1 Corinthians 9:25
Verse
Context
Run Your Race to Win
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.25Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.26Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is temperate in all things - All those who contended in these exercises went through a long state and series of painful preparations. To this exact discipline Epictetus refers, cap. 35: Θελεις Ολυμπια νικησαι; Δει σ' ευτακτειν, αναγκοτροφειν, απεχεσθαι, πεμματων, γυμναζεσθαι προς αναγκην εν ὡρα τεταγμενη, εν καυματι, εν ψυχει, μη ψυχρον πινειν, μη οινον ὡς ετυχεν· ἁπλως, ὡς ιατρῳ, παραδεδωκεναι σεαυτον τῳ επιστατη· ειτα εις τον αγωνα παρερχεσθαι· κ. τ. λ. "Do you wish to gain the prize at the Olympic games? - Consider the requisite preparations and the consequences: you must observe a strict regimen; must live on food which you dislike; you must abstain from all delicacies; must exercise yourself at the necessary and prescribed times both in heat and in cold; you must drink nothing cooling; take no wine as formerly; in a word, you must put yourself under the directions of a pugilist, as you would under those of a physician, and afterwards enter the lists. Here you may get your arm broken, your foot put out of joint, be obliged to swallow mouthfuls of dust, to receive many stripes, and after all be conquered." Thus we find that these suffered much hardships in order to conquer, and yet were uncertain of the victory. Horace speaks of it in nearly the same way: - Qui studet optatam cursu contingere metam, Multa tulit fecitque puer: sudavit et alsit: Abstinuit Venere et Baccho. De Arte Poet., ver. 412. A youth who hopes the Olympic prize to gain, All arts must try, and every toil sustain; Th' extremes of heat and cold must often prove; And shun the weakening joys of wine and love. Francis. These quotations show the propriety of the apostle's words: Every man that striveth for the mastery, παντα εγκρατευεται, is temperate, or continent, in all things. They do it to obtain a corruptible crown - The crown won by the victor in the Olympian games was made of the wild olive; in the Pythian games of laurel; in the Nemean games of parsley; and in the Isthmian games of the pine. These were all corruptible, for they began to wither as soon as they were separated from the trees, or plucked out of the earth. In opposition to these, the apostle says, he contended for an incorruptible crown, the heavenly inheritance. He sought not worldly honor; but that honor which comes from God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
striveth--in wrestling: a still more severe contest than the foot race. is temperate--So Paul exercised self-denial, abstaining from claiming sustenance for the sake of the "reward," namely, to "gain the more" (Co1 9:18-19). corruptible--soon withering, as being only of fir leaves taken from the fir groves which surrounded the Isthmian race course or stadium. incorruptible-- (Pe1 1:4; Pe1 5:4; Rev 2:10). "Crown" here is not that of a king (which is expressed by a different Greek word, namely, "diadem"), but a wreath or garland.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I therefore so run,.... The apostle animates the Corinthians by his own example, telling them that he ran so as he exhorted them; he ran with cheerfulness and swiftness in the way marked out for him, looking to Jesus; continuing steadfast in the profession of his faith, and discharge of his duty as a Christian, and in preaching the Gospel as a minister; and nothing had he more at heart, than to finish his course with joy: not as uncertainly; as one that knew not, or was in doubt about the way in which he should run, and so ran in and out, sometimes in the way, sometimes out of it; since it was clearly pointed out to him in the word of God: the allusion is to the white line which was drawn from the place the runners set out at to the goal; so that they did not run uncertainly, nor could they be at a loss to steer their course: nor did the apostle run, for what, as the Syriac version renders it, , "is unknown": he knew what he ran for, for the incorruptible crown of glory, he knew the nature of it; nor was he uncertain as to the event and issue of his running; he knew that this crown was laid up safe and secure, that it would be given him, and he should wear it; he had no doubt at all about it; and with this certain knowledge both of the way and prize, and full assurance of faith and hope, he ran: so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. The allusion is here to fighting with the fist, when, before the combat was entered on, the person used to swagger about, and beat about with his fists, striking the air with them, having no adversary before him; only showing what he could do if he had one, or when he should encounter: so did not the apostle, he did not fight with his own shadow, or a man of straw, or beat the empty air; but gave home blows to real adversaries, Satan, the world, and the flesh; the latter of which is particularly mentioned in the next verse.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Run Your Race to Win
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.25Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.26Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Crowns - Part 1
By Ken Baird93856:56MAT 24:42ROM 13:111CO 9:251TH 2:192TI 4:81PE 5:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Five Crowns mentioned in the Bible. They have already covered the incorruptible crown and the soul winner's crown in previous sessions. Now, they focus on the crown of righteousness, comparing the Christian to a warrior. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal righteousness in the life of a believer and encourages them to live in a way that aligns with their belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They also highlight the contrast between the things of this world and the things provided by God, emphasizing that the things of God are superior.
