Running a spiritual race means living with discipline and purpose to win an eternal reward, not to gain salvation.
Paul uses the analogy of Olympic athletes to teach believers to pursue their Christian life with the same seriousness and self-control as runners aiming for a prize. The reward is incorruptible, unlike the perishable wreath of ancient games, and salvation is already attained by faith. Believers are to maintain balance (temperance) in all things to effectively run the race.
1 Corinthians 9:24 — This verse directly introduces the race analogy and the concept of running to obtain the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:25 — This verse explains that athletes practice temperance to win, which Paul applies to the believer's spiritual life.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Paul writes, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 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." These verses indicate that the race is a metaphor for the Christian life, involving effort and self-control, and the prize (crown) is described as incorruptible, contrasting with the temporary wreath of ancient games. The context of 1 Corinthians 9 shows Paul speaking to believers (1 Corinthians 1:2), emphasizing that the race is not for salvation but for reward. The Bible also frequently uses athletic metaphors to encourage perseverance and discipline, as seen in Hebrews 12:1 where believers are urged to "run with patience the race that is set before us," and in 2 Timothy 4:7 where Paul says, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's analogy of the foot race is taken from the Olympic Games. The runners all run, but only the winner receives the prize, and Paul uses this to illustrate that believers are to run with the intent to win—not for salvation (which is already attained by faith) but for eternal rewards. Les emphasizes that the ancient athletes trained with temperance, maintaining balance in their lives—not becoming gluttons or starving themselves—and similarly, believers must exercise self-control and balance in all aspects of their Christian experience. The crown they sought was perishable (a wreath), but our crown is incorruptible, which should motivate believers to live fruitful lives and serve God. Les also points out that even though believers can become distracted by worldliness, they are called to keep their priorities on the reward that awaits.
No, the race is not about gaining salvation. Les Feldick clarifies that the people Paul addresses are already believers—they have attained salvation by faith. The race is about obtaining a reward after salvation. As Les says, "Not salvation remember, you've already attained that by your faith." (Clip 1)
Les Feldick explains that 'temperate' means maintaining a balance in all things. Using the example of Olympians, they neither overindulge nor over-restrict; they keep a middle course. This applies to Christian living, where believers should avoid extremes in life—whether in discipline or any other area. Les says, "You don't go clear off to the right, you don't go clear off to the left, you maintain a middle balance." (Clip 4)
The prize is an incorruptible crown, in contrast to the corruptible wreath of ancient Olympics. Les teaches that believers run for a reward that is laid up in heaven and will be enjoyed for all eternity. This reward should motivate believers to live fruitful lives and serve God. (Clips 2, 3, 5)
What Does It Mean to Be "All Things to All Men"? — 1 Corinthians 9
Paul never went down and said, well I'm free from the law, I can do as I please, so far as moral things were concerned. No way. Alright, now verse 22, "...so to those," he says, "...that are weak, I became as weak that I might gain the weak." And so he says, "...I have made all things to all men." For what purpose? That I might save some.
Race Not for Salvation
Les clarifies that the race is for reward, not salvation, because believers have already attained salvation by faith.
Balance and Temperance
Les explains that athletes maintain balance in training, avoiding extremes, and believers must likewise maintain balance in their Christian walk.
Corruptible vs Incorruptible Crown
Les contrasts the perishable wreath of ancient games with the incorruptible reward believers run for, emphasizing the motivation to work for reward.
Mindset to Win
Les stresses that believers must have the mindset to win the race, and explains that being temperate means maintaining a balance in all areas of life.
Reward as Motivation
Les connects the race to the believer's motivation to serve, knowing that rewards are laid up for eternity.
Priorities and Reward
Les teaches that believers often get priorities mixed up, but are to run to win the prize—not salvation, but the reward accompanying it.
Running for the Prize
Les reiterates that Olympic runners run for the prize, and believers run for an incorruptible one.
1 Corinthians 9:24: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
This verse introduces the race analogy and the goal of obtaining the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:25: 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.
This verse highlights the need for temperance and contrasts the perishable crown with the eternal one.
1 Corinthians 9:26: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
Paul emphasizes running with intention and purpose.
1 Corinthians 9:27: 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.
Paul practices self-discipline to avoid being disqualified.
No, Les Feldick clarifies that the race is not about gaining salvation. Believers have already attained salvation by faith. The race is about obtaining rewards after salvation. (Clip 1)
Being temperate means maintaining balance in all areas of life, avoiding extremes. Just as Olympic athletes eat and sleep moderately to be fit, believers must exercise self-control to run the spiritual race effectively. (Clips 2, 4)
In Paul's day, the crown given to Olympic victors was a wreath made of plant leaves, which would wither and perish. This contrasts with the incorruptible reward that believers strive for. (Clip 2)
Watch the Teaching: What Does It Mean to Be "All Things to All Men"? — 1 Corinthians 9