Note some facts about marathons:
The first Olympic marathon occurred in 1886.
On April 15, 2013, an Islamic terrorist attack, killed 3 people and injured hundreds more at a marathon in Boston.
One man is said to have run 242 marathons in on year!
Marathons are interesting feats accomplished only by the dedicated. Marathons occur all over the world. They consist of many diligent people running 26.2 miles across a specific landscape. Some travel many miles to participate in such events.
In writing to the Corinthians, Paul used a cultural instance to illustrate a spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Greece was known for their athletic games and Paul likely alluded to the Isthmus or Corinthian games which would have included, “horse races and foot races, of boxing, leaping, running, etc.”[1] Using this imagery, Paul compared such events to the Christian life. Christianity is like a marathon, but how?
There is Much Needed Preparation.
Competing in athletic events is not without preceding effort. Athletes know that if they are going to excel in their events, then they must be ready. Hours upon hours, weeks upon weeks, and year after year, athletes prepare so that they may accomplish great things. Paul says that Christians who are running in a marathon must prepare and be ready. What must they be ready to do?
Train (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Without proper exercising of the body and mind (Hebrews 5:12-14), one will never be ready to run. Train yourself by study and prayer.
Refrain. Paul uses the word “temperate” and the phrase “keep under my body” to show that those who run must have self-control. As a runner may stay away from sugar, so must the Christian stay away from the weight of sin that will prohibit him from performing well in the marathon (Hebrews 12:1). Paul practiced self-control like a good runner so that he would not be a “castaway.”[2]
Regain (Hebrews 10:24; cf. Acts 12:3-17). Marathon running is hard work. Sweat, tears, and maybe even blood may be shed. Water, protein, and healthy foods replenish the loss in events like these. The Christian marathon is difficult and those who run must replenish themselves with the blessings of assembling with other Christians.
Preparation precedes proper performance. If Christians want to run well, they must be ready to run well. Are you ready and willing to run well?
Fight as If You Are the Only One Going to Win.
If you knew you were going to lose would you attempt to try to win? Before the tournament, boxers would “box the air” as if fighting their opponent, but not yet doing so.[3] Paul did not run without profit (1 Corinthians 9:26). He did not “box the air”—there was a purpose for decision to run. Like those in a marathon are determined to do well, Christians should run as if first place was only given to one person (1 Corinthians 9:24). As runners expect a prize as they cross the finish line, Christians can expect a royal crown (James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10). Not only is it royal, but Paul said it was incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25). How hard will you strive for this crown in the marathon of your life?
Never Give Up.
“Runner’s World (8/91), told the story of Beth Anne DeCiantis’s attempt to qualify for the 1992 Olympic Trials Marathon. A female runner must complete the 27-mile, 385-yard race in less than two hours, forty-five minutes to compete at the Olympic Trials. Beth started strong but began having trouble around mile 23. She reached the final straightaway at 243, with just two minutes left to qualify. Two hundred yards from the finish, she stumbled and fell. Dazed, she stayed down for twenty seconds. The clock was ticking-2:44, less than a minute to go. Beth Anne staggered to her feet and began walking. Five yards short of the finish, with ten seconds to go, she fell again. She began to crawl, the crowd cheering her on, and crossed the finish line on her hands and knees. Her time? Two hours, 44 minutes, 57 seconds.”[4] Athletes must have perseverance else they will not succeed. The run eventually is tiring, the legs grow weak, and the arms weary, but good athletes continue despite trouble. Faithful Christians persevere through adversity—this is what makes a Christian (Proverbs 24:10; Jeremiah 12:5). Trials in the Christian’s marathon are not causes for cessation but building blocks for salvation (1 Peter 1:3-9). Will you run despite the hurdles over which you must jump?
Marathons are exciting, tiring, and eventually lead to a feeling of accomplishment. How are you doing in the Christian marathon?
Endnotes
[1]Albert Barnes.
[2] Vincent said: “rejected, as unworthy of the prize.”
[3]Albert Barnes.
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