July 13 Click on verses for Full Scripture	previous - - - - - - - - - - next
Today's Pathway: I Corinthians 9:26-27 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Yesterday Paul described the great value of the incorruptible crown that has been promised to all believers who faithfully and self-sacrificially run their spiritual race. The prospect of gaining this “crown” is what motivated the apostle's behavior. Paul starts verse 26 with "therefore". Because of everything he has already said, he is going to run his race as if there was only one prize available (I Corinthians 9:24). He then says that he is not going to run "uncertainly". The Greek word used there means "aimlessly, or as one who has no fixed goal". Paul is not taking a nonchalant, "we'll see what happens" attitude towards his Christian life. John Philips commented: "This means that Paul was in the arena with a clear understanding of the object in view. He knows what he is up against. He is determined to be a winner. Many Christians do not seem to have this understanding. They take a casual, indifferent, lackadaisical attitude toward the Christian life. They are easily distracted. A shower of rain is all it takes to keep them home. A concert, Jimmy's ballgame, the chance for a free game of golf is all it takes to divert them from the things that really count. They are not in the race to win. All they are doing is playing games." Paul had a clear focus on the job at hand and he was willing to do whatever it took to accomplish it.

Paul then says that he fights "not as one that beateth the air". The illustration is that of a boxer. The goal of boxing is to strike, and ultimately knock out, the opponent. Shadow boxing, or swinging wildly and hitting nothing, serves no benefit to the boxer. Albert Barnes wrote the following, "Paul did not miss his aim; he did not exert himself and spend his strength for nought. Every blow that he struck counted; and he did not waste his energies on that which would produce no result. He did not strive with rash, ill-advised blows; but all his efforts were directed to the grand purpose of subjugating his enemies: sin, and the corrupt desires of the flesh."

Paul writes in verse 27 that he subdued his body ("keep under"). The Greek word is a boxing term and describes giving the opponent an uppercut to the face. This would generally be considered to be a "knockout" blow. The verb tense indicates that this was a continual action. He was constantly fighting against his flesh and attempting to enslave ("bring it into subjection") it. Many people are slaves to their own bodies, but Paul worked diligently at being the master of his body. He did not require others to discipline him, but instead he practiced self-control, and refused to allow his fleshly appetites to get the better of him. He did this so that he would never become a "castaway". The Greek word used here means to be "unapproved" or "disqualified". This term would certainly fit with the illustration of athletics. He may have been a preacher, and may have had success, but if he did not keep his flesh under control he could find himself disqualified from future service. Henry Alford commented,

"An examination of the victorious combatants took place after the contest, and if it could be proved that they had contended unlawfully, or unfairly, they were deprived of the prize and driven with disgrace from the games. So the Apostle, if he had proclaimed the laws of the combat to others, and not observed them himself, however successful he might apparently be, would be personally rejected as unqualified in the great day. And this Paul says to shew them the necessity of more self-denial, and less going to the extreme limit of their Christian liberty."

John MacArthur makes this application:

"Many believers start the Christian life with enthusiasm and devotion. They train carefully for a while but soon tire of the effort and begin to 'break training.' Before long they are disqualified from being effective witnesses. They do not have what it takes, because they are unwilling to pay the price. The flesh, the world, everyday affairs, personal interests, and often simple laziness hinder spiritual growth and preparation for service. Following our own ways can keep others from knowing the Way. Souls are won by those who are prepared to be used when the Spirit chooses to use them."

Are you controlling your flesh, or is your flesh controlling you?