c


   c          

 
 !"#cc$ % 
&' %(% #c$:
("%: Eph 6:12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 1Ti 6:12 2Ti 2:5, 2Ti 4:7 Heb 12:4)
( )'* +*%'+: Ga 5:23 Titus 1:8 Titus 2:2 2Pe 1:6)

, 
  -,  ...
'/012%'"  % 
'/0312 * + 
'/0412 '*% 
'/0512 +

6'789*"% - 6'7 means all athletes without exception. They all

agonize as they train in anticipation of the day of the race. Beloved, Paul is saying "all
believers" (6'7) in their spiritual life, need to emulate the pattern of these ancient
athletes. This call is not just in the life of a few "super saints", but is for every man and
woman who has been called out of darkness and into His marvelous light. To be sure
believers are to walk in the light but in the context of 1Co 9:24-27 Paul calls us to "run" in
the light of the coming awards ceremony (2Co 5:10-note). This coming ceremony should
prompt a sense of urgency in all of us for "the hour has come for you (plural = church) to
wake from sleep, for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is
far gone; the day is at hand." (Ro 13:11-note, Ro 13:12-note)

 ++ ": '*+ 7 observes that...

There can be little doubt that, in Corinth and in Ephesus, Paul had been a spectator of the
games. Where there were crowds of men, Paul would be there to seek to win them for
Christ. But, apart from the preaching, there was something about these athletic contests
which found an answer in the heart of Paul. He knew the contests of the boxers (1Cor
9:26-note). He knew the foot-race, most famous of all the contests. He had seen the
herald summoning the racers to the starting-line (1Co 9:27-note); he had seen the runners
press along the course to the goal (Php 3:14-note); he had seen the judge awarding the
prize at the end of the race (2Ti 4:8-note, 2Co 5:10-note, Ro 14:10-note); he knew of the
victor's laurel crown and of his exultation (1Co 9:24-note; Php 4:1-note). He knew the
rigorous discipline of training which the athlete must undertake, and the strict regulations
which must be observed (1Ti 4:7, 8-note; 2Ti 2:5-note). (Barclay, W: The Daily Study
Bible Series. The Westminster Press)

"% %9
" (75) (
 !" ;8'%(7< from
;8'%(7< =

conflict or the place of assembly for the athletic contests and then a reference to the
contests which were held there. English words = agony, agonize, agonal) means to exert
oneself, to fight, to labor fervently, to %' 6 (devote serious effort or energy = implies great
exertion against great difficulty and suggests persistent effort), to struggle, to contend as
with an adversary - all of these actions picture an intense struggle for victory.


c
0


 !" was a familiar term in writings of both military and athletic endeavors and
was used to emphasize the concentration, discipline, conviction, and effort needed to win in
both arenas. It pictures a runner straining every nerve to the uttermost towards the goal.

 !" was used in secular Greek meaning to *% for the prize on the stage, both
of the poet, etc., and of the actor. 
 !" was used in secular Greek in the context of
public speaking meaning to *%
%, as law-term, to 
9% a cause to the last and
to 
9% against a charge of murder.


 !" is in the '%% which continual competition in the race. Inherent in the
meaning of this word is the fact that a race implies hindrances, and this is certainly true in
the Christian life. It takes courage and expenditure of great effort to run the Christian race
with endurance to the end, remembering that the Christian runner's effort is ultimately
supplied by the grace of God and the Spirit of God (1Cor 15:10, Php 2:12-note, Php 2:13-
note; Zech 4:6).

Paul's entire life had been given fully to the struggle even as Olympic athletes give their
body, mind and spirit full to their specific sport. Paul thus engaged in a ceaseless, strenuous
conflict, wrestling with Satan and his minions, with evil men (2Ti 2:17, 18, 3:5, 13, 4:14-
See % 2Ti 2:17; 18; 3:5; 13; 4:14), with "the spiritual forces of wickedness in the
heavenly places" (Ep 6:12-note) and his own +9 writing that "I buffet my body and make
it my slave" (1Co 9:27). For more on the believer's 3 major "impediments" to our "spiritual
race" see discussion of (1) the 8'+, (2) the +9 and (3) the 6 +. How is it possible for
believers to run and become victorious in this lifelong race? It is not possible in our natural
ability, but necessitates dependence on God's supernatural provision (see Ezek 36:27, Ga
5:16-note, Ga 5:17-note, Ga 5:18-note, Ga 5:22, Ga 5:23-note, Ga 5:25-note, Eph 5:18-
note)

If you want to see the real meaning of
 !" , take a moment to watch an afternoon
football practice in the heat of an August day in Texas, where it might be 100 degrees (in
the shade!). = %9='++ writes that we need to...watch the young athletes sweating under
the hot sun. Clad in heavy clothes, padding, and a helmet, their faces grimace with distress
and even pain. If they did this because their lives were threatened we might understand.
What is difficult to grasp is that they do this voluntarily. All for a trophy that will be kept
in a glass case and soon forgotten in this life and most assuredly not remembered in the
next. They voluntarily wanted to play, and they will torture themselves in order to win.
Now if athletes are willing to undergo this type of discipline and self-control, how much
more so should we as servants of Jesus Christ? For unlike the athletic crown, our victor¶s
crown will affect us forever and ever. Paul states that our reward is ³imperishable´²it is
eternal! This means it does matter whether we gain or lose the prize. Hearing Jesus say
³Well done!´ is no small matter. Think about that for just a moment. Only what you and I
do for Jesus Christ will last. And it will last and last and last. Forever is a long time. And
we only have 70 or 80 years to invest in eternity. That is why I pray like Jonathan Edwards,
³Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs!´ We must run and fight for the prize, for living for
God¶s approval requires finishing well.I realize that very few people would say self-control
is one of their greatest strengths.12 Yet, Paul tells us that self-control is necessary if we are
to win the prize. So may I ask you:
c


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)'* +*%'+ - Obviously, in running a race, one must compete, and this required
strict training. The exercise of +1*%'+by necessity calls for +1 +. Stated another
way, self-control is crucial to victory. This instruction on racing to win in 1Co 9:24-27 is
followed by 1Corinthians 10:1-13 in which Paul asked his readers to remember what had
happened to Israel in the wilderness, because of their choosing to invoke their personal
freedom instead of seeking self-control. As an aside, it is relatively easy to deny %9 
, but
it is very costly to deny +. In fact, many deny things (it's called "legalism") as a substitute
for the real sacrifice God wants, which is the denial of our self! Do not be deceived!
c


British statesman Edmund Burke once made an interesting comment that...men are
qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put mural chains on their
own appetites. Society cannot exist unless a controlling power upon will and appetite be
placed somewhere, and the less of it there is within, the more there is without. % 
'  %9%' +*% %(% %9 
%9 %" %"' %" * %
?'. 9 '  '
%9 '%%'. (Imprimis, Vol. 20, #9)

c(+ %""% '7...

One good moral result which sprang from the ancient system of athleticism was the self-
denial and self-mastery which it required. The candidate for a prize had to be pure, sober,
and enduring (Horace, µArs Poet.,¶ 412), to obey orders, to eat sparely and simply and to
bear effort and fatigue (Epict., µEnchir.,¶ 35) for ten months before the contest.

   
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)'* +*%'+(1467) (
&' %(" from 
&' %I&' %;8'%(7< =

self-controlled <> In turn from  = in + &' %;8'%(7< = power from the stem &' %-
denoting power or lordship) means literally to control the strength of and thus depicts one
who exercises power to "hold oneself in" or to "master self". This virtue describes
"lordship" or dominion over self. The self-controlled individual exercises restraint over his
own impulses, emotions, appetites and desires.

A compilation definition of +*%'+from various English Dictionaries = the ability to

exercise restraint or control over one¶s feelings, emotions, reactions, behavior, etc
especially in difficult situations, curbing one¶s impulses for the sake of worthier ends.
77" = calmness, cool, coolness, restraint, self-discipline, self-mastery, self-restraint,
strength of mind or will, willpower, self-command.

9 %)'*  
+*%'+    (see note below) - It is % subjecting one's body to

hard treatment as in the practice of asceticism, a severe form of legalism (see Paul's
warning in Col 2:23-note). It is not abstaining from something like food in an attempt to
kill bodily appetites, for it lacks any true godliness or grace, to which it is diametrically
opposed.  *9  emphasizes that...

Christianity is not self-induced misery. Fasting, going without food and the ordinary
things of life or any system that involves self affliction to gain God¶s favor, violates the
grace of God. Fasting is not wrong. Fasting to gain God¶s favor is wrong. Jesus did all
the suffering necessary. He placated God sufficiently by his death on the cross to gain
God¶s favor. If Jesus won God¶s favor, we violate him if we independently try to win
that favor by ourselves....Denial (enabled by the flesh not the Spirit) arouses desire; grace
counteracts the flesh. (Colossians Commentary - online - recommended) One secular
writer c9 +   
' (The Bondman) said "He that would govern others, first should
be the master of himself.
c
3

' % *9 feels that...

