Move With Determination

September 1, 2024

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

1. In practical, everyday terms, what does it mean to run in such a way as to get the prize?
2. Paul uses the analogy of strict physical training in preparation for competition. What does strict training look like in our spiritual life? Put another way, what should followers of Jesus be doing regularly and intentionally to maintain peak spiritual conditioning?
3. How do spiritual disciplines produce spiritual health?
4. Training prepares an athlete for the field of competition. Spiritual disciplines similarly prepare the follower of Jesus. What is the field of competition that believers are being prepared for as they engage in spiritual disciplines?
5. What is the spiritual equivalent of running aimlessly or boxing against the air? Where in your life do you find yourself doing that?
6. Paul makes his body his slave. Discuss what that means.
7. Tell about a time you successfully made your body your slave. If you’re really brave, tell about a time you failed to do so.
8. Why is it so important to Paul that he maintains mastery over his body?
9. Paul seems to suggest that failing to master his body might somehow disqualify him from the eternal crown that is his prize. How would that happen? Does this mean that we might lose our salvation if we don’t behave well enough? Why or why not?