Faith that Receives Prize

[전승훈2]

Summary:

Paul compares the Christian life to a race, where all runners compete but only one receives the prize. He urges believers to run in such a way that they may obtain it. Athletes exercise self-control to win a perishable crown, but Christians strive for an imperishable one. Paul disciplines his body and keeps it under control so that, after preaching to others, he himself will not be disqualified.

Teaching:

Paul did not avoid his calling but accepted it and ran his race. He ran to fulfill his mission and to receive the prize—the reward of winning souls—doing all things with discipline and self-control.

Since we have been saved by the blood of Jesus, what we must do is to continue the work that Jesus began. He sought the Father’s will and obeyed it—from the beginning of His ministry to His death.

To participate in the gospel means that, like Paul, one disciplines oneself completely for the power and reward that come from the gospel.

Those who truly partake in the gospel do not grow weary. It is those without direction who become tired and discouraged. But those with a clear direction gain strength the more they do God’s work.

The warning that “after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified” should awaken us. Read the Word and live according to its blueprint.

Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Oct 22, 2025

1 Corinthian 9:24-27