The New Testament uses ³+1*%'+´ very infrequently because God does not sponsor
autonomous self-mastery. Salvation or spirituality by mastery of the + is not the
Christian way of life....The New Testament does not view self-control as legalistic
abstinence. Christianity does not de-sex or empty all desires from the person. But the
Christian does maintain self-control and mastery over those desires. We add self-control
to knowledge (2Pe 1:6-note). ³Self-control´ comes from two words: out of and strength.
³Self-control´ is power. ³Self-control´ is mastery over our passions so that : control
our desires and actions. God bestows this power upon us. Idiomatically, ³self-control´
means to hold oneself in, to command oneself. Self-control then is the mastery of self.
We stay in command of our desires and wants. It is the ability to say ³no´ to self ( : By
first saying "Yes" to Jesus, to God's Word!). This is the freedom of self-restraint.

cc 
+1*%'+'(

The Christian life carries certain qualities. Any kind of life is not Christian living. There
are certain standards unique to Christianity. It is more than being nice to your neighbors
or not breaking the law. Self-control in God¶s economy comes from the filling of the
Holy Spirit. Therefore, Christian self-control is not autonomous self-control.

Why do people fail in any sphere of life? People fail in athletics, academics and business
because of lack of self-discipline. Lazy people fail in athletics and school. Lazy people
will fail spiritually in Christian living. This is why people fail especially in the Christian
life. They have little internal power that comes from the Holy Spirit. We live in an
undisciplined generation. Young people rebel against all authority. Much of their music
revolves around that rebellion. They come from undisciplined homes and schools. They
go to university and the theme of thought is rebellion against authority²whether it is the
authority of rule or the authority of concepts. Some people never accept authority, even
police authority. In fact, the only places where discipline remains today is in sports and
the military. Sadly, there is little authority left in the home, the school or even the church.
The Christian who wants to get in shape spiritually must get into the Word. That is where
he gets his spiritual muscles. By applying principles to experience, he begins to lose his
spiritual flab. Do you restrain yourself or do you indulge yourself? (2 Peter Commentary
- online - recommended) ³Self-control implies that a Spirit-filled Christians can control
their desires. ³Self-control´ is self-mastery over a person or thing. It is inherent power
over the self. Unrestrained flesh indulges the self but a person walking in the Spirit has
power to control inner urges than a person walking in the flesh. Biblical self-control is
the concentration of the power of the Spirit toward the end of doing God¶s will. This
goes beyond abstinence or unadulterated power in self. A purpose or end in view is
always at the heart of biblical self-control. There is a reason beyond self to deny oneself
of something whether it is the control of our tongue or our anger. We watch where we let
our eyes fall because we want to please the Lord. (Galatians Commentary - online -
recommended)
c
4

+F8++(%' %: ?+2 *%  '7...

SELF-CONTROL ² control of one¶s actions or emotions by the will. The New

Testament teaches that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22±23). The Christian is
to be governed by God, not by self.

98,
'F: ?+2 *%  '7...

The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites
(Acts 24:25; 1 Cor. 9:25; Gal. 5:23; 2Pet. 1:6, where it is named as one of the Christian
graces).

9J'6  *7*+ %9: ?+, Volume 5...

One of the basic Christian virtues. It is the mastery of self, the exercise of restraint,
especially in sensual pleasures. Self-control or temperance is insurance against self-
indulgence in immorality, drunkenness, brawling, gossiping, conceit, and greed. In
temperance one foregoes excesses in acceptable pursuits, such as eating, drinking, and
conversation.... Self-control fortifies the inner person. It builds a wall of defense against
destructive forces of evil. The pathetic tragedy of the physically strong Samson was the
result of his intemperance in sensual desires. His sexual love for ungodly women decreed
his doom (Jdg 14:1, 2-note)....Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ practiced self-
control, even though their enemies accused John of having a demon and Jesus of being
³a glutton and a drunkard´ (Lk. 7:33, 34). John followed a strict course of self-control
and abstinence, similar in some respects to that of the Essenes. Though Jesus was
sociable and enjoyed feasting with friends, he set the perfect example of self-control. He
enjoyed the blessings of nature and humanity, but abstained from sensual pleasures. Self-
control, like other Christian virtues, is not easy to maintain. It requires exercise of will
and the aid of the Holy Spirit....Self-control is essential for success in the pursuit of any
worthy goal (1Co 9:25)....Self-control was constantly in Jesus¶ teaching, as with
reference to murder, sexual lust, swearing, retaliation, hypocrisy, greed, and anxiety
(Matt. 5:21±6:34).

: ...

Rendered in the King James Version ³temperance´ (compare Latin °
  and
° °)...Self-control was considered one of the chief virtues by Plato, Aristotle, the
Stoics, Philo, the Essenes, the Hermetica, and others...The
  word-group
originally meant ³mastery or power over oneself or something´; eventually it came to
mean ³control over oneself,´ especially one¶s desires and actions. The opposite was
, ³self-idulgence´ or ³licentiousness´ (cf. RSV ³rapacity´ in Mt. 23:25). Clearly
self-control does not come naturally or by hard effort but is the gift of God through His
Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23; 2Ti1:7). Nonetheless the Christian consciously lives out this self-
control just as an athlete exercises self-discipline (1Co 9:25-27). There is no ultimate
power over self here but only a control granted and sustained by God. This is the primary
reason why a concept so central to Greek ethics found such a small place in biblical
c
5

ethics. ³The reason for this is that biblical man regarded his life as determined and
directed by the command of God. There was thus no place for the self-mastery which had
a place in autonomous ethics´ (TDNT, II, 342).

There are two uses of this verb in the %(
%#$ (Ge 43:31, 1Sa 13:12 = "forced
myself") but the only other NT use of 
&' %(" is in the context of explaining why it
is better to marry (if one lacks the divine gift of celibacy - cp 1Co 7:7)...But if they %
9 6+1*%'+ (egkrateuomai), let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn.
(1Co 7:9)

""%: The implication clearly is that God ordained sacrament of marriage is a

"protection" and "promoter" of self control! Now, there are two ways %?(' has been
interpreted --(1) The idea is that lust leads to divine judgment (think the fire of eternal
torment - cp Re 20:14-note). (2) The second view seems to fits better with the context,
so that if an individual realizes that he does not possess the gift of celibacy, it is
preferable for him to marry rather than to continually seethe with lusts which seek self
gratification outside of marriage.

'+ % *(  of +%'+which is ultimately a fruit of  ' %*%'+! Here

are a few thoughts on self control...

How important is self control according to Paul? Acts 24:25

What is one of the requirements of an elder? Titus 1:8

What will the "last days" (we're in them now) be characterized by? 2Ti 3:3

Can you be familiar with the truth of the Bible and still not exhibit self control? Mt 23:25
Yes truth sets one free, but there is a condition - what is it? Jn 8:31,32. Are you truly
abiding in His Word and allowing His Word to abide in you?

Are you having difficulty controlling yourself in regard to sexual lusts? What is God's
solution? 1Co 7:5 cp 1Pe 2:11, 1Th 4:3,4 = "Know God" - note that the basic problem
leading Gentiles to sexual immorality is the fact that they do not know God. So take time
to know God in an intimate, experiential way if you are wrestling with self control in this
area.

How can a believer manifest self control? 2Pe 1:5, 6, 7, 8, Gal 5:23, Eph 5:18 :%!
observes that the placement of self-control at the end of the list (Gal 5:23)«is
conspicuous and this is certainly intended; it stands in juxtaposition to love (Gal 5:22).
The concept of self-control in the present context implies the claim that Christian ethics
is the fulfillment not only of the Torah (cf. Gal 5:14), but also of the central demand of
Greek ethics. The gift of the Spirit and the µfruit of the Spirit¶ reach their climax in the
old Greek ideal of self-control.

: '*+ 7 says that +*%'+...is that great quality which comes to a man when Christ is in
c
K

his heart, that quality which makes him able to live and to walk in the world, and yet to
keep his garments unspotted from the world.

%6+ notes that Paul uses 
&' %(" ...to refer to an athlete who exercises self-
control in all things so that he may win the wreath. He doesn¶t do anything that would
hinder him from his goal. An elder (Ed: These words just as easily could apply to all saints)
must have control over harmful desires or habits that would interfere with knowing Christ
more deeply or with being an effective shepherd of God¶s flock. He will be disciplined
about spending time alone with God in the Word and prayer. (
&' %I&' %) is the
last of the fruits of the Spirit (Ga 5:23-note), which grow in us as we walk daily by means
of the Spirit (Ga 5:16-note). ( ' 
%%'+('+)

+1*%'+means mastering one¶s emotions rather than being mastered by them. Lack of
self control played a significant role in abominable words and deeds of the false teachers
Peter exposed in chapter 2 of his second epistle.

For speaking out arrogant (Note they have no control over their pride, a sin which goes
before destruction Pr 16:18, 18:12, 29:23) words of vanity they (the false teachers
continually [present tense]) entice (deleazo) by fleshly desires ("Desires [epithumia] of
the flesh", those strong feelings that emanate from the fallen flesh. Notice to what these
false teachers make their appeal! The godless flesh), by sensuality, those who barely
escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves
are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome (conquered), by this he is
+ 6 (perfect tense = a permanent state of bondage). (2Pe 2:18-note, 2Pe 2:19-note)

""%: The false teachers in 2 Peter claimed that "+ ?'%7" was a warrant for
+ *% ( rather than for +  as it should be lived in the Spirit. These men instead
of +*%'+ were "( + %7*%'++", enslaved to greed and fleshly desires
(lusts). They believed and taught that knowledge freed people from the need to control
their passions. The writer of c'6'? alludes to the subject of +*%'+ writing
that He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and 989'(+9  ' %,
than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32) (?(%"')

""%: Have you ever tried in your own strength (self effort) to *%'+ your
temper or restrain the desire follow through with a sudden outburst of anger? I have
and it might work for a moment, but   remains crouching at the door of my mind
and heart just waiting for the opportunity to "pounce" (cp Ge 4:5, 6, 7), and
unfortunately it often does. 8  *(+%  %'(% *9 66 *%'7 %9  ' >
The writer says that it is easier to gain a victory over a city (and in ancient times these
were walled, well fortified cities, totally unlike our modern cities!) then to conquer
one's temper!

