The Ultimate Prize

Inductive Bible Study – March 12, 2013

1 Corinthians 9:25

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Interpretation

The Stanley Cup has been awarded to the champion hockey team annually since 1893. It weights 35 pounds, is 35 inches tall, and has the engraving of the 117 teams that have lifted this trophy in hockey glory.

The Vince Lambardi Trophy has been awarded to the champion football team annually since 1967. It weighs 7 pounds, stands 22 inches tall, and is made entirely of sterling silver. 47 teams have hoisted this trophy in football glory.

The Commissioner’s Trophy has been awarded to the champion baseball team annually since 1967, even though the MLB has been in existence since 1869. It weighs 30 pounds, stands 24 inches tall, and is made of sterling silver with each of the 30 flags plated with gold. 46 teams have hoisted this trophy in baseball glory.

The Larry O’Brien Trophy has been awarded to the champion basketball team annually since 1977. It weighs 14.5 pounds, stands 24 inches tall, and is made of sterling silver with a 24 karat gold overlay and is valued at $13,500. 35 teams have hoisted this trophy in basketball glory.

The Olympic Gold Medal has been awarded to the champion Olympian in each respective sport every 4 years since 1884. It is made of 92.5% silver overlaid with 6 grams of gold. 5668 athletes have received this medal in Olympic glory.

If a non-believing athlete can dedicate his being and life to attain such an earthly prize that will fade away; how much more should we as Disciples of Christ run for the prize that will never fade away? Compare all of these earthly rewards to the reward we have in Christ. Isn’t it embarrassing to think that an athlete in his quest for a reward that fades away is more devoted to his purpose than so many Christians who have their hope in a reward that won’t fade away? I don’t wanna be that guy. I don’t wanna be the guy who is less devoted in my walk with Christ than champion sports leaders are devoted in their quest for the ultimate sports prize.

Guys like Joe Flacco, Lebron James, Tim Lincicum, and Jonathan Quick have reached the pinnacle reward of their respective Sports in the past year. But this year they are still trying to win the same reward because last years’ accomplishment has already faded away and they are not content just with last year’s prize. But by the grace of God we can receive a reward infinitely amount of times greater than any of these; A reward that will last not just for this year but for eternity. Let’s run for an imperishable reward.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3

Application

Today I will spend time studying in God’s Word specifically on ‘things above’ as mentioned in Colossians; and will write down what I find.