Lest I Should Be a Castaway
By Keith Daniel5341:15:42PSA 1:1PSA 119:37ECC 10:1MAT 25:23ROM 12:11CO 9:25EPH 4:141TI 1:192TI 1:13TIT 2:7HEB 12:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and the need for protection against spiritual attacks. It warns against distractions and diversions that can lead to a fall, urging listeners to dedicate themselves fully to God and His Word. The speaker highlights the dangers of moral and doctrinal shipwrecks, urging vigilance and a return to sound doctrine and spiritual grounding.
Don't Lose Focus of the Goal
By Phil Beach Jr.0JHN 5:19ROM 8:171CO 9:25GAL 2:20EPH 1:3Phil Beach Jr. preaches about God's ultimate intention in saving us, emphasizing the importance of aligning our lives with God's divine purpose rather than focusing on self-centered desires. He highlights the need to surrender completely to God's will, allowing Him to work in us to fulfill His eternal plan. The sermon delves into the splendor of God's eternal purpose, revealing how God's salvation plan aims to bring glory to Himself and gather all things in Christ. It challenges believers to shift from a man-centered view of life to a God-centered perspective, seeking to glorify God and further His kingdom above all else.
Epistle 122
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityISA 40:31ZEC 2:13MRK 10:421CO 9:252TI 2:14JAS 1:191PE 4:11REV 3:18George Fox emphasizes the importance of purity and unity among believers, urging them to silence fleshly desires and avoid contention. He warns against striving for mastery and exercising lordship over one another, encouraging a humble mindset that focuses on God's will. Fox highlights that departing from purity leads to pride and division, while waiting on the Lord brings nourishment and glorifies God. He calls for believers to gather in humility, listen, and be cautious of contention, which can lead them away from the fear of the Lord.
Thy Crown
By Phoebe Palmer0MAT 16:261CO 9:252TI 4:8JAS 1:12REV 3:11Phoebe Palmer preaches about the importance of holding fast to the crown that has been purchased for believers at an infinite cost by Jesus Christ. She emphasizes the possibility of losing or having another take the crown through neglecting the promises and conditions set by God. Palmer shares personal stories of individuals who almost lost or had others take their crowns due to various reasons, such as fear, pride, and worldly desires. She highlights the significance of surrendering one's will to Christ, seeking opportunities to lay up treasure in Heaven, and being faithful in serving God to ensure receiving the crown set with many stars.
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out
By Jack Hyles0NUM 32:23MAT 16:241CO 9:25EPH 6:122TI 2:3Jack Hyles preaches on the importance of not shying away from spiritual battles and responsibilities, using the story of the tribes of Rueben and Gad who wanted to avoid fighting in the Promised Land. He emphasizes the need for Christians to actively engage in the spiritual warfare, rather than seeking comfort and ease while others fight. Hyles warns against being like those who want victories without battles, and crucifixion without pain, highlighting the necessity of enduring hardships and actively participating in the work of the Kingdom.
He Gives Kingdoms, Crowns, Thrones!
