1 Corinthians 9:24 - Run in such a way as to get the prize

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.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

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.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Commentary

The Christian life is like a race. It requires self-discipline. It calls for strenuous effort. It demands definiteness of purpose. The verse does not, however, suggest that in the Christian race only one can win the prize. It simply teaches that we should all run as winners. We should all practice the same kind of self-denial that the Apostle Paul himself practiced. Here, of course, the prize is not salvation, but a reward for faithful service. Salvation is nowhere stated to be the result of our faithfulness in running the race. Salvation is the free gift of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Co 9:24). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

The Greeks enjoyed two great athletic events, the Olympic games and the Isthmian games, and because the Isthmian events were held in Corinth, believers there were quite familiar with this analogy of running to win.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Co 9:24). Nashville: Word Pub.