1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Devo Fuel:
" 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. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

The apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants in the Isthmian games, well known by the Corinthians. But in todays Christian race all may run so as to obtain the prize. The greatest encouragement is to persevere with all our strength, in this course. Those who ran in these games were kept to a spare diet. They endured themselves to hardships. They practised the exercises w/ discipline. Those who pursue the interests of their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts, which I do everyday. The body and mind must not sucumb to personal and "right now" gratification. The apostle presses this advice on the Corinthians. He sets before himself and them the danger of yielding to fleshly desires, pampering the body, and its lusts and appetites. Holy fear of the Lord was needed to keep an apostle faithful; how much more is it needful for our preservation! Let us learn from humility and caution, and to watch against dangers which surround us while here on this earth.