As if the Crown of Life weren’t enough – our gracious and merciful LORD wishes to bless some of us even further. 

THE CROWN INCORRUPTIBLE

In 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27, Paul makes use of the Greek games as an analogy of the spiritual race of the believer.  As we are in the midst of Olympic games now, this is especially meaningful.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

²⁴ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

²⁵ 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.

²⁶ I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

²⁷ But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

According to Greek law at the time, no young man could participate in the games unless he was a Greek citizen.  Paul’s brilliant analogy allows us to see that no unsaved person can participate in working for the LORD for rewards.  You must be a citizen of heaven.

Close examination of verse 27 shows us that just as the athlete controls his flesh, so believers must do the same.  The athlete and the believer are both in the race – and both may lose their “crown,” or reward.  If the athlete does not win the crown –  he does not lose his Greek citizenship.  Nor does the believer lose their salvation – they only lose the crown.

THE RULES OF OUR GAMES

The believer must deny themselves of anything that restrains them from full dedication to the LORD and His service.  Heb. 12:1 – Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our eyes must be fixed on Christ – “our finish line,” looking neither to the right hand nor to the left.  Heb. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our strength must be found only in the LORD.  Eph. 6:10-18 –

⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

⁹ And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him.

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

Our all must be placed on the altar of the LORD.  Holding back does not win anything!  Rom. 12:1-2 – 

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We all, must, by faith, refuse anything that will impede spiritual progress.  You may even have to refuse a job or a promotion if it places you  in a situation which stifles (or is openly hostile) to your spiritual growth.    Heb.11:24-29 –

²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

²⁶ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

²⁸ Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

Should we be “spiritual spectators?”  Or should we enter this most important race of all – to win the incorruptible crown!