The Virtuous Life – Day 228 – 1 Corinthians 9-24-27 – Goes Into Strict Training
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. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
Run Well
That is what I want to do. What do you want to do? I want to run well and finish strong as your follower. That is a very good goal. That is a great purpose and plan. How will you run well and finish strong as my follower? I know one thing, for sure. What’s that? I won’t run well and finish strong without your help. You will keep me on track. You will help me to stay on course. Yes, I will. In fact, you should know that I am praying for you. I want you to run well and finish strong. We both want the same thing. That is not surprising. Why is that? You placed this desire in my heart. Do you believe that I will also grant this desire that I have given to you? Yes, I do. That’s good.
What role do you play in your running well and finishing strong? I need to stay on course. I need to keep on track. What does that mean? I need to distance myself from anything that will hinder my running well as your follower. How will you do that? I will keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. When hindrances of any kind seek to entrap me and weigh me down, I will throw them off as I run to you. You will lead me. You will guide me. You will guard and protect me. Yes, I will, you can count on me. What else? I need to enter strict training. What will that look like in your daily life? In my daily life with you, I will meet with you in prayer. I will meet with you in worship. I will meet with you in your word. I will meet with you in service. I will meet with you in fellowship. In every way, I will live and walk in an intimate relationship with you. In our time together, I am sure that you will direct all my training. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, it is my desire to run well and finish strong as your follower. I want to bear and abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. With that in mind, I will distance myself from any hindrances and enter strict training as I follow you. Amen
Key Question… What would entering strict training as a follower of Christ look like in your daily life?
Living It Out… Enter strict training so you will run well as a follower of Christ.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that entering strict training will help you to run well as a follower of Christ.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what spiritual disciplines are part of your strict training.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you enter strict training so you will run well as a follower of Jesus Christ.
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
The Virtuous Life – Day 228 – 1 Corinthians 9-24-27 – Strict Training – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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