Running with God

Life after Pentecost (VII)

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

In this passage, Paul develops the concept of the Christian understanding of freedom.

He starts the chapter by saying, “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? (1)

But I have not used any of these rights (15)

Why?

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible…” (19)

Last Sunday we discussed the subject of eating and not eating. Paul advised us that eating is a secondary issue, and we should get over it. However, we are free, but cautious that our freedom will not be a stumbling block for our brothers and sisters. He continues this chapter writing about being free, and about his “apostolic” rights. However, he is ready to put his rights aside in order to win people for Jesus.

“To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews… to the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men…” (19-22)

Paul is giving up from some of his secondary rights, (not his primary beliefs) to win people. Remember last Sunday? The members of the body of Christ edify each other.

The goal of this lifestyle is one thing: “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (23).

I remember when I went to serve in Ainjar, I realized that some men were not coming to church. One day I went with one of the men to his garden on a tractor. That was it. Once I sat with them in an afternoon break under a tree to speak about Lebanese politics; we sat for hours singing Armenian songs. Some of these men started coming to the church service and some eventually became dedicated Christians.

The last four verses of this chapter are an important ending. Paul has been in many sport arenas. He knows his audience likes racing. He draws the picture of a Christian believer as one who is in a race. For Paul, running is not just for amusement. No, in fact, it is running a race with a goal to win the race.

I love watching sports games, but I hate losing. Lately I decided not to take any sides. In fact, I will be with winning side. At least when the game is over, I go to bed with a cheerful spirit.

Life is a race. We are in a race. You like or not we all are in a race. You have the freedom to choose the kind of race you like to run.

I choose to run with God. In my race, I choose that whatever I do anything, I will do it for His Glory.

Now I have assurance that I can have victory in this race, not because I am an excellent runner. No, because I run with God. He is my Lord, my teacher, my trainer.

We read in I John 5:4, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

The Greek word for victory is Nike. No wonder the Nike Company chose this name for its sport equipment. Some time ago, Nike had an advertisement that went all over the world. They used the slogan, “JUST DO IT.”

This morning I am not trying to explain why we should run for Christ. I am telling you, JUST DO IT. Our victory is when we have faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is not stagnated faith. It moves, it runs. Our faith drives us to be filled with the Spirit of our Lord so we can have a life of discipline to run the race.

What kind of race?

Against whom are we racing?

We will continue in English.