Christians strive for an incorruptible crown, not a corruptible one.
Les Feldick explains that while Olympic athletes in Paul's day competed for a wreath that would wither, believers run the spiritual race for a crown that lasts forever. This incorruptible crown is the reward for faithful service, not salvation itself, since salvation is already possessed by faith.
1 Corinthians 9:25 — This verse directly contrasts the corruptible crown of athletes with the incorruptible crown believers strive for.
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9, compares the Christian life to a race. In verse 24 he writes, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." He then explains in verse 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." The corruptible crown refers to the wreath given to victors in the Olympic games, which would soon wither. The incorruptible crown is the reward that awaits believers at the judgment seat of Christ, where their works will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-14).
Les Feldick emphasizes that the Christian race is not about gaining salvation, which is already received by faith, but about earning rewards. He draws on Paul's frequent use of the Olympic analogy, noting that athletes trained and exercised self-control to win a wreath that would soon shrivel, yet believers run for a crown that will last for all eternity. This calls for temperance—maintaining balance in all areas of life—rather than extremes. The reward, though distinct from salvation, is a motivation for fruitful living, and it will be enjoyed forever, making even 70 or 80 years of earthly life insignificant by comparison.
In Paul's day, the crown for winning an athletic contest was a wreath made of leaves or vines. By the time the winner returned home, it would be shriveled and good only to be pressed between the pages of a book. It was not a lasting prize but a temporary one.
Paul says that athletes are temperate in all things—they maintain balance in their training and diet. Les Feldick explains that temperance means not going to extremes in any area of life, whether in discipline, business, or habits. This balance is essential for running the spiritual race effectively.
Les Feldick teaches that at the judgment seat of Christ, believers will be judged not for sin but for their works. Works built with gold, silver, and precious stones will survive the fiery test, while wood, hay, and stubble will be burned. The surviving works result in rewards—possibly responsibilities in the kingdom—that will be enjoyed for eternity.
Running to Obtain the Prize
Les explains that believers are to run the race with the intent to win, for a reward beyond salvation, and that temperance means maintaining balance in all things.
Corruptible vs. Incorruptible Crown
Les contrasts the withering wreath of ancient athletes with the incorruptible crown believers seek, showing that the goal is reward, not salvation.
Training for an Eternal Crown
Les details that athletes train temperately to win a crown of leaves, but believers run for a crown that lasts forever, knowing the prize they seek.
Temperance and Balance
Les clarifies that temperance applies to all areas of life, not just alcohol, and that athletes maintained balance in eating and training—not extremes.
Rewards as Motivation
Les teaches that the prospect of rewards, enjoyed for eternity, should motivate believers to live fruitful lives, making this life's struggles insignificant.
The Prize in the Race
Les reiterates that athletes run for a corruptible prize while believers run for an incorruptible one, using Paul's Olympic analogy.
Rewards at the Judgment Seat
Les explains that at the judgment seat of Christ, works that survive the fire—gold, silver, precious stones—result in rewards, possibly responsibilities in the kingdom.
Training with Purpose
Les emphasizes that Paul trained himself spiritually to win the prize, not just shadow boxing, and kept his body under control.
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 sets the analogy of the Christian life as a race, where believers are to run with 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 directly contrasts the corruptible crown of athletes with the incorruptible crown believers strive for, and highlights the need for self-control.
1 Corinthians 3:13: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
This verse shows that the believer's works will be tested by fire at the judgment seat, determining reward.
No. Les Feldick clarifies that the crown is a reward for faithful service, not salvation itself. Salvation is already possessed by faith, but the crown is earned through works that survive the testing fire at the judgment seat of Christ.
According to Les, temperance means maintaining balance in every area of life, not just avoiding alcohol. It involves not going to extremes in discipline, business, or habits, just as athletes balanced their training and diet to win the race.
Yes. Les teaches that the rewards believers receive will be enjoyed for all eternity. By comparison, 70 or 80 years of earthly life are nothing, which is why the believer should focus on building with gold, silver, and precious stones that withstand the fire.
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