Going for the price!

Originally posted on December 17,2009 – by Andre Piet

QUESTION:
What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 9:23-27 by running in the race and obtaining the prize?

ANSWER:
In the preceding verses Paul argued that he is constantly intent on gaining others (9:20-22), that is, reaching them with the Good Message. For Paul, coming to faith is not the finish line but the start of a race. Its goal is obtaining the prize (9:24). Athletes deny themselves in everything in order to obtain a corruptible wreath or medal. But Paul is going for an incorruptible wreath (9:25). What is this wreath? In light of the context, it is not difficult to answer that question. The wreath (Gr. stephanos) consists of those who are won through the evangel. That is the subject of this passage. Elsewhere too Paul speaks of the wreath in this way.

For who is our expectation, or joy, or wreath (Gr. stephanos) of glorying? Or is it not even you, in front of our Lord Jesus, in His presence?
1 Thessalonians 2:19

So that, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and wreath (Gr. stephanos) …
Philippians 4:1

wreath = people

So the wreath consists of people who have been won through the evangel. Take note: not won by us. That would be human work. The evangel itself “is God’s power for salvation…” (Rom. 1:16). Paul’s great driving force is this: becoming a joint participant of the evangel (9:23), that is, sharing the Good Message and in that way winning others (9:22). He calls the Corinthians to go for that same prize. “Thus be racing that you may be grasping it” (9:24).

contest

For Paul, life is not a picnic but a contest. “Now every CONTESTER is controlling himself in all things…” (9:25). Paul uses that same root word in his “mission statement”:

for for this are we TOILING and being reproached, that we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of believers.
1 Timothy 4:10

How could people believe this if they do not get to hear it? (Rom. 10:14).

introvert…

Many believers and communities of faith live an introverted life. Turned in on themselves. Perhaps even very “spiritual”: focused on their own spiritual well-being or that of their own faith community. But for Paul, in that case one is disqualified (rejected; 9:27) for the race. The goal of our life is this: to share the Good Message, so that others may be WON.
That is going for the wreath!

Delen: