1 Corinthians 9:24-26 - Homiletics

The Christian race.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race, run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air." The Christian life is a race, and we are exhorted to run that the prize may be obtained. "So run." How?

I. Run in the PRESCRIBED COURSE . The course is marked out and measured. The starting place is at the foot of the cross, and the goal is planted in the grave.

II. Run WITHOUT INCUMBRANCE . "Lay aside every weight," all worldly cares, and inordinate sympathetic embarrassing prejudices, and fettering habits.

III. Run WITH ALL POSSIBLE CELERITY . Shake off sloth and languor, stretch every muscle and limb, throw the whole force of your being into the effort.

IV. Run WITH UNTIRING PERSISTENCY . Pause not, nor loiter a moment until the end is obtained. "So run, that ye may obtain."