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal RewardsFaithfulness of GodMAT 6:20ROM 8:181CO 9:252CO 4:17PHP 3:141TH 5:24HEB 12:28JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 22:12Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Christ rewards those who suffer and serve Him with eternal glory and blessings. He illustrates that the more one endures for Christ, the greater the reward will be, drawing parallels to earthly examples of reward and generosity. Brooks reassures believers that Christ's promises are faithful and that His rewards surpass any earthly recognition, being both abundant and everlasting. He contrasts the fleeting nature of human rewards with the eternal and incorruptible gifts from Christ, who gives generously beyond our expectations.
Earthly Crowns Are Like Tennis-Balls
By Thomas Brooks0The Nature of GloryEternal RewardsMAT 6:19ROM 8:181CO 9:252CO 4:17PHP 3:202TI 4:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:121PE 5:4REV 2:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the eternal nature of the believer's crown of glory, contrasting it with earthly crowns that are temporary and fleeting, much like tennis balls that are passed around until they wear out. He highlights that while earthly achievements may bring momentary satisfaction, they ultimately fade, whereas the crown of glory bestowed upon believers remains fresh and flourishing for eternity. Brooks reassures that no force, not even the devils in hell, can take away a believer's heavenly inheritance, which is far superior to anything this world offers. The sermon encourages believers to focus on their eternal rewards rather than the transient accolades of this life.
Hollywood Weights
By Milton Haack0MAT 6:21MAT 6:241CO 9:252CO 6:17PHP 4:8COL 3:1HEB 12:1Milton Haack addresses the Church's struggle with worldly influences, particularly the acceptance of Hollywood entertainment, and challenges believers to lay aside these weights of carnality to run the race of faith with patience. He questions if the Church's spiritual leaders have the courage to address these issues and emphasizes the importance of setting our affections on things above rather than on earthly pleasures. Haack warns against serving two masters and encourages focusing on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.
Enemies of Virginity
By Clement of Rome01CO 6:201CO 9:252TI 4:7JAS 4:71PE 5:8Clement of Rome preaches about the challenges and rewards of embracing true virginity, highlighting the constant dedication to God's service, the pursuit of pleasing the Lord with a holy body and spirit, and the noble task of holy virginity. He encourages believers to conquer worldly temptations, the fleshly desires, and spiritual adversaries through the strength of Jesus Christ, the divine Eucharist, and the promise of receiving the victor-crown of their calling. Clement emphasizes the honor and glory of sanctity, urging individuals to walk in faith, without fear, to attain the great reward of virginity.
Seek by Meekness
By Ignatius of Antioch0MAT 10:161CO 9:25EPH 6:18PHP 1:211PE 5:8Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of dealing with visible and invisible evils with meekness and wisdom, urging believers to pray for revelation of hidden sins and shortcomings. He compares the need for prayer to a ship needing wind for guidance and a vessel seeking a safe haven in a storm, highlighting the necessity of prayer for believers to reach God. He encourages believers to be disciplined and focused on the ultimate prize of immortality and eternal life, reminding them to be both gentle and wise in their approach to challenges.
The Supreme Importance of the Incorruptible
By A.T. Robertson0ISA 48:10ACT 2:27ROM 1:231CO 3:131CO 9:251CO 15:532TI 1:81PE 1:18A.T. Robertson preaches about the importance of living a life focused on intrinsic, eternal values rather than superficial or comparative ones. He emphasizes that the essence of the gospel is to bring to light life and incorruption through Jesus Christ, who abolished death. Robertson explains that incorruption is the standard measure of heaven and should be applied to every aspect of believers' lives, including their knowledge, Christian work, and personal growth. He challenges listeners to evaluate their lives based on the incorruptible nature of their actions, teachings, and emotions, emphasizing that God values depth, solidity, and intensity in building eternal value.
He Saw No Corruption"
By H.J. Vine0ACT 2:31ACT 13:36ROM 2:71CO 9:251CO 15:171CO 15:532TI 1:101PE 1:41PE 1:23H.J. Vine preaches on the theme of incorruptibility, emphasizing the significance of Christ's resurrection as proof of His eternal incorruptibility, contrasting it with the pervasive corruption in the world due to sin. He highlights the importance of seeking incorruptibility in various aspects of life - personally, mentally, materially, morally, doctrinally, spiritually, commercially, and socially. The sermon delves into the forms of corruption and the glorious promise of believers receiving incorruptible bodies and an eternal inheritance reserved in heaven.
