Category Archives: Race

Bible, Heaven, Prize, Race, Running, Scripture

THE PRIZE

PHILIPPIANS 3:14

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

When I was in high school, I accumulated some trophies for weightlifting and football. Man, I was proud of those trophies and carted them around with me for several years. Those trophies meant I had succeeded in something, that I was chosen as the best for that award. As time passed however, I realized those trophies really had no value and should be either packed up for good or just discarded. I chose the latter. And you know what – I haven’t missed them one bit.

Paul says he is seeking a prize, a trophy in today’s verse. The verb for “press on” can also mean to pursue, persecute, chase after. This isn’t a casual jog. No, it’s a pursuit. The word “prize” is the same word used to describe the prize awarded in the public games. Paul uses this same word in his first letter to the Corinthians. In 9:24 he writes, “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.”

APPLICATION

The beauty of our race, though, is there is not only one winner. All who run the race will receive the prize. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you run; you will get there one day. Paul is obviously talking about his heavenly reward which he will receive one day. In his letter to the Colossians, he said in 3:23-24, “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

How’s your pace? This is really not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Now, I have never run a marathon, but I know people who have. They establish their pace early in the race to allow themselves to finish the course. Months and months of training go into these marathons. No one wants to burn out in the first three miles. Our spiritual journey is the same. We need to find our rhythm. There may be moments of sprinting or even standing still. But we need a steady pace to ensure we are running this race with the Lord and not by ourselves.

One day when you get to heaven and receive your heavenly prize, you will turn around and lay it at the feet of Jesus. Everything you do down here should be for Him. Any rewards or prizes belong to Him. So, run and press on for the prize. But remember, that prize truly belongs to Him for all He has done.

I love prizes, Lord, and can’t wait to receive the best prize ever.

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Bible, Conflict, Fighting, Race, Scripture, Struggles

STRUGGLE FOR OTHERS

COLOSSIANS 2:1

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have in your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,”

Have you ever struggled for someone else? It could be a physical struggle, emotional struggle or even a spiritual struggle. In my daily prayer time, I have lists I pray through. There are some people on these lists I really struggle for as I pray. I have been praying for their salvation for years. But I keep on struggling, begging God for them.

Paul was struggling for these believers and for those in Laodicea. You may remember John references the church in Laodicea. It is referred to as the lukewarm church. Perhaps Paul knew of their struggles in their faith. Paul was interceding for these believers. He wanted to see them walk in victory, not defeat.

APPLICATION

The word translated as “struggle” is agón. It appears eight times in the New Testament and has a variety of translations. In Philippians 1:30, it is translated as “conflict.” “experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Over in 1 Timothy 6:12 it is “fight.” And Hebrews 12:1 it is “race.” All of these involve a struggle.

Think about your family or friends. Are you struggling before God each day on their behalf? Who are you praying for right now? Stop and make a list. Lists are good. They help us remember. Make that list and when your prayer is answered, celebrate.

I have people in my family who need Jesus. I am claiming them for Him. I want them to spend eternity with me in heaven. I bet you have people also. Be active in their journey. You don’t have to shove Jesus down their throat, but you should at least be praying for them. Now go make that list.

Father, You know all those for whom I am praying. Speak into their lives today.

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Abiding, Battles, Bible, Hindrances, Race, Running

HINDRANCES

GALATIANS 5:7

“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

We have all probably witnessed a race where one runner cuts off another runner intentionally knocking them off their course. It’s usually done when no officials are watching. This can really rattle a runner. It can cause a serious injury. You have to be aware of your surroundings and stay focused on the race. Otherwise, you are subject to all kinds of hindrances.

Paul uses a running analogy in today’s verse. He actually says, “You were running well;…” That verb “running” is the Greek word used to describe a race. Then Paul uses the Greek word egkopto which is translated “hindered.” Souter defines this as “introducing an obstacle that stands sharply in the way of a moving object.” Someone was trying to knock the Galatians off course. They didn’t want them on this journey with Christ. Hmmm, who could that have been?

APPLICATION

I know there were actual people involved in this “hindering” of the Galatians. But who was actually behind this? Who stirred them on to cause confusion in the Galatian churches? It was none other than the devil himself. He can’t “unsave” you, but he will do everything he can to take you out of the race. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, keep alert, your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” He’s real, and he’s prowling.

In a passage about forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2, Paul ends in verse 11 with this, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” If you don’t think Satan isn’t scheming ways to take you out, you are dead wrong. He is looking for ways to knock you off course, to be that hindrance.

Unfortunately, we give Satan way too many opportunities by our own actions. Then we blame him when we mess up. Not true. Satan can’t make you do one thing. He will give you temptations and opportunities, but it is your decision whether to accept that nudge. Don’t go there. I love Joshua 1:9. As Joshua was preparing to take over after Moses’ death, the Lord spoke to him and said, “‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.;” He is with you today, as well. Be strong. Take courage.

Lord, I will not allow the evil one to knock me off course. I will high jump those hindrances he puts in my path with Your strength and power.

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