Bible Study for February 12, 2012 Sermon

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 is a fun verses where the Apostle Paul makes extended use of athletic imagery and metaphors in order to encourage his audience, readers or listeners.  We understand this imagery by living in Alabama and in the shadow of football.  As in our day, sports is a been a major activity in his days so alot of explanation would not have been required.  Drawing on common cultural knowledge, Paul is able to make his message relevant and applicable to his audience.
Not to discuss how the verses fit into the flow of the Apostle's letter, these verses are talking about perseverance and self-control which the Israelites lacked and which God was therefore not pleased with them because of (10:5).  Paul (vs. 24) uses one of his favorite phrases, "Do you not know...."  He uses the phrase 10 times in I Corinthians alone.  He points out in vs. 24 that perseverance is a necessary part of the Christian journey so that the prize may be obtained.  Although the Apostle does not say what the prize is, he is referring to a desired prize.  The "one" runner is the Church, the Body of Christ.
Paul emphasizes in vs. 25 that self-control is part of running for the prize.  Self-control is a common cultural notion in the surrounding culture in the Greco-Roman world.  Paul's use of it is acceptable and understood by his audience.  Paul states that the practice of self-control will lead to the attainment of the prize, the crown, the victory.  Again, Paul does not say what the crown will be.

Paul in vs. 26 says he is running the race for the prize, the crown.  He is not aimless, but focused and committed to winning the race, winning the prize.  He is intentional and purposeful.  The Apostle throws in a reference to being a boxer, which does not distract from what he is means--that focus on purpose is needed for victory in living. 

The mixing of metaphors does not distract from Paul saying that he has to keep his own body under his control so that he will not be disqualified from the race and victory that he is seeking--to be blessed by God in living and to obtain the prize of Heaven in dying.