A Greater Honor
By Thomas Brooks0HonorVirtueROM 12:211CO 9:252CO 5:10EPH 6:10PHP 3:142TI 4:7HEB 12:1JAS 1:121PE 5:81JN 5:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true honor comes from overcoming sin, Satan, temptation, the world, and lust, which is a greater achievement than any worldly conquest, such as those of Alexander the Great. He illustrates that the Romans recognized the connection between virtue and honor by building their temples close together, signifying that genuine honor is rooted in godliness. Brooks asserts that the crown of godliness is far superior to any earthly accolades, as all other forms of honor are temporary and fleeting.
Are All Believers Overcomers?
By J. Sidlow Baxter0LUK 19:171CO 3:121CO 9:252TI 2:12REV 3:21J. Sidlow Baxter preaches about the promise of reigning with Christ on His Messianic throne during His millennial reign, where evil will be subjugated, righteousness and peace will prevail, and war will be no more. The privilege of sitting with Jesus on His throne is reserved for the overcomers, emphasizing the need for believers to strive for victory in their faith journey. Just as there are degrees of punishment in hell, there are degrees of reward in heaven, highlighting the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in overcoming trials and temptations to receive a greater reward.
No Sin, No Sinner, No Devil!
By Thomas Brooks0Heavenly InheritancePurity of GodMAT 5:8ROM 8:171CO 9:25PHP 3:202TI 4:8HEB 12:14JAS 1:121PE 1:41JN 3:2REV 21:27Thomas Brooks emphasizes the purity of the heavenly inheritance, contrasting it with earthly inheritances that are often tainted by sin and injustice. He asserts that no sin, sinner, or devil can defile the incorruptible crown of heaven, which remains pure and shining despite trials. Brooks illustrates that while earthly treasures may be obtained through wicked means, the heavenly inheritance is safeguarded from all impurity. He reminds believers that only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will enter this undefiled paradise, free from the corruption of sin. The sermon encourages a focus on the eternal and unblemished nature of God's promises.
The Full Reward
By J. Wilbur Chapman01CO 9:25J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the various crowns awaiting Christians in heaven as rewards for different kinds of service, emphasizing the importance of living a life of faith and service for Christ. The sermon delves into the significance of the Crown of Life for enduring temptations and the Crown of Rejoicing for leading souls to Christ. It also explores the Crown of Glory for faithful shepherding, the Incorruptible Crown for leading an aggressive Christian life, and the Crown of Righteousness for eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus.
Christianity and the Real Warfare
By Catherine Booth0LUK 9:231CO 9:251CO 15:572CO 5:14EPH 6:122TI 2:3REV 2:10Catherine Booth preaches about the characteristics of Christ's soldiers in spiritual warfare. She emphasizes the importance of love for the King and His interests as the driving force behind all efforts, highlighting the need for the image and glory of Christ to be engraved on the heart of every faithful soldier. Soldiers of Christ are called to be fully committed to the war, abandoning personal desires and comforts for the advancement of the Kingdom. Understanding the tactics of war involves strategic planning and utilizing resources effectively for the battle against spiritual enemies. Faith in victory is crucial for successful warfare, with the assurance that ultimate triumph belongs to those who endure hardships and remain faithful to the cause.
