Paul compares the Christian life to the Olympic games of Greece.

 1Corinthians_9:24 run to win.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?”

Unlike sports we know, there can only be one winner. Only one person or one team gets the prize. This race, all who enter can be victorious.  

Hebrews12:1 run with endurance

“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,” 

The prize goes to those who remain faithful to the rule book. Who are persist day-in-and day-out, who are in it for the long haul. 

1Corinthians_9:26 I run with certainty

 I run not with uncertainty. I fight: not as one who beats the air.

This is a contest that is serious and the consequences are great for those who finish AND for those who fail. 

Acts_20:24 finish with joy

“None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy.“ It isn’t enough that we begin living for the Lord, we must remain faithful “until the end.”

Faithfulness is the key. Failure has no reward. 

2Timothy_4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Oh the joy of success, the agony of defeat.