. That's Good News! Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! Matthew 28: 11-15 NLT The Report of the Guard 11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. We believe we are independent thinkers, but the reality is no one in this world thinks independently. Those who influence others build their ideas on others. Where do we even start nowadays? People get out their version of the story on all sorts of media outlets. From TV to TicToK, people form and influence what we think, and sometimes we don't even know it. Jesus said he would rise again on the third day, and He did. Yet here are the soldiers who know the truth but were paid to lie about it. They are even fed the lie they are to spread- "Jesus' disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body." Now consider Jesus' disciples; they all died for what they believed. If the lie the soldiers were paid to spread was true, they all died for what they knew was a lie. Almost all the disciples died brutally not naturally, of old age or disease. Below is a video that tells us what the Bible records and what is traditionally believed concerning the disciples' deaths. The lie that Jesus didn't rise from the grave is disputed to this day. I watch videos from those who believe and defend that lie. We should know what they are saying but also know how to answer them as well. This is why I also read and watch videos made by those who believe Jesus was raised from the dead. If you have questions about Jesus' resurrection, ask those questions. There are good and relevant answers to your questions. This is Good News! Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! Matthew 28: 1-10 NLT The Resurrection Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shock with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid." he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead , just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” 8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” There is so much going on in our passage today; an angel, the earthquake, guards, women, the declaration, and the first physical appearance of Jesus.
I want to point out the relationship between the earthquake, the stone, and the angel. The quake would seem reasonable to move the stone away, but we cannot ignore the timing. It was " just as [Jesus] said would happen ." And Matthew makes it clear, "Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it." The word for tells us it was because of the angel that the earth quaked. That wasn't the only thing that shook either. It was also the knees of the soldiers and the women. It says the soldiers fainted. The angel said to the women said- do not fear, He has risen, tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee. Jesus tells the two Marys the same thing. Frightened but also filled with great joy, how is this possible? It sounds like a contradiction, but it may have been a response to two different things- what they knew and what they didn't know. They not only knew that Jesus was alive because the angel told them, Jesus Himself in the flesh appeared to them. We know it was in the flesh because it says, "they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus also visited Thomas, one of Jesus' other disciples, after the resurrection because he did not believe He rose from the dead. He also touched Him. Thomas put his fingers in His wounds and his hand in His side! After this, Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." Do you believe? If you are, remember Jesus' words and know you are blessed. If you do not yet believe, ask Jesus to help you. After all, NO ONE will believe apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. This is Good News! Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! Matthew 27: 62-66 NLT The Guard at the Tomb 62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.” 65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it. There is an old saying- "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." The leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate, but they were not friends. The Jewish leaders can only rule to a certain degree. It was the Roman ruler, Pontius Pilate, who ruled supreme in the land. I imagine this didn't make the Jewish leaders and Pilate friends, but now they had a common enemy- Jesus.
Although Jesus was dead and placed in the tomb, this wasn't enough for them. They wanted to make sure that the disciples didn't make people believe Jesus was alive as He said He would be. The sad thing here is that the disciples didn't remember that Jesus said He would be raised on the third day, but His enemies did, and they were telling others! Now keep in mind, the stone was already covering the opening of the tomb. The leaders wanted to seal it so they would know If someone opened it. Someone could take Jesus' body and put the stone back only to say that Jesus was indeed raised as He said He would. A rope across or even on the edge of the stone with a wax seal would have been enough. Truly incredible that even when Jesus was dead and buried, they still considered Him a threat. Sadly, the enemies of Jesus remembered His words more than His disciples, and they acted on those words. Even today, many who do not believe in Jesus know more about what He said and study it to prove it lie. But so many believers do not take time to study what Jesus said and has so graciously preserved for us. If you are reading this, I would like to reward you with a gift card. So post a comment below, and thank you for taking the time to read the blog post. The Word of God is a treasure to be mined, but we do have to cultivate a time of reading, study, and reflection. Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good! |
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