The Mission

Paul Strengthens the Church for All Time

Picture: Paul Strengthens the Church for All Time 4TC 161.1

This chapter is based on First Corinthians.

Of all the games established among the Greeks and the Romans, the ancient foot races near Corinth were considered the greatest. Kings, nobles, and statesmen were among the spectators. Young men of wealth and high social standing took part, and did not refuse any effort or discipline necessary to win the prize. 4TC 161.2

Strict regulations governed the contests, and there was no appeal from them. Those who wanted to enter had to endure severe training to prepare. They denied themselves any harmful food or drink, or anything that would lower their mental or physical vigor. The muscles must be strong and the nerves well under control. The physical powers must reach the highest level. 4TC 161.3

As the contestants made their appearance before the waiting crowds, their names were called, and they heard the rules of the race distinctly stated. Then they all started together, with the focused attention of the spectators inspiring them with determination to win. The judges sat near the goal to might watch the race from beginning to end and give the prize to the true winner. 4TC 162.1

These games involved great risks. Some contestants never recovered from the terrible physical strain. It was not unusual for runners to fall on the course, bleeding at the mouth and nose, and sometimes a contestant would drop dead when about to grasp the prize. 4TC 162.2

As the winner reached the goal, applause filled the air. The judge presented him with the emblems of victory—a laurel crown and a palm branch to carry in his hand. People throughout the land sang his praises, his parents received their share of honor, and even the city in which he lived was held in high regard for having produced such a great athlete. 4TC 162.3

Paul referred to these races as an illustration of the Christian warfare. “Athletes,” he wrote, “exercise self-control in all things” (NRSV). The runners put aside every indulgence that would tend to weaken their physical powers. How much more important that Christians bring appetite and passion under the control of reason and the will of God! We must never allow our attention to be turned to amusements, luxuries, or ease. Reason, enlightened by God’s Word and guided by His Spirit, must sit at the controls. 4TC 162.4

In the Corinthian games the contestants made the last few strides of the race with agonizing effort to keep up their full speed. So Christians, as they near the goal, will push onward with even more determination than when they began. 4TC 162.5

Paul contrasts the fading laurel wreath received in the foot races with the crown of immortal glory that will be given to those who triumph in the Christian race. “They do it,” he declares, “to receive a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” The Grecian runners did not hold back any effort or discipline. How much more willing should be our sacrifice and self-denial! 4TC 162.6

“Let 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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1, 2). Envy, hatred, evil-thinking, evil-speaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside. We must put away every practice that brings dishonor on Christ, no matter the sacrifice. One sin cherished is enough to degrade our own character and to mislead others. 4TC 163.1

In the ancient games, after the competitors had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, they still were not sure of victory. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?” One hand only could grasp the coveted laurel wreath. As some reached out to take hold of the prize, another, an instant before them, might grasp the coveted treasure. 4TC 163.2