Tag: prize

Witnesses, Races & Crowns

Witnesses, Races & Crowns

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us . . .  (Heb 12:1)

The witnesses spoken of in the above verse are already in heaven (saints from the Old Testament).  We are instructed to lay aside every weight (cares of this life, family concerns, money issues, etc.) and sin, and to resolutely run the “race” that is set before us.  The race is the Christian life which is a marathon, not a sprint.  This is why we must run it with fortitude, patience and faith.

“If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.”  (Joh 5:31-33)

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus says that His witness is John, the Baptist.  Let us ask ourselves, who will be our witnesses? 

Every believer whom we have ever known who is already in the heavenlies, is our witness.  Other witnesses will include everyone who has ever known us, as well as our own family and extended family members.  What will they be able to say about us?  Will they be able to testify that we are Christians and that we lived as Christians?  Will our spouse and our own children be able to give a good testimony about us?  These are vital points to consider and reflect upon.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  (1 Cor 9:24) 

Run your race in such a profoundly beautiful way that you will assuredly receive your crown in heaven which is the prize for which we strive.

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise . . .  (Heb 10:36)

We need to endure and persevere in faith and strength, so that we may receive these blessed promises.  Hallelujah!

Press On

Press On

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  (Phil 3:14)  Paul is saying here that he pursues the reward of living a life in serving God through Jesus Christ.  He considers it a high [important, exalted] calling.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  (1 Cor 9:24)  The apostle is encouraging believers to live their lives as winners and as people who will cross the finish line.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.  (2 Tim 4:7-8)

In these various passages of Scripture, we believers are being encouraged, influenced and motivated to:

  • Fight the good fight,
  • Finish the race, and
  • Keep the faith.

Just as in any type of race or physical sport, we need to stay spiritually fit to take part in this spiritual race.  We are encouraged to be persistent and consistent, as well as to be constant and committed to our faith.

This is, indeed, a high calling—an important and exalted mission to which Christ has called us and has enabled us by His grace.  Let us rejoice in Him!       

Pressing On

Pressing On

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  (Phil 3:12-14 NIV)

The definition of press on is:  to continue moving forward in a forceful or steady way; to continue to do something especially in a determined way.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians (passage shown above) encourages all believers to continue moving forward in their Christian life.  He especially wants us to have a sense of determination because there is a definite prize ahead of us that we long to receive.  Our hearts must be resolved so that we will stay the course.

Our prize is eternal life with Jesus Christ in heaven.  There is no arriving at the destination without understanding that Jesus is the Way.  Eternal life is truly the gift of God which we obtain through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

And we will encounter road blocks, challenges, tribulations, and trials along the way.  At these points we need to seek the Lord, and to change whatever is necessary in our lives in order to continue on our way.

In a very real, spiritual sense, we need to pursue Christ with fortitude because in doing so we show our resolve to claim Him as our own Savior and Lord.  We surrender all and follow His example, His footsteps, and His teachings in order to attain eternal fellowship with Christ.  Glory to God!

You Are God’s Temple

You Are God’s Temple

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.  (1 Cor 3:16-17)

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  (1 Cor 6:19)

And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”  (2 Cor 6:16 – emphasis added)

The Word of God tells each and every believer, “You are the temple of the living God.”  That’s pretty mind-blowing, right?  Yes, we may accept it as fact that the Spirit of God indwells each one of us, but have we really thought deeply about it? 

The physical, earthly temple of the Israelites had three parts:

  • the exterior of the structure and outer court;
  • the holy place (which the priests, alone, could enter), and
  • the Holy of Holies within the veil that could only be entered once a year.

We also have three parts: 

  • Our body, the exterior part;
  • Our soul where our minds, emotions, and will reside; and
  • Our spirit, our inner heart—where the Spirit of God dwells and through which He works His works and sanctifies us wholly.

With respectful and joyful confidence, we need to ponder this mystery.  The Spirit of God will direct our thoughts, actions, and lives if we will lovingly yield to Him.  If we will obediently learn to be sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit, He will unveil the mysteries of our faith to us.  He will commission us to serve Him, and to serve others in the name of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of relationship—belonging.

. . . who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.  (2 Cor 1:22)

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise . . . (Eph 1:13, see also Eph 4:30)

We are sealed with the Holy Spirit.  This seal identifies us to angels and demons as being children of God and anointed by God—set apart unto Him.  We belong to God; we are His prize and His possession.  Take some time to ponder this truth, and to revisit it from time to time.  You are blessed!