"78%'
%9* %*%'+%96'89+" 
@8'(+@*"++ 


('
%+ 9(%@?(%%9 ' %%9%+99'* *%'+ % 7 +
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9%H% " '%  ( * *7% ?+"%8'&(%"7
c
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 *2 + (Ref) adds that

c °  °
 °  °

  °


° °  °
    

    °  °
 
°
         °  °

        c °    
    °
 °
° 
 °   °  
 ! Woe! There, beloved, is a picture
of all of us apart from the grace of God (1Cor 15:10) and the controlling fruit
of the Spirit of God!

In another pithy proverb, Solomon gives a vivid picture of the danger of the lack of +1
*%'+ writing...

Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his
spirit. (Pr 25:28) ('"c'030K?7?'%'
 -  %(' %7  %' 

%9*'%+1%'+)

'8 %9(%+1*%'+ + & +* %7@

+8 7(?M*%% %% *&  %

""%: As alluded to earlier, the city states of those days were walled for
protection from marauders. No wall around a city meant no protection. No +*%'+
by analogy means one is wide open to attack from the Evil One and the old sinful flesh
nature (flesh)! Without self control, they are not able to resist those things that can
destroy their lives and the lives of others. Such a man or woman is an easy victim
when attacked by tempting desires and impulses. The Bible offers numerous
illustrations of those who failed to "build a wall around the city" of their heart and
mind, but instead kept the "opened wide the gates" to the wisdom of the world, the
flesh and the devil.

Woe! Take for example, the sad saga of  " and his self destruction and defeat at
the hands of a seductive temptress. (see % Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16). Like
Samson, we all have the deceptive flesh lurking and waiting for a moment of weakness
(we are tired, frustrated with others, disappointed with our circumstances, we have just
been successful in some venture be it secular or spiritual, etc) and would do well to
heed Solomon's advice (which sadly and paradoxically he himself did not heed,
miserably failing to exercise self control, especially in 1Ki 11:1, 2, 3, 4, 5-6, 7, 8-9, 10,
11, 12, 13 - read the last half of the chapter for the wide ranging consequences!)...

 %*9 (command to continually "set a guard" as it were) over your heart with all
diligence, (Why is this discipline so critically important?), for from it flow the springs of
life. (Proverbs 4:23-note) (The  poignantly paraphrases it "     

° p   pp
   
 
 ")

Remember that when we take time off from  * +  
('+6'
+   we don't
c
L

remain "static" spiritually, but we begin to drift back toward the subtle, seductive lures of
the world, the flesh and/or the devil. Do not be deceived thinking you are "okay" if you are
taking a "spiritual hiatus"! In fact, you are in grave danger, for fleshly lusts continually
wage war against your soul (1Pe 2:11-note). Paul understood the critical importance of the
necessity of maintaining a program of spiritual discipline (under grace of course, not under
law - an easy trap to fall into in the area of the spiritual disciplines - read 7%" F
excellent admonition to be alert to 
+ " or better yet listen to his ) exhorting his
young disciple Timothy (and all disciples of all ages)...

2 * +  (present imperative - not a suggestion but a command to make it your habit

gymnazo [the Greek verb for discipline] yourself - working out in "God's gym" of His
Word, prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread, etc) yourself for the purpose of godliness;
for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since
it holds promise for the present life (literally "the now life") and also for the life to come
(literally "the coming life" = it's already on its way for believers). It is a trustworthy
statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this (the promise which godliness holds
forth -- that it may be fulfilled) we labor (intensely toiling to the point of utter
exhaustion!) and strive (agonizomai = an intensely struggling for victory or more
accurately for believers "from victory", the Victory having been procured for us at
Calvary by Christ), because we have fixed our hope (our certainty) on the living God,
Who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (1Ti 4:7, 8, 9, 10-see % 1Ti 4:7;
4:8; 4:9; 4:10)

Just as ceasing to exercise physically results in loss of muscle and bone mass, decreased
strength and endurance, etc, so too, the same dynamic occurs in the spiritual realm when
we cease to discipline ourselves for godliness.

And so the apostle c%' encourages believers to *% 6+7&+1*%'+ as they grow in

grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pe 3:18-note - this is a
matter of growing to be like Christ, for not one time in the Gospels do we ever see even a
hint of Jesus losing His self-control)...

Now for this very reason also, applying (pareisphero) all diligence (spoude), in your faith
(pistis) supply (epichoregeo) moral excellence, and in your moral excellence (arete),
knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, +1*%'+@ and in your+1*%'+,
perseverance (hupomone), and in your perseverance, godliness (eusebeia); 7 and in your
godliness, brotherly kindness (philadelphia), and in your brotherly kindness, love
(agape). 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither
useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks
these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former
sins. (2Pe 1:5-9-note)

 %"...

Hold tight rein over three T¶s²thought, temper, and tongue²and you will have few
regrets. ( : But see Jas 3:8 - so the three T's cannot be subjugated naturally but only
c


Supernaturally!).

:?N got it right when it said...

The Christian philosophy is a philosophy of self-denial, self-control, and self-restraint.

The satanic philosophy is a philosophy of ³live as you please,´ ³have what you want,´
³don¶t let anyone tell you what to do,´ and ³it¶s your life, you have a right to live it.´

N''7:' 
 maintains that...

It is impossible to be a follower of Jesus without giving diligent attention in our lives to

the grace of +1*%'+. ...(and adds that) There is a form of +1*%'+ that says 'yes'
to what we should do as well as that which says 'no' to what we shouldn't do.

ANT concept that is closely related to +*%'+is ?' %7. For example Paul writes to
the saints at Thessalonica encouraging them...so then let us (note that Paul includes
himself!) not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and ?'(nepho - word study). (1Th
5:6-note)

""%: "The idea of ³sober´ is to be free from excess and imprudence. This well±
balanced and self±controlled person is circumspect about God¶s viewpoint on life. A
sober person refrains from carnality. When it comes to spiritual things, a believer must
be in control of his thought processes and freedom from irrational thinking. Self±
control is at the core of spiritual strength. Christians need to know how to restrain and
moderate themselves." (Ref)

%6+ asks and answers the vitally important question....

 1  >

+1*%'+ is the inward rule or regulation of every area of your life under the
ultimate authority and control of God¶s Spirit in line with His Word. The Greek word
comes from a root word meaning power or lordship. The Jewish writer, Philo,
described it as having superiority over every desire (Walter Grundmann, Theological
Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. by Gerhard Kittel [Eerdmans], 2:340-341). In
our text, it stands in opposition to the deeds of the flesh, which are (Gal. 5:19, 20, 21-
note), ³immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy,
outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing,
and things like these.´ Paul lists ³self-control´ as a qualification for elders (Titus 1:8-
note). Peter includes it in his list of godly qualities that we must develop (2Pe 1:6-
note). By definition, self-control means overruling your emotions because of a higher
goal. Because you want to please and honor God, you must go against your feelings of
the moment.


c
0

.+1*%'+ ' " ' +7 8 ' +7* ' +7(%8 '.

Jesus said (Mark 7:21, 22, 23), ³For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the
evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness,
as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things
proceed from within and defile the man.´ It follows that if we only control such evil
desires in order to look good in front of people or to avoid being prosecuted by the law,
we are just putting a Band-Aid on the cancer of the heart. The control of the Holy Spirit
extends to the heart level, allowing us to deal with temptation before it goes any farther.

0.+1*%'+' %(' ' %1*%'+.

There is a paradox here: to be Spirit-controlled results in being self-controlled. As we

walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16-note), He produces in us the ability to control every area of
our lives in line with His holy purposes. This implies active responsibility on your part.
Sometimes, speakers on the spiritual life state that you are to be completely passive:
³Just let go and let God.´ ³If you¶re striving, you¶re not trusting.´ This is clearly
unbiblical. Paul wrote (Col 1:29-note), ³For this purpose also I labor, striving according
to His power, which mightily works within me.´ Both are true. The fruit of the Spirit is
self-control.

.+1*%'+ %+18 ++@?(% % **%8 %97('8 ++.

In Titus 1:8, Paul says that an elder is to be self-controlled, but in the previous verse, he
says that an elder must not be self-willed. Clearly, both are connected with our
responsibility to choose (our will). But the difference is, the self-controlled person is
submitting himself to God¶s will as revealed in His Word, whereas the self-willed person
is acting for his own selfish desires, disregarding what God wills. Because God has given
us new life in Christ and has given His Holy Spirit to indwell us, we have both the
responsibility and the ability to yield our self-will to His revealed will.

.+1*%'+ %+
+ ".

If you develop this fruit of the Spirit, some Christians will label you as legalistic. But this
quality appears in the Book of Galatians, which was written to combat legalism.
Legalism is the attempt to earn standing with God by performing certain duties or
behavior. Also, legalists attempt to look spiritual to others by keeping their man-made
rules and they judge those who do not keep their rules. To live as a godly Christian, you
must live openly before God, who examines the heart (1Th 2:4-note). Living under
God¶s grace, by the way, does not mean that God gives you a bunch of free passes on sin
each day, or that you can live a, hang-loose, sloppy, unproductive life. Paul wrote (1Co
15:10), ³But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove
vain; but I labored even more than all of them [the other apostles]; yet not I, but the grace
of God with me.´


c


3.+1*%'+ % *% * ".

