Starting Your Training
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
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.
Each fall for many years I would start walking or bike riding to get in shape to be successful for my fall guiding responsibilities. I had to be ready to climb mountains, pack elk on my back, drag deer and just keep up each day with some guys ½ my age and size.
Without serious training it became a painful exercise in failure. With the right training it became a victory in service to others.
Paul calls for us to train as to win the crown... What are training for? I think we are training for two reasons/things.
First we are to train to meet the Lord... Here in this world and at the judgment. (We have to be in the game, otherwise we train for nothing). This means, studying not just reading our Bibles, in discussions of scripture with others that know God's word and serious time in prayer. Without this spiritual training we are setting ourselves up for failure.
Second we train to point others to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...
It's our responsibility to be prepared. Are you training?
Get ready!
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