"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.”
(1 Corinthians 9:23)

During these past two weeks, the eyes of the world have been fixed upon Beijing, China as we have watched with fascination this year's Olympic games and contests. We watched to see who could swim the fastest, jump the farthest and run the quickest. We watched everything from gymnastics and trampoline contests to beach volleyball, wrestling and boxing matches, various team sports contests, track & field events and a myriad of other contests in which the athletic representatives of more than 100 nations competed for medals of gold, silver and bronze.

We know that for many months and years, these athletes had been preparing themselves for this supreme experience. They won the various elimination contests in their own countries so that they might compete against the finest athletes in the world. What a show they put on! The abilities of the human body are nothing short of amazing!

We live in what is admittedly a sport-oriented culture. Even the so-called average professional athletes make more money in a brief career than most of us will in a lifetime; and a large number of college coaches – especially football and basketball coaches – make far higher salaries than the professors who teach at the same universities.

Our text today from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 reveals the fact that the Apostle Paul also lived in a sports-dominated world. In spite of the primitive communication systems of that era, the results of the athletic contests and Olympic games were widely known and the winners were made into national heroes.

As a matter of fact, it is said that on one occasion, the great Roman philosopher, Cicero, grumbled when a winning athlete returned to Rome and was accorded more prestige and honor than a victorious general returning from war. Some things never change. Along the same lines, I suspect that more among us today know more about Michael Phelps than we do about either John McCain or Barack Obama.

In the midst of his sports-saturated culture, the Apostle Paul used the imageries of the racer and boxer to draw home the principles of living the Christian life.

Running is a good metaphor for living the Christian life. Our challenge as Christians is to run the good race and to run it with honor. The scripture declares, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 121:1).

One cannot be a spectator and a runner. Someone once defined Monday Night Football as “22 million people badly in need of exercise watching 22 people badly in need of Gatorade.”

This may help explain why Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God ” (see Luke 9:62).

Jesus didn't want his disciples to become lazy and apathetic. Jesus knew the goal was to make them become committed followers – not spiritual couch potatoes. Jesus did not save the world while sitting in a rocking chair. Remember: Christianity is not a spectator sport – our founder had nail prints in his hands. The Apostle Paul went to prison cells for his desire to run the race. They both had a passion for life and service.

One doesn't become an athlete simply by watching others who are athletes. Our conversion to the faith and our baptism are only the beginning of our race. We are to be hearers and doers of the word. Everybody runs the race in the Christian faith. In Hebrews 12:1, we are reminded, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sins that so easily entangle.”

Did you watch the athletes as each prepared for his or her turn in the Olympics? Each was focused. All of their energy was directed toward their one objective – whether it was in gymnastics, swimming or track & field.

Well the same principle should be at work in our relationship with Christ. The way, the truth and the life flow from our relationship with Christ. That is why our eyes should be fixed and focused on him.

Second, Paul also writes uses the metaphor of a fight to compare with the Christian life. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight.”

Faith is like a fight because many obstacles stand in the way of its development and growth. Paul faced many adversaries and opponents during the course of his ministry and he successfully overcame them. He kept to the same path of Christian discipleship for the long haul and he successfully completed his course.

When athletes are in training, they watch their diets very closely. I've told you before about my brother-in-law, Cliff Cushman, who was a silver medalist in the 400-meter hurdles in the 1960 Olympics in Rome. I remember how disciplined he was when it came to eating. He would explain that if he gained so much as a single pound, that he would have to expend that much more energy carrying that single extra pound with him with every stride he took in his race.

Well, you and I are to do the same in our Christian training. We are to watch our diets. Sound biblical teaching is not junk food. We do not want to clog our spiritual arteries with worldliness that could lead to spiritual dullness and apathy. We are to be nourished by the sacred scriptures.

Training in matters of faith is beneficial for all ages and stages of life. Training in the word of God enables us to integrate every moment and experience into the life of faith. With these disciplines, life is made simpler and is more focused on the eternal gold.

Third, we see the value of reaching for a goal. Notice in verse 26 of I Corinthians 9, that Paul says, “ So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air.” We do not shadow box.

We learn from Paul who said the supreme goal of his life was “to know Christ and the power of his resurrection” (see Philippians 3:10). Paul is no longer concerned with his purpose or position or power, but only those of Jesus Christ. With the emphasis on Christ, our focus is on a cause greater than ourselves and on a goal beyond this world. It is a struggle worthy of our commitment. We are building a life. Firm muscles are one thing, but a firm faith is the greatest tool for God's game plan and spiritual victory. One needs the muscles of faith.

Earlier this year, Bill Hybels, the pastor of the Willow Creek Mega-Church in Illinois, spoke about a mistake his church had made in developing ‘seeker services' to reach the unchurched. He reported how they kept track of their work over the course of many years. He said they were successful in getting thousands of people into the church – but had failed to make and sustain disciples of Jesus Christ.

Many folks who attend the so-called mega-churches go to be entertained. Our Lord would remind us that our work is “teaching – not entertainment.” Christianity requires training and discipline.

I remember hearing how one athlete once responded when one of his admirers said to him, “I'd give anything if I could play like you.” The athlete replied, “Well, if you're willing to practice eight hours day after day, week after week, month after month, that would be a good start.”

To succeed at anything requires hard work and effort. We must remember: our race as Christians is a marathon – not a side trip to a club or gym. It means studying God's word, hanging out with other Christians, spending time in prayer, giving of ourselves and sharing what we have.

As the writer of Hebrews puts it, “ (We are to) lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1,2). Without this training and self-discipline – we can never be what God intends us to be.

Last of all, we train in order that we may finish the race. We all recognize that the easiest thing in the world is to begin a race. We have all participated in various kinds of races. What fun and excitement they can be! But how quickly it can happen that once the race has begun, that the initial enthusiasm begins to wear off and we begin to weaken. Yes, the easiest thing in the world is to begin a race. One of the most challenging things in the world to do is to finish it.

Anyone who has run track knows that physical pain is almost inevitable in a foot race. Calf muscles, hamstrings, lungs -- each of these can bring pain. And each can prompt within the runner a desire to quit!

Quitting is also a temptation in the race in which you and I are involved as Christians. In a moment of high emotion or, perhaps, of imagined commitment, we accept Christ's call to discipleship. Joyfully, we begin running! It isn't long, however, before our initial enthusiasm begins to wear away. The race becomes long. Regular worship attendance becomes more difficult. Giving of time, talents and money becomes more arduous. Obstacles begin to block the way. We notice diversions at the side. Gradually, the race slows to a walk. And, oftentimes, it isn't long before we just drop out.

As Paul complained to the Galatians, so he might say to us: "You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth" (Galatians 5:7)? We need to persevere!

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, Paul writes, “I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). Now, if ever anyone had the right to quit the race before it was over, it was Paul. He faced more heartbreak than you and I can even begin to imagine. He had to overcome countless roadblocks and detours, beatings and imprisonments. But he did not lose heart. He kept running his race.

Back in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, there was a touching scene that occurred in the 400-meter race. Many of you will remember seeing it or reading about it. Derrick Redman, a sprinter from Great Britain, rounded the final curve. All of a sudden, he fell to the track. He got up, holding his thigh. He had torn his hamstring muscle. He started to inch along toward the finish line but could barely move. The officials came out onto the track and surrounded him and tried to move him off the track. But Derrick insisted on finishing the race.

Then a man came out of the stands. It was Derrick Redman's father. He put out his hand to his son. The son reached out and took his hand. The father girded and strengthened him. Leaning on his father's arm, Derrick Redman finished the race.

Afterwards, a reporter asked the father, “Why did you do that? Why did you come out of the stands?” He said, “Because we started this together, and we are going to finish this together.”

Derrick finished the race. Someone else got the Gold Medal, but Derrick won the hearts of millions. It was an incredible demonstration of courage, determination and the power of love.

Well, that is exactly what Paul writes about in his many letters about the nature and character of our God. I especially like how it is expressed in Philippians 1:6 – “ I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”

So that is the encouraging and good news that I want to share with us today. The miracle is not that we stand firmly with God – the miracle is that God stands firmly with us. It was God who began his good work in us and it is God who will bring it to its rightful and faithful completion.

We follow a winner – a risen Lord! We are victors – not victims! The race of life is not run in vain but as part of a kingdom that is eternal and unfading.

In Paul's time Olympic champions were crowned with a wreath of leaves. We know that fame fades as quickly as the morning marine layer. However, in the Christian's life, our crown never fades and we will live eternally in the New Jerusalem – that beautiful city of God!

God's word to us is this: remain faithful and keep running.

May God's blessing continue to be upon each of us as we persevere in running the great race to which our Lord has summoned us!

"...I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. "
(Ephesians 4:1-3)