Asceticism means denying yourself certain legitimate comforts and imposing certain
hardships for some spiritual value. Join a monastery where you eat a meager diet, sleep
on a hard mat in a cold room, and take a vow of poverty in order to control the flesh.
Paul describes that approach (Col 2:20, 21, 22-note) and concludes (Col 2:23-note),
³These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made
religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against
fleshly indulgence.´

At the same time, Paul does mention the example of an athlete, who exercises self-
control in all things in order to win (1Co 9:25). He goes on to say that he disciplines his
body so that he will not be disqualified from preaching the gospel. Thus your motive for
controlling yourself is crucial. For example, a missionary to the Muslims may not eat
pork, because to do so would be a needless offense to Muslims. But not to eat pork
because you think it will make you more spiritual would be asceticism.

4.+1*%'+ %'
@?(%+) ?+.

There is the danger of being so self-controlled that you lose the ability to relate
spontaneously to others in love. For example, it is good to be disciplined to read your
Bible and pray every day. But suppose you¶re in the middle of your quiet time, and your
two-year old exuberantly jumps into your lap to show you his picture that he colored for
you. I would suggest that you are not properly self-controlled under the Spirit¶s control if
you push him away, saying, ³Can¶t you see that I¶m reading the Bible!´ The fruit of self-
control is also accompanied by the fruits of love, patience, kindness, and gentleness. The
aim of self-control is always to enable us to love God and to love others. If we use self-
control merely for selfish purposes, we are not exercising this fruit of the Spirit.

 2  , 

 1  >

Some, by natural temperament and perhaps by upbringing, are more inclined to self-
control than others are. If you are not so inclined, then you will have to fight harder to
develop it. Paul does not say that those who by nature are more free-spirited or
disorganized are exempt from this quality! A study of both Paul and Jesus will show that
they exhibited this fruit. To be godly, you must be self-controlled. In one sentence:

(
%+1*%'+?78 +& 
 %9 ' %D*%'+ 

7(+ 6  **' *8 %9D(' '7('+ .

Here is how to implement this step by step:

.' % 1%*('% %"%'7('+ 


c


Granted, there is no verse in the Bible that specifically tells you to do this. But many
verses show that Jesus and Paul both were clear about their purpose for living. Consider:

Matthew 6:33-note: ³But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these
things will be added to you.´

Luke 19:10: ³For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.´

John 17:4: ³I glorified You on earth, having accomplished the work which You have
given Me to do.´

1 Corinthians 9:23: ³I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a
fellow partaker of it.

Philippians 3:8-note, Php 3:12b-note: ³More than that, I count all things to be loss in
view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord«. I press on so that I
may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.´

1 Timothy 4:7b-note: ³discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.´

These and many other verses show that Jesus and Paul were men of godly purpose.
Picture yourself on your deathbed and ask, what do you want to have accomplished with
your life?

Here is my personal purpose statement: ³To glorify God by being a godly husband and
father, and by using my gift of pastor-teacher for the building up of the body of Christ
and the furtherance of the gospel.´

Every Christian will desire to glorify God. Beyond that, your statement will vary,
depending on your personality and gifts. But write it down and look at it often, so that
you are clear on why God has you on this earth.

0. % ?+ 9? ?+ * +
 +'6'7 ' 7('+ %9+"67(%8 '7('

+ ('.

Paul illustrates this with the analogy of an athlete who wants to win (1Co 9:24, 25, 26,
27). To get to that goal, he brings every area of his life under that purpose. He controls
his diet, he gets the proper rest, and he schedules regular workouts to move him towards
the goal of winning the prize.

Again, this will vary with each person, depending on where you most need to grow. You
should determine these goals from the Bible, not from some worldly self-help book.
They will include biblical character qualities that you need to develop, and biblical
activities that you need to practice. Your goals should include developing loving
relationships, properly managing your time and money in light of God¶s purposes, and
being a good steward of the spiritual gifts that He has given you. Write down your goals.
c
3

."" %7('+%%9
 +.

Biblical goals provide the motivation to change, but you must count the cost and be
willing to commit yourself to them. I¶ve often wished that I could speak a foreign
language, but I¶ve never committed myself to achieve that goal. As you know, there are
no easy ways to learn a language. It takes time and discipline to do it well. Before you
commit to some spiritual goal, think about what it will require and whether you are
willing to commit to follow through. Your motive has to be to please God.

.c+ *  * ++798%' *9%9
 +.

You need to prioritize and schedule your goals. If your marriage is falling apart because
you have a bad temper, you should make controlling your temper a top goal! If your life
is dominated by drug or alcohol abuse, you can¶t begin to glorify God until you get those
sinful practices under control. Prioritize them!

Also, you must rearrange your schedule to put these new priorities in place. It will mean
getting up in time to spend time in the Word, in Scripture memory, and in prayer. It may
mean scheduling a weekly time to meet with a small group for growth and
accountability. It may mean breaking off certain harmful habits that pull you down,
whether ungodly friendships at the local bar or watching TV shows that defile you. You
may have to limit computer use.

3."+"%@6 +( %@ *''*%7('
 + * '7.

Put your plan into action and then take a few minutes every week or two to evaluate
your progress and make necessary corrections. You may decide that some of your
original goals need to be modified or changed altogether. When you get certain things
into place as godly habits, you can add new goals.

4. +&?7" %9+7 ' %6'7 7.

9 ('
'%989+'*. Note Galatians 5:16, ³But I say, walk by the Spirit,
and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.´ He goes on to talk about the strong
desires of the flesh that war against the Spirit. If you do not conquer these desires, you
will not grow in godliness. You don¶t win wars accidentally! You must devote yourself
to the battle, committed to fight with everything you¶ve got. Anything less will result in
defeat.

8 +&?7%9 ' %" %( 7 +%%9 8++ 
+7 ' %
""%?7""%6'7 7. Walking is not as spectacular as leaping or flying, but if
you keep at it, you¶ll get where you¶re going. Also, the picture of fruit implies a slow,
deliberate process. There will be setbacks and difficulties along the way. The question is,
are you actively, purposefully walking by the Spirit, coming back to dependence on Him
when you have fallen, so that over the long haul, the fruit of the Spirit, including self-
control, is growing in your life?
 c
4

  2  , 2
 1  >

If you haven¶t been convicted yet, this ought to do it! In a nutshell, You need self-
control in every aspect of your life. Let me briefly mention seven areas. Rather than
being overwhelmed because you need to improve in all seven, prayerfully evaluate
where you most need to grow and prioritize these.

.%'+7('?7.

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and you are to glorify God with your body
(1Co 6:19-note, 1Cor 6:20-note). This includes getting proper rest (avoiding the
extremes of laziness and being a workaholic). It means getting proper exercise and
eating a healthy diet of moderate proportions, so as to avoid the problems that come
from eating junk food and being overweight. This will vary from person to person, but
none of us can do it without self-control. Controlling your body also requires godly
control over your sexual desires. God made you with those desires, but He also
designed them to be restricted to the marriage relationship.

0.%'+7('" .

Our culture, more than any other in history, bombards us through the media with
ungodly ways to think and live. To be godly, you must control your mind (Php 4:8-
note; Col. 3:1-note, Col 3:2-note, Col 3:3, 4-note). What do you think about? You
cannot engage in a secret life of lust after sex or greed and become godly. To control
your thought life, control what you read. Saturate your mind with the Bible and with
books that help you grow in godliness. Set some goals, such as reading through the
Bible in a year, or reading a certain number of Christian books this year. Put these
things in your schedule. Control what you expose your mind to (TV, movies, Internet,
etc.). You cannot watch certain types of movies without those evil images embedding
themselves in your brain.

.%'+7('"% .

You are not the helpless victim of your emotions! If you are genetically prone to
depression or anxiety or impulsiveness or lust, you may have to battle harder to gain
control than someone else will. But these fruits of the Spirit are promised to all that
walk by the Spirit, not just to certain personality types. If you live by constantly
yielding to your emotions, you will not grow in godliness. Self-control means
controlling your emotions for a higher goal.

.%'+7('% ".

Often we excuse our ungodliness by saying, ³I don¶t have time.´ But we all have time
to do what we want to do. The question is, do you want to be godly? If so, cut out of
your schedule the unnecessary things that hinder spending time with the Lord.
c
5

3.%'+7('  *.

We often complain that we don¶t have enough money to pay bills, let alone to give
consistently to the Lord¶s work. But usually the problem is that we do not properly
manage what the Lord has entrusted to us. Let me put it bluntly: Cable TV, dinners
out, and expensive entertainment are not necessities! If you can pay your bills and give
generously to the Lord¶s work, those things may be permissible. Unless you need it for
work, believe it or not, a cell phone is not a necessity! Running up credit card debt is
almost always due to poor financial management.

4.%'+7('%
(.

Abusive speech or words that tear down others (even in jest) are sinful (Col 3:8-note).
Angry words and name-calling are sins (Ep 4:29, 30-note, Ep 4:31, 32-note). Lying is
sin (Ep 4:25-note). Talking inappropriately about sex and telling dirty jokes are sins
(Ep 5:3, 4-note). Gossip and slander are sins (Ep 4:31-note; Jas 4:11). Taking the
Lord¶s name in vain is sin (Ex 20:7; Mt. 6:9-note). Paul wrote (Eph. 4:29-note), ³Let
no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for
edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who
hear.´ To please God, you must learn to control your tongue (Jas 3:1-12).