The Flowers That Never Fade
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 103:151CO 2:161CO 9:25PHP 4:81PE 1:4John Henry Jowett emphasizes the eternal nature of God's inheritance compared to temporary possessions on earth, using the example of taking the landscape of Arran with him wherever he goes. He contrasts the fading praise of men with the enduring praise of God, which grows more beautiful with time and is a source of comfort even in death. Jowett encourages wearing the 'garland of God's praise' by cultivating a mindset aligned with Christ's.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is temperate in all things - All those who contended in these exercises went through a long state and series of painful preparations. To this exact discipline Epictetus refers, cap. 35: Θελεις Ολυμπια νικησαι; Δει σ' ευτακτειν, αναγκοτροφειν, απεχεσθαι, πεμματων, γυμναζεσθαι προς αναγκην εν ὡρα τεταγμενη, εν καυματι, εν ψυχει, μη ψυχρον πινειν, μη οινον ὡς ετυχεν· ἁπλως, ὡς ιατρῳ, παραδεδωκεναι σεαυτον τῳ επιστατη· ειτα εις τον αγωνα παρερχεσθαι· κ. τ. λ. "Do you wish to gain the prize at the Olympic games? - Consider the requisite preparations and the consequences: you must observe a strict regimen; must live on food which you dislike; you must abstain from all delicacies; must exercise yourself at the necessary and prescribed times both in heat and in cold; you must drink nothing cooling; take no wine as formerly; in a word, you must put yourself under the directions of a pugilist, as you would under those of a physician, and afterwards enter the lists. Here you may get your arm broken, your foot put out of joint, be obliged to swallow mouthfuls of dust, to receive many stripes, and after all be conquered." Thus we find that these suffered much hardships in order to conquer, and yet were uncertain of the victory. Horace speaks of it in nearly the same way: - Qui studet optatam cursu contingere metam, Multa tulit fecitque puer: sudavit et alsit: Abstinuit Venere et Baccho. De Arte Poet., ver. 412. A youth who hopes the Olympic prize to gain, All arts must try, and every toil sustain; Th' extremes of heat and cold must often prove; And shun the weakening joys of wine and love. Francis. These quotations show the propriety of the apostle's words: Every man that striveth for the mastery, παντα εγκρατευεται, is temperate, or continent, in all things. They do it to obtain a corruptible crown - The crown won by the victor in the Olympian games was made of the wild olive; in the Pythian games of laurel; in the Nemean games of parsley; and in the Isthmian games of the pine. These were all corruptible, for they began to wither as soon as they were separated from the trees, or plucked out of the earth. In opposition to these, the apostle says, he contended for an incorruptible crown, the heavenly inheritance. He sought not worldly honor; but that honor which comes from God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
striveth--in wrestling: a still more severe contest than the foot race. is temperate--So Paul exercised self-denial, abstaining from claiming sustenance for the sake of the "reward," namely, to "gain the more" (Co1 9:18-19). corruptible--soon withering, as being only of fir leaves taken from the fir groves which surrounded the Isthmian race course or stadium. incorruptible-- (Pe1 1:4; Pe1 5:4; Rev 2:10). "Crown" here is not that of a king (which is expressed by a different Greek word, namely, "diadem"), but a wreath or garland.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I therefore so run,.... The apostle animates the Corinthians by his own example, telling them that he ran so as he exhorted them; he ran with cheerfulness and swiftness in the way marked out for him, looking to Jesus; continuing steadfast in the profession of his faith, and discharge of his duty as a Christian, and in preaching the Gospel as a minister; and nothing had he more at heart, than to finish his course with joy: not as uncertainly; as one that knew not, or was in doubt about the way in which he should run, and so ran in and out, sometimes in the way, sometimes out of it; since it was clearly pointed out to him in the word of God: the allusion is to the white line which was drawn from the place the runners set out at to the goal; so that they did not run uncertainly, nor could they be at a loss to steer their course: nor did the apostle run, for what, as the Syriac version renders it, , "is unknown": he knew what he ran for, for the incorruptible crown of glory, he knew the nature of it; nor was he uncertain as to the event and issue of his running; he knew that this crown was laid up safe and secure, that it would be given him, and he should wear it; he had no doubt at all about it; and with this certain knowledge both of the way and prize, and full assurance of faith and hope, he ran: so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. The allusion is here to fighting with the fist, when, before the combat was entered on, the person used to swagger about, and beat about with his fists, striking the air with them, having no adversary before him; only showing what he could do if he had one, or when he should encounter: so did not the apostle, he did not fight with his own shadow, or a man of straw, or beat the empty air; but gave home blows to real adversaries, Satan, the world, and the flesh; the latter of which is particularly mentioned in the next verse.