Spiritual Discipline

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (Pew Bible 811)

"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."

Introduction

Paul does not suggest we could miss out on the prize. It is available to all who love Him. However, his metaphor is one of a race. In the Isthmian Games, only one runner would get the prize. But running the 'race' does not assure winning the prize. Perseverance and discipline are needed. Rewards are an integral part of living the Christian life. Paul's concern is not that he might lose his salvation, but losing his crown through failing to satisfy his Lord. Paul did not want to be saved by the skin of his teeth. He wanted all the rewards that come with a faithful response to the Gospel of salvation.

Personal Discipline

If Paul is concerned about the possibility of failing, should we be unconcerned about how we are running the race? Paul warns against running 'aimlessly'. Knowing our purpose only comes through discipline. Then we will stand up, not to the judgement of sin, but to the scrutiny of service. If we are serious about spiritual freedom, we must set aside self-indulgence.

We are often willing to work harder for far less a prize. We may neglect the kind of personal discipline and fitness that really matters. “John Wesley saw clearly enough that grace produces righteousness that produces good work, and discipline is required to maximize both.” Grace is a summons or call. All spiritual exercises are hard work. They counter our natural tendency toward indulgence. We must get in spiritual shape.

List of Wesley's spiritual disciplines:

Conclusion

How are we doing with our “exercise” program? Are we in shape? Do we have more to work out in terms of Spiritual Discipline?

We are nearing Lent—a season, not of “giving something up”, but of taking on Spiritual Discipline. Get ready for the race!