5.%'+7(''+ % 9 .

I %"  to act in a controlling manner towards others! I mean that you must
take the initiative to distance yourself from anyone that pulls you towards the world or
the flesh. Be careful about relationships with unbelievers, especially those that yoke
you unequally, whether in marriage or in business (2Co 6:14, 15,16, 17, 18, 7:1-note).
If you are single, do not date unbelievers, even to witness to them. If you develop
friendships with unbelievers, be careful to keep in mind the aim of being a godly
witness, so that you do not join them in godless pleasure (Lk 5:29, 30, 31, 32; 1Pe 4:1,
2, 3, 4, 5-note). Positively, work on developing godly, loving relationships, beginning
with your mate and children. Practice biblical love on a daily basis. Ask God for a
more mature person (men with men, women with women) who can help you grow in
Christ.

*+( 

The danger of a message like this is that you will feel so overwhelmed by all that you
need to do that you will be paralyzed by procrastination. My advice is to pray through
the areas that I¶ve mentioned, asking God to help you prioritize them. Work on the one
or two areas that would bring the most needed results. If you fall, get up and keep
walking by the Spirit. As you do, He will work in you the fruit of self-control for His
glory. ( ' 
%%'+('+ - used by permission) (I highly recommend
Pastor Cole's sermons which read like expositional commentaries with a devotional
component and a practical applicability - '")?7:&%9: ?+)
c
K

N " speaks to an aspect of self-control when he promises that...

Blessed is a man who perseveres (self control must be persevered in - cp 2Pe 1:6-note)
under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the
Lord has promised to those who love Him. (Jas 1:12-note)

""%: James 1:14-note goes on to explain how temptation (which can be external
but can also come from within, from our +9) acts like a lure which seeks to draw us
away from the safety of  ' % ?++1*%'+. Temptation prods and baits us by
appealing to our fallen +9.

N( addressing the church at "7' declared...

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you
into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful
until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:10-note)

N( addressing the church at c9 + +9 declared...

I am coming quickly; 9+ %(present imperative = command calling for continual

retention) what you have, in order that no one take your crown. (Rev 3:11-note)

    ...

Paul is saying that if the Olympic and Isthmian athletes could exercise such great discipline
(giving up the good and the better for the best) and self±control in ++ things (% *%9
8'H ++H1127(9 6 7H% H%9 % '+ " %>'7(%' % 
7('
H?%% 
 H  ' ' 89 % %%'(+7 117('"'% +"7%9 %" 7
" E('   ('*
' %  * % ?(% %'(%9?' 
+7 %9C), why can't you
Corinthian Christians (97* %7(  '' ')? In this same line of thought
we need to remember that Jesus didn¶t say, ³Follow Me and life will be easy.´ He said,
³Follow Me, and life will be tough, but your prize will be worth it in the end.´ (See Mk
8:34, 35, 36) The Christian life is not a race to see who comes in first, but an endurance run
to see who finishes faithfully. Remaining faithful to the finish makes us true winners. We
are judged by how we finish, not by how we start.

 7
6( 
' *  ' %

% ?+(%'(%8 @
' 
+'7@%9'(
9 .".

 ++%9 
 (3956) ( ) means just that "everything". When one is focused on the
"Games" and determined to win, no cost is too great to pay, no "luxury" is off limits.
Anything and everything that impede progress in training and achieving the goal of the
perishable prize. Paul is setting the bar very high - if pagans passionately pursue a passing
prize, how much more focused, zealous and determined should the people of God pursue
the things above and not the things of this passing earth! (Col 3:1, Col 3:2) Successful
c
/

secular athletes like those who would aspire to be "successful Christian athletes", had to
exhibit self-denial, self-control and self-discipline, in order to assure maximum
performance. As "Christian athletes" we do not have the right to give up our freedom, for
that right was purchased by Christ, but we do have the freedom to give up our rights.
Beloved after studying 1Cor 9:24-27 you may be having one or more of the following
reactions - 6 *% @'9 @2 ' - if so see '"?7:'(*%%*9.

   
 2 
c 2

+%'+is virtually synonymous with+2 +1For believers this must be grace

grounded, Spirit enabled denial or H ' % +++2 +H(H ' % +++%'+).
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Continual dependence on Jesus is simply the only
way to success in "all things" (1Co 9:25). As George Sweeting put it "The secret of a
governable tongue is not +-*%'+ but 9' %1*%'+." Try to control yourself when the
temptation to commit that "besetting sin" feels like it is going to absolutely overwhelm
you! The Bible says "quit trying" and "start dying" but don't try to accomplish it
"legalistically" but gracefully (grace filled)! That said here is Torrey's compilation of
passages that have to do with "Self Denial" - I would make an interesting Sunday School
lesson - simply observing the passages by interrogating them with the "who, what, where,
why, when, and how" type questions, making of a list of your observations and finish up by
praying based on the truth that the Spirit reveals. Just hand out the verses, not Torrey's
comments - you can use his insights as an aid if folks are having difficulty with a given
passage. It should be an edifying and equipping time! Here's the list...

 1  

) "++1*%'+

Jacob: Ge 34:5

Joseph: Ge 39:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

David: 1 Sa 24:7, 10, 18, 19; 2Sa 16:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 1Sa 26:1-20

Job: Job 1:20, 21, 22

Jesus: Jn 2:13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (cf. Ep 4:26); 1Pe 2:21, 22, 23

Saul: 1Sa 10:27.

"'% *+1*%'+

demonstrates wisdom: Pr 29:11

preached by Paul: Acts 24:25

 

c
0L

emphasized in athletic competition: 1Co 9:25

encouraged in Christian practice: 1Co 9:25, 26, 27; 2Pe 1:6

included in the fruit of the Spirit: Ga 5:22, 23

need to avoid sin: Eph 5:26

required as a qualification of elders: Titus 1:8

enjoined for older men: Titus 2:2

 *&+1*%'+

in sexual desire 2 Sa 11:1-27, 12:1-14; 1Co 7:5, 9 cf. 1Th 4:3, 4, 5

over one¶s spirit: Pr 25:28 (cf. Pr 16:32)

over one¶s anger: Eph 4:26

in the last days: 2 Ti 3:1, 2, 3

in the conduct of unbelievers: Titus 3:3

Pharisees (who knew truth - truth doesn't set hypocrites free!) - Mt 23:25

 2 

.9' %% ) "+. Mt 4:8, 9, 10; 8:20; Jn 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6, 7, 8.

0.%%6%%9' %. Mt 10:37,38; Lk 9:23,24.


.* '7
a. In following Christ. Lk 14:27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33.
b. In the warfare of saints. 2Ti 2:4.
c. To the triumph of saints. 1Co 9:25, 26, 27.

.  %'* ++7* ++%)'* . 2Co 6:4,5.

3.9(+?)'*  
a. Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. Ro 6:12; Titus 2:12.
b. Controlling the appetite. Pr 23:2.
c. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. 1Pe 2:11.
d. No longer living to lusts of men. 1Pe 4:2.
 c
0

e. Mortifying sinful lusts. Mr 9:43; Col 3:5.

f. Mortifying deeds of the body. Ro 8:13.
g. Not pleasing ourselves. Ro 15:1, 2, 3.
h. Not seeking out own profit. 1Co 10:24,33; 13:5; Php 2:4.
i. Preferring the profit of others. Ro 14:20,21; 1Co 10:24,33.
j. Assisting others. Lk 3:11.
k. Even lawful things. 1Co 10:23.
l. Forsaking all. Lk 14:33.
m. Taking up the cross and following Christ. Mt 10:38; 16:24.
n. Crucifying the flesh. Ga 5:24.
o. Being crucified with Christ. Ro 6:6.
p. Being crucified to the world. Ga 6:14.
q. Putting off the old man which is corrupt. Eph 4:22; Col 3:9.
r. Preferring Christ to all earthly relations. Mt 8:21,22; Lk 14:26. 

4.:*"%' 
'  +
' ". Heb 11:13-15; 1Pe 2:11.

5.2 
'
+*% 
. Mt 16:25,26; 1Co 9:27.

K.8 '. Mt 19:28,29; Ro 8:13.

/. 7'(+%. 2Pe 1:4.

L. )"+  
a. Abraham. Ge 13:9; Heb 11:8,9.
b. Widow of Zarephath. 1Ki 17:12, 13, 14, 15.
c. Esther. Es 4:16.
d. Rechabites. Jer 35:6,7.
e. Daniel. Da 1:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
f. Apostles. Mt 19:27.
g. Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Mr 1:16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
h. Poor Widow. Lk 21:4
i. The Christians. Ac 2:45; 4:34.
j. Barnabas. Ac 4:36,37.
k. Paul. Ac 20:24; 1Co 9:19,27
l. Moses. Heb 11:24,25.

