The competitors who ran in these games were duly
qualified both by character and ability. The distance and width of the
course were clearly marked out. The prize that was to be won was set
forth. Judges were chosen and sworn to judge impartially. The starting
signal was given and the race was run. The winner was carried to the
judge, the prize was given and a crown placed on the winner's head. The
name of the winner was proclaimed to the great assembly of people.
The
Christian race is so compared. The Christian must be qualified both by
character and ability. The Christian must pursue the course with
patience and perseverance. After completing the race the successful
Christian is brought before the Judge where he/she is rewarded and
crowned with glory.
The Christian race is not any race, but a
particular race. It is, "The race set before us". The course of the race
is the road of life. The length of it is a lifetime. The width of it is
the size of the world. This course has many challenges and many
temptations to turn the runner aside. The riches and cares, the company
and amusements, the pleasures and influence of the world are all dead
weights which must be "laid aside" so they don't hinder the Christian
runner.
The progress of the Christian in this race depends on
several things. The Christian must keep to the course and not turn out
of the way. Some run the race well for a while and then turn aside. The
Christian must stay on course. The middle of the course is the safest
place to run. Constant progress must be made and the runner must
continue patiently under all difficulties. The prize must be kept in
view.
The nature of the prize in the Christian race is different
from worldly races. Scripture represents this prize as rewards under the
figure of a trophy or crown. There are various crowns that may be
rewarded to Christians when they complete this race of life.
The
Incorruptible Crown - I Corinthians 9:24-25. "Do you not know that those
who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a
way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is
temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown,
but we for an imperishible crown. " In the Christian's duty, all run
that they might obtain this crown. All that finish get the prize, not
just the winner. The Christian runner is described as being "temperate
in all things". Much self-denial was practiced by the Olympic runners
Paul mentioned. They kept to a strict diet and discipline. Should not
the Christian much more curtail themselves of their liberty for the
glorious prize set before them? Christians must deny self and keep the
body under "bringing it into subjection", (I Corinthians 9:27). The
Christian runner faces hardship and is always in close combat just as
any competitor. Paul mentions one enemy of the Christian runner (the
body) which must be brought under subjection. Paul is referring to those
fleshly appetites and inclinations.
The Crown of Life - James
1:12, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been
approved, he will receive the "crown of life" which the Lord has
promised to those who love Him". This reward is given to the Christian
who endures and who with patience and constancy goes through all trials
and difficulties in the way of his duty. It seems that in the duties of
Christians they sometimes run across difficulties and disappointments so
much that they begin to lose interest and hope of their duty. They may
even wonder if it is worth it all to continue the race. The enduring of
temptations and trials must be from a principle of love to God and Jesus
Christ, otherwise there is no interest in the Crown. This reward should
enforce the idea that Christians will eventually be approved by God for
all their trails. It will be the Christian's blessedness to finally
receive the Crown of Life.
The Crown of Glory - I Peter 5:1-4,
"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory
that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you,
serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest
gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but
being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you
will receive the Crown of Glory that does not fade away". This reward is
specifically given to pastors, elders, presbyters, spiritual leaders of
the Church. It is promised to those who "feed the flock" by preaching
and teaching God's Word. It is for Christians who "take oversight
thereof"; who take time to minister personal care over the flock
committed to their charge. It is for Christians who are "examples to the
flock"; those who practice holiness, self-denial, and all other
Christian duties. It is for those who share in Christ's sufferings.
Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd of the flock. He bought them, rules
them, defends them, and saves them. Jesus is also Chief Shepherd over
all other shepherds who obtain their authority from Him, act in His
name, and are accountable to Him. Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, shall
appear to judge all ministers and under-shepherds, to call them to
account, whether they have faithfully discharged their duty both
publicly and privately according to His directions. To those that are
found to have done their duty shall receive what is infinitely better
than temporal gain. They shall receive from the Chief Shepherd a high
degree of everlasting glory - A Crown of Glory that will never fade
away.
The Crown of Rejoicing - I Thessalonians 2:19,20. "For what
is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the
presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory
and joy". This Crown of Rejoicing is won through soul-winning.
Christians must take time in their race to listen to the Holy Spirit and
share with others what they have in Jesus. What a glory and honor it is
go be used of the Holy Spirit to lead others into a saving knowledge of
the Son of God.
The Crown of Righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:7,8. "I
have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the
faith. Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to
me only but also to all who have loved His appearing". This crown will
be the recompense of all the services Christians have offered, which God
is not unrighteous to forget. This crown will be given "at that day",
at the time when the Christian's holiness and righteousness will be
perfected. It is the day Christ returns. It will be given by the
righteous Judge and not only to apostles and prominent ministers, but to
all those that love His appearing. It should be the character of all
Christians to look forward to the appearing of Jesus Christ with love
and to long for it. This Crown is laid up for all believers. It is given
to those who have finished their course by fighting a good fight. In a
good fight one may lose a few rounds, but is is how hard one fights that
makes a good fight. It is given to those who have kept the faith. It is
given to Christians who never allowed their faith to falter, but have
always looked to their faith for their final victory.
Christ will
come again to judge the works of believers and to give these rewards
that they are entitled. The Christian will be judged as to the use of
his talents and opportunities that have been given to him. The Christian
will be judged on how he has used these talents while running the
Christian race.
Paul says that while Christians are saved by
grace, they are saved unto good works, Ephesians 2:8-10. In other words,
the Lord has given His people an opportunity to lay up treasures in
heaven now. This should help Christians overcome discouragements.
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