 %%+("'- Self-control is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with
your bare hands²and then eat just one of the pieces. Self-control is the ability to keep cool
while someone is making it hot for you.There is a majestic power in self-control, and we
should seek to have that power. Not to be master of our own life²is to be pitiably weak.
We should learn to control our feelings, our emotions, our appetites, our passions, our
desires, our temper, our speech. He who rules his own spirit, is the greatest of conquerors,
greater than he who captures a city. No doubt

perfect self-mastery has much to do with keeping the heart quiet in danger, calm and


c
00

undisturbed in sudden trial. (N ++'1c'*%c *)

It seemed but a little sin that Moses had committed. He was terribly tried by the people's
rebelliousness, lost his patience and +1*%'+@ and spoke unadvisedly. And his slip²
cost him his entrance into the Promised Land. We cannot tell what a moment's loss of +1
*%'+may cost us. (N ++'1("?' 
 ('2 7)

---

Another step in the school of forbearance is the lesson of keeping silent under provocation.
One person alone can never make a quarrel: it takes two. A homely counsel to a newly-
married couple was that they should never both be angry at the same time²that one should
always remain calm and tranquil. There is a still diviner counsel, which speaks of the soft
answer, which turns away wrath. If we cannot have the soft answer always ready, we can at
least learn not to answer at all. Our Lord met nearly all the insults He received with patient
uncomplaining silence. He was like a lamb silent before the shearer. All the keen insults of
the cruel throng wrung from Him no word of resentment, no look of impatience. As the
fragrant perfume but gives forth added sweetness when crushed, so cruelty, wrong, and
pain only made Him the gentler and the love that always distinguished Him the sweeter.

It is a majestic power, this power of keeping silent. Great is the conqueror who leads armies
to victories. Mighty is the strength that captures a city.

:(%9 
' %'

89* '(+9 8 ' %.

There are men who can command armies, but cannot command themselves. There are men
who by their burning words can sway vast multitudes who cannot keep silence under
provocation or wrong. The highest mark of nobility is +1*%'+. It is more kingly than
regal crown and purple robe. (N ++'1,, :  )

OPPOPPOP

( 
++² A computer study of 5,000 racehorses has revealed a way to predict
whether or not a young horse will develop into a good runner. A professor at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology used computers and high-speed cameras to find out
how a good horse runs. He discovered that the legs of a fast horse operate much like the
spokes of a wheel. Each leg touches down only as the leg before it pushes off. The effect is
peak efficiency of effort and speed.

In the Old Testament, Isaiah talked about running well in the course of life. He said that the
person who runs the best is the one who learns to ³wait on the Lord´ (Isaiah 40:31). He
doesn¶t waste energy trying to do things on his own. He looks to the Lord for his strength
and hope.
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0

In the New Testament, the Christian life is likened to a race. The apostle Paul indicated that
those who run well are characterized by self-control and self-discipline (1Corinthians 9:24-
27). The author of Hebrews said, ³Let 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´ (Hebrews
12:1).

Do you want to earn an imperishable crown? Then wait on the Lord. Practice self-control.
Lay aside sinful burdens. These are the secrets of running well. ² Mart De Haan (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All
rights reserved)

To run the race of life in Christ,

This must become your daily goal:
Confess your sins, trust God for strength,
Use discipline and self-control. ²Sper

9898 %%9'
'(8 %9(%%98
9% .

POPPOPPOP

(': 
' 97²When D. L. Moody was moving into old age, he was asked to grant
permission for his biography. Moody refused, saying, ³A man¶s life should never be
written while he is living. What is important is how a man ends, not how he begins.´

For better or worse, I have failed to follow that dictum. My biography has been published.
Yet I agree with Moody that the way our lives end is the crucial test of authentic
discipleship. Only if we remain in a steadfast relationship with the Savior can we be
confident not merely of entering heaven, but of obtaining the victor¶s crown (1 Corinthians
9:25).
Paul was concerned about the possibility of being disapproved by his Lord (v.27). He was a
redeemed believer who was serving the Lord, yet he feared that his service might prove to
be wood, hay, and straw rather than gold, silver, and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:12-
13).
What will be the Lord¶s appraisal of our lives? Will someone evaluating us be able to say
honestly that we continued to bear fruit in old age? (Psalm 92:14). Whatever vocation we
pursue, with the help of the Holy Spirit we may be ³steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord´ (1Corinthians 15:58). ² by Vernon C. Grounds (Our
Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All
rights reserved)

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful,

May the fire of our devotion light their way;
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe,
And the lives we live inspire them to obey. ²Mohr
© 1987 by Jonathan Mark Music and Birdwing Music (ASCAP)
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0

'%9
' %@+
  8 %'Q 

'%9+ '@ %  9 '6%.RN8 9'6'?

POPPOPPOP

'( "8'& - Sports brings out the best and the worst in people. The news media
often focus on the worst. Those who comfort players with ³It¶s not whether you win or lose
that counts; it¶s how you play the game´ seldom make world news. But once in a while
they do.

After a baseball team from Georgia defeated a team from Japan in the Little League World
Series, one reporter wrote: ³The boys from Warner Robins left a lasting impression of their
inner character for the world to see. They proved again, it¶s not whether you win or lose
that counts. It is, how you play the game.´

When the losing players broke down in tears, the winning team members stopped their
victory celebration to console them. ³I just hated to see them cry,´ said pitcher Kendall
Scott, ³and I just wanted to let them know that I care.´ Some referred to the moment as
³sportsmanship at its best.´

It was indeed heartwarming, but it points out that sports²even at its best²is an imperfect
metaphor for Christianity. In sports, someone always loses. But when someone is won to
Christ, the only loser is Satan.
For Christians, true teamwork is not about defeating opponents; it¶s about recruiting them
to join our team (1Co 9:19, 20, 21, 22). ² Julie Ackerman Link (Our Daily Bread,
Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights
reserved)
Lord, too often I view as my enemies those who don¶t know You. Help me love them as
You love them. Help me gently share Your truth with them. Help me see them as part of
Your great mission field. Amen.

 *% %9& *&8  
  % 

8 %9(%" & 
 "7.

POPPOPPOP

In May 1996, 5 foot 7 inch, 118 pound Miss Venezuela won the Miss Universe contest.
According to the Chicago Tribune, after her victory reporters asked her what she wanted to
do first. ³I¶m going to do something,´ she said, ³I haven¶t been able to do for three
weeks²eat, eat, eat and sleep.´ Apparently she kept her word. She quickly gained weight,
to the point where pageant officials were complaining. One pageant official explained,
³She has various swimsuit contracts, and they¶re not happy that she has gone a bit chubby.´
She kept on gaining, though. According to People Weekly, by January 1997 a new personal
trainer weighed her in at 155 pounds, and at one point she weighed 160 pounds. But with
the help of her trainer within a few months she was back down to an ideal weight of 130
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03

pounds. Without ongoing self-discipline how quickly we can squander our

accomplishments. Self-control must be a lifestyle, not an occasional event. (Larson, C. B.
750 engaging illustrations for preachers, teachers & writers. 1998. p 498. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books)

POPPOPPOP

!' wrote...

I am having a hard time trying to comprehend what has happened to sound Bible
teaching. What has happened to preaching on Christian discipleship and on our daily
deportment in the spiritual life? We are making an accommodation. We are offering a
take-it-easy, Pollyanna type of approach that does not seem ever to have heard of total
commitment to One who is our Lord and Savior. I regret that more and more Christian
believers are being drawn into a hazy, fuzzy kind of teaching that assures everyone who
has ever ³accepted Christ´ that he or she has nothing more to be concerned about. He is
OK and he will always be OK because Christ will be returning before things get too
tough. Then all of us will wear our crowns, and God will see that we have cities to rule
over! If that concept is accurate, why did our Lord take the stern and unpopular position
that Christian believers should be engaged in watching and praying?

Instant Christianity tends to make the faith act terminal and so smothers the desire for
spiritual advance. It fails to understand the true nature of the Christian life, which is not
static but dynamic and expanding. It overlooks the fact that a new Christian is a living
organism as certainly as a new baby is, and must have nourishment and exercise to
assure normal growth. It does not consider that the act of faith in Christ sets up a
personal relationship between two intelligent moral beings, God and the reconciled man,
and no single encounter between God and a creature made in His image could ever be
sufficient to establish an intimate friendship between them. By trying to pack all of
salvation into one experience, or two, the advocates of instant Christianity flaunt the law
of development which runs through all nature. They ignore the sanctifying effects of
suffering, cross carrying and practical obedience. They pass by the need for spiritual
training, the necessity of forming right religious habits and the need to wrestle against the
world, the devil and the flesh.«Instant Christianity is twentieth century orthodoxy. I
wonder whether the man who wrote Philippians 3:7±16 would recognize it as the faith
for which he finally died. I am afraid he would not. (The Tozer Topical Reader 1:149)

POPPOPPOP

  2    

c :  @:, 
c : &  "(9  9%9 '%%9 + ? @#c$
9"  9%9 '%: ("' 9 ?+: 1Co 15:54 2Ti 4:8 Heb 12:28 Jas 1:12 1Pe 1:4 1Pe
5:4 Rev 2:10 Rev 3:11 Rev 4:4,10)

97%9 %%'* 6 ' 9 ?+8' %9 - Every athlete has the specific goal which
is to win the prize. For ancient Greek athletes this was no small matter as victors received
c
04

not just a perishable wreath but also received great benefits from their home city for the rest
of their lives, including such perks as free meals, invitations to banquets, and specially
reserved places in the theatre. It is said that in some cases when a victorious athlete
returned to their home cities, their compatriots would pull down part of the walls to allow
them to enter. In the ancient games every athlete had to meet three basic rules including
being a true-born Greek, swearing an oath before Zeus that he had prepared for ten months
before the games (thus giving Zeus liberty to take his life if he lied) and abiding by the
rules that applied to his specific event (for example, in wrestling kicking your opponent in
the stomach was allowed but gouging one's eyes out was not!). Failure to comply with
these rules resulted in immediate disqualification. Paul alluded to this important aspect
running to win in the Christian's race...

And also if anyone competes as an athlete (Literally "unless he competes lawfully"), he

does not win the prize (Literally = absolutely never being crowned = a serious warning
against breaking the rules) unless he competes according to the rules. (2Ti 2:5)

""%: During the 10 months of required training the Greek Athlete had to engage
in the prescribed exercises and live a strictly separated life in regard to the ordinary
and lawful pursuits of life, and he was placed on a rigid diet. Should he break training
rules, he would be a castaway (1Co 9:27ASV), adokimos ³disqualified,´ barred from
engaging in the athletic contest. In 1912 the famous American athlete, Jim Thorpe,
won the decathlon and the pentathlon at the Olympic Games in Stockholm. But the
next year he had to forfeit his gold medals because it was discovered he had played
professional baseball in 1911. He had won the events but had broken the rules, so he
lost his prize. At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles the committee restored his
awards. But even this did not alter that fact that Thorpe had broken the rules.

c' 9 ?+(5349) (9%9 '%;8'%(7< from9%9 ' = to destroy from 9%9  =

waste) is that which is subject to corruption, rot, withering, decay or decomposition. The
basic idea is that which is short lived, or that which has a brief life or significance.

The ancient crowns or wreaths were composed of olive, apple, parsley, fir, pine or celery
(depending on who one reads). Obviously such crowns would undergo decay over time as
would even the very memory of the award. What a dramatic contrast with the eternal crown
awarded to every Christian who faithfully finishes the race!

In the epistle to the Romans Paul describes the danger of rejecting the natural revelation of
God (Ro 1:18, 19-note, Ro 1:20, 21-note, Ro 1:22-note) is that man's God created spirit
abhors a "spiritual vacuum", the result being that those who reject God end up
exchanging... the glory of the *''(% ?+ God for an image in the form of *''(% ?+
man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. (Romans 1:23-note)

Later in this same epistle Paul uses contrasts ' 9 ?+ and "' 9 ?+ bodies...in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound (See 1Th
4:17-note, See also Rapture), and the dead will be raised "' 9 ?+, and we shall be
changed. For this ' 9 ?+ must put on the "' 9 ?+, and this mortal must put on
c
05

immortality. (1Cor 15:52, 53) Peter explains that believers have not been "redeemed with
perishable things like silver and gold" (1Pe 1:18, 19-note) ('7(%' % 

+  
9

% + % >There is nothing wrong with doing that, as long as you remember
gold is perishable and you don't fix your hope on it rather than fixing "your hope
completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1Pe 1:13-
note)"! Peter goes on to explain that we have been born again not of seed which is
' 9 ?+ (phthartos) but "' 9 ?+ (aphthartos), that is, through the living and
abiding word of God. (1Pe 1:23) In summary, the prize that is awarded for winning the
temporal race will decay and crumble and disintegrate. What a dramatic contrast with the
prize awarded to all who run and win the eternal, heavenly race! 2%9 
' %%'(%9%
"% 6 %7(%+ 7  6'7%9 
%9 % 9+ 
7(? *&'"'( 
%9' *
7('+ '%9%' +' !C(+7
 '(*@ 7 (+ '*""'* +.
9 +7(9 6?' %9 7('+(
@'('%9
 +# %9H
+H%9 %8 ++%
' 9$8 %9 ++7('"
9%  ++F
' *.(8F%'
'%7('*  
%9'(
9(%%9
%*"C

F   

 :  ,C

You may be thinking ":(%F6+%"(*9% ".%F%+ %'"'( %9 ' *."

Dearly beloved of God (1Th 1:4-note), if you are still physically alive, it is not too late to
begin to run the race! Clearly though, to run this  ' %( + race you must be born again by
the  ' % (Jn 3:3, 5, Titus 3:5-note, 1Pe 1:23-note, Acts 26:20). I know a man who began
this
' %' * in his 60's (his  % was so dark I dare not even mention it) and he is still
running today, some 10 years after I first met him. His "race pace" would put most of us to
shame because of his passion and pursuit of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ
Jesus! This man, like Paul chose to forget what was behind and so too should you! (Php
3:13-note) It is not about where you've been, but about where you are going! Ask God to
give you the 8 ++ (the desire, the "° °") to run (Php 2:13-note) and then to spiritually
energize your grace race (1Co 15:10) and He will surely give you the desires of your heart
(Ps 37:4-note) for they are in accord with His will (1Jn 5:14,15) which is good and
acceptable and perfect (Ro 12:2-note). But be careful -- don't think that running your God-
appointed "grace race" is about " 
" per se, for in truth it is more about "? 
" than
 
. Pastor Ed Young (Houston) was right when he said ³Ë  comes before . If
I¶m who I should be (in Christ, abiding in the Vine, Jn 15:5), I¶ll automatically be doing
what I should be doing.´ If you want to run the race to win, make sure that the 2  is
increasing and  p is decreasing (John 3:30-note). Make sure His Spirit is initiating and
enabling your "". Make sure your works are not just "" works but are ""
works (see Good Deeds). Finally, make sure your heart is rightly motivated (1Co 4:5),
running to win not for your glory, but for the glory and honor of our majestic, awesome
God (Ex 15:11, Mt 5:16-note, Ps 115:1-note).

%9H'(H+ &%98 @ 

*% ( ++7 ++8 %9  ' %
(Ep 5:18-note
c
0K

' %9#'8$ (4735) (%9  [word study] from %9 = to encircle, twine or
wreathe) in classical usage originally referred to anything that encircled something else,
such as a besieging army or the wall around a city. The usual meaning in secular Greek was
a crown or wreath won at various athletic contests.

:2 - The stephanos was "a wreath made of foliage or designed to resemble foliage and
worn by one of high status or held in high regard...Apart from recognition of athletes and
winners of various kinds of competitions, in the Greco-Roman world the awarding of a
crown or wreath signified appreciation for exceptional contributions to the state or groups
within it"


'('* 7(9+8 %9+1*%'+- + %97+1%'+

?7?'%'


And so we see that the %9  was literally an adornment worn around the head as a
crown of victory in the Greek athletic games, this reward being given to the runner who
crossed the goal first, to the disc thrower with the longest toss, etc. Apart from recognition
of athletes and winners of various kinds of competitions, in the Greco-Roman world, the
awarding of a crown or wreath signified appreciation for exceptional contributions to the
state or groups within it.

%9  - 25x in 25v in the NAS - Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; John 19:2, 5; Acts 6:5, 8f; 7:59;
8:2; 11:19; 22:20; 1 Cor 9:25; Php 4:1; 1Th 2:19; 2Ti 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10;
3:11; 4:4, 10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:14

In the New Testament %9  is used as a metaphor for the eternal reward of the faithful
--1Co 9:25; 2Ti 2:5; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 5:4; Rev 3:11; Re 4:4, Re 4:10.

N''7.(++ 
' discusses some specific aspects of the ancient %9 ...

96 +(%9*'8. Because of the hardship athletes endured in order to win a

crown that would wither in a short time, the question naturally arises as to whether it
was worth the effort employed to win it. Does this not weaken Paul¶s analogy of the
crown in relation to the Christian life? Why refer to a crown as a reward for the
believer, if it is short-lived? The answer to these questions lies in the fact that it was
not the crown itself that was desired, but rather what the crown represented, for the
³stephanos to be won at Olympia had only ideal worth.´

9   +8'%9* ? %98'&*+  * +8' %'. For example

Herodotus recorded the response to the question of a Persian as to what prize was
offered at the various events of the games.

They told him of the crown of olive that was given to the victor. Then Tigranes
son of Artabanus uttered a most noble saying. .. when he heard that the prize was
not money but a crown, he could not hold his peace, but cried µZounds
Mardonius,¶ what manner of men are these that you have
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0/

brought us to fight withal? µTis not for money they contend but for glory of
achievement!

2 9'7%" also wrote of the honor of the crowns.

For the pillar, the inscription, and being set up in bronze are regarded as a high
honor by noble men, and they deem it a reward worthy of their virtue not to have
their name destroyed along with their body and to be brought level with those who
have never lived at all, but rather to leave an imprint and a token, so to speak, of
their manly prowess. You see what hardships these athletic competitors endure
while training, spending money, and finally often even choosing to die in the very
midst of the games. Why is it? If we were to abolish the crown for the sake of
which they strive, and the inscription which will commemorate their victory at
the. .. games, do you think that they would endure for even one day the heat of the
sun?

+%96 *%'8'6 8 9 6 
 *E( ' 6 % %(. At the Olympic games
leaves of olive trees were cut with a golden sickle from the most sacred olive trees before
they were handed to the victor.

³The victors were placed on the same level as the gods and entered into
communion with them. This bond was clearly demonstrated in the temple of Zeus
in Olympia, for Phildias represented Zeus wearing a crown of wild olive. When
the victors were honored they wore the same mark of distinction as the god: a
wreath woven from the evergreen branches of a wild olive tree.´

9*'"7%9*'8. On the last day of the games the victors were crowned in
an elaborate ceremony. In the morning the victors, judges, and members of the various
groups proceeded in a solemn parade to the temple of Zeus, which was observed by all of
the spectators who were present at the games. At the temple the judge, wearing a purple
robe, placed the crown on the victor¶s head ( :  7(' %9 *(+ '*' % 
%?%' '%%%9 %+" 7 %9(%('897(% ?'%9
HN(
M(
H9' %N(@ 2Co 5:10-note?). Made from a single branch, the
wreath which signified magical associations, linked the victor with the god at the
moment it was placed on his head. This ³was one of the great moments of [the victor¶s]
life²he felt not only the pride and joy of victory but also the sense of pious awe induced
by a divine sacrament. Certainly this was the case for as long as the sacred games
retained their religious character.´

c 
%9 *'8
   ' %( +@"%  +@  * +@ * +? %.
Yet as Paul wrote, as grand as this earthly attainment was, it paled in significance when
compared to the heavenly reward for the faithful believer (1Cor. 9:25)

(9 %' * +: *&
'(c (+D%9+% *++(  1: ?+ %9*  *' 44
N(+70LL) "' 9 ?+ (862) ( 9%9 '%;8'%(7< from = negates what
follows + 9%9 ' = to corrupt) means nothing can corrupt or ruin, not liable to pass
c
L

away, not subject to corruption, decay or dissolution and so imperishable. Absolutely

nothing can ruin your eternal crown beloved!

9%9 '% - 7x in 7v in the  - Ro1:23; 1Co 9:25; 15:52; 1Ti 1:17; 1Pe 1:4, 23; 3:4.
 = immortal(1), imperishable(4), imperishable quality(1), incorruptible(1).

In secular Greek 9%9 '% described something that had not been ravaged by an invading
army. Our crown is totally unlike any earthly crown awarded at the ancient Olympiad. A
Christian¶s crown cannot be ravaged by hostile forces!

'* 6...  "' 9 ?+ - Remember that the prize is reward for faithful service and
not salvation which is solely a gift of God's grace.

Proud were the mighty conquerors

Crowned in Olympic games;
They thought that deathless honors
Were entwined about their names.

But dead was soon the parsley leaf,

The olive and the bay;
But Christian's crown of amaranth
Shall never fade away.
--Anonymous

POPPOPPOP

The Christian life is a race, and we are exhorted to run that the prize may be obtained. A
'(.B8>

.( %9'*' ?*('.

The course is marked out and measured. The starting-place is at the foot of the
cross, and the goal is planted in the grave.

.(8 %9(%*("?' *.

³Lay aside every weight,´ all worldly cares, and inordinate sympathetic
embarrassing prejudices, and fettering habits.

.(8 %9 ++ ?+*+' %7.

Shake off sloth and languor, stretch every muscle and limb, throw the whole

force of your being into the effort.

c



.(8 %9(% ' 
' %*7.

Pause not, nor loiter a moment until the end is obtained. ³So run, that ye may
obtain.´ (9(+ %*""% '7)

POPPOPPOP

'"%9" +7H ' %( +%9+% *H-

LE(  %'(**

 ' %( +%9+% *

.c' ' % .

For athletic contests how much ³training´ has to be undergone, often very painful
and wearying! Our preparation for Christian life is arduous and long, but it does
not commence before we enter upon Christian life, but as we enter, and continues
until the close. We ³train´ as we run and as we fight.

0. '%.

No indifferent competitor was likely to win in ancient races or boxing contests.

Indifference kills Christian life. The half-hearted go not far from the starting-
point. Many have only enough earnestness to ³enter´ for the race and fight; as
soon as they have ³entered,´ they think all is done.

.%' 6 
.

To be amongst the runners is not enough; we must exert our powers; we must call
into activity all our energies. We must not be as those who ³beat the air,´ but as
those who beat their enemies. Christian life is real, with issues of infinite
importance. It is not for exhibition of skill, but for stern work. ³Strive [agonize] to
enter in at the strait gate.´ Paul would have each Christian to be as the winner,
who ³spent himself´ in snatching the victory (ver. 24). We do not hinder others
from attaining, and for this we may be not a little thankful; but we each need to
use the utmost effort.

.c % *.

Christian life is not soon over. At first we may do well, but when difficulties arise
we shall be tested. Some who run fastest at first run slowest at last. Our all-wise
Master spoke of ³enduring to the end.´

3. %*9(+.

Lest we trip. Lest our enemy gets an advantage. The great Preacher¶s text was often
³Watch!´
c
0

4.+(% .

If we are to endure to the end, we shall need stern resolve. Fixedness of purpose is
an essential for Christian life. We should determine in God¶s strength to go on,
whatever may lie in our path: to fight on, no matter what enemies confront us.
Christian life demands courage and fortitude; we must not be too easily
frightened.

5.*%' % .

³This one thing I do.´ The ³whole man´ must be given to religion. Some
professors are ³called off´ from the race, and lose it. They lower their guard, for
their hands must be about earthly things, and then their enemy overthrows them.

K.% ( %7.

This tries many. If religion were spasmodic, they could be religious. There are
many ³now-and-then´ Christians. People like to be pious at intervals.

/.'%  * % %9+9.

Ancient athletes knew, as their modern brethren do, what this means. The victor
was ³temperate in all things.´ A pampered body meant disappointment, disgrace,
loss. Paul said, ³I keep under [I buffet, I bruise] my body.´ Our lower nature must
be dealt severely with. Indulgence is disaster; we must practise self-control, self-
denial, self-sacrifice.

L. *@?(%%)** *.

Confidence that will prompt to exertion, not confidence which kills effort.
³Lest«I myself should be a castaway.´ (9(+ %*""% '71 ' %( +
%9+% *)

POPPOPPOP

9'? J- Donald Kennedy served as one of the most able coastwatchers in
the Solomon Islands during the early months of World War II. Based at Segi, on the
southern tip of New Georgia, he provided valuable intelligence on Japanese traffic up and
down the Slot and Blanche Channel. Only a few miles from a Japanese headquarters, he
remained isolated enough to continue his work. To protect himself from accidental
discovery, Kennedy established a forbidden zone into which no Japanese could come
without being destroyed. As long as they stayed outside that invisible perimeter, he left
them alone. Should any enemy force cross that line, however, they would be attacked and
annihilated. On one occasion Kennedy and his men hurried to a lagoon where two enemy
barges had temporarily anchored. Although the barges were not looking for Kennedy, they
had passed into his forbidden zone. Kennedy¶s men ambushed the Japanese, towed the
c


barges to deep water, and sank them without a trace. Christians need forbidden zones in
their lives, too; areas where they will allow no temptation to come without destroying it.
There maybe some things we can do and not be in danger, but there must be a forbidden
zone where temptation will be abolished, The farther from our essential interests we draw
those lines, the better. The secret to spiritual safety is to keep the enemy as far removed as
possible, not to let him get as close as possible where a slight misstep could bring disaster.
(Hurley, V. Speaker's sourcebook of new illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers)

POPPOPPOP


The following resource has 5 well done vignettes of Olympians

' * ++: Meet with the Coach Each Morning

N "++7: Persevere Through Difficulties

N 8: Nurture the Right Friends

 8'* " (): Rescue the Perishing

+ )  '6 M +: Finish Well

These stories are excellent illustrations of the truths in ' %9 /01051 
'
%9+?7?'%N.'
  7(9+8 %9+1*%'+- +
 %97+1%'+?7?'%'


POPPOPPOP

N9 +6' wrote that - In like manner the Christian¶s goal is to receive reward at the
judgment seat of Christ, and therefore he must accomplish the will of God. The Apostle
Paul not only likens life to a race, but also to a boxing match where he beats his own body
in order to bring it under subjection. The figure speaks of +1 * +  and +1*%'+.
The reward promised is an incorruptible crown in contrast to the corruptible crown of laurel
leaves which soon faded away, so often given athletes in Greek contests. Paul wanted to
live and preach in such a way that he himself might not be considered worthless at the
judgment seat of Christ. The term  
  refers to his rewards and life rather than to his
personal salvation, and Paul had in mind that an athlete who did not conform to the rules
would have his victory disallowed. (John Walvoord. The Future Work of Christ)

POPPOPPO

!'8'% -  *' %7Q'" Q6 * - What must our Lord
think of us if His work and His witness depend upon the convenience of His people? The
truth is that every advance that we make for God and for His cause must be made at our
inconvenience. If it does not inconvenience us at all, there is no cross in it! If we have been
 c


able to reduce spirituality to a smooth pattern and it costs us nothing²no disturbance, no

bother and no element of sacrifice in it²we are not getting anywhere with God. We have
stopped and pitched our unworthy tent halfway between the swamp and the peak. We are
mediocre Christians! Was there ever a cross that was convenient? Was there ever a
convenient way to die? I have never heard of any, and judgment is not going to be a matter
of convenience, either! Yet we look around for convenience, thinking we can reach the
mountain peak conveniently and without trouble or danger to ourselves. Actually, mountain
climbers are always in peril and they are always advancing at their inconvenience. (The
Tozer Topical Reader 2:29-30. Camp Hill, PA.: WingSpread)

' %9 /0 <> ' %9 /04

2  2%
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pop up tool that allows you to read cross references in context and in the Version you
prefer. Only the =N
is free with this download but you can also download a free copy of
Bible Explorer which in turn offers free Bibles that work with %
', including the
excellent, literal translation, the English Standard Version ( 
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anywhere on the Web (as well as offline in Word for Windows, email, etc) the passage
pops up immediately. %
' can be disabled if the popups become distractive. This
utility really does work and makes it easy to read the actual passage in context and not just
the chapter and verse reference.

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Last updated: 08/01/10.

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