Sunday Bulletin February 1 202-
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Sunday Bulletin January 4 2026
Craig A. Brittingham, Pastor
Hillside Baptist Church
February 1, 2026
“Run to Win” – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
1A. We must run the race of faith to win the prize (24).
1b. In the foot races at the Isthmian games only one participant received the prize.
2b. All Christians will finish the race and win the prize, but we must run this race of faith as if there is only one winner.
1c. If we run as if there is one winner, we will make every effort to run and finish the race.
2c. The prize is a crown (1 Tim. 4:7-8, Rev. 2:10).
2A. We must be temperate in all things (25).
1b. The Greek word translated “temperance” is from a root or stem denoting power or lordship.
1c. Here it is power over oneself, and the idea is to exercise self-control.
2c. Paul used the word in 7:9 regarding self-control over sexual passions, but here it is self-control in all things.
2b. In the Christian race we must exercise moderation in all things, even good things – from sin we must abstain, but in other things we must practice moderation (Heb. 12:1).
3A. We must run with purpose keeping our eye on the goal (26).
1b. Paul did not run with uncertainty – that is, he was not uncertain about the goal.
2b. He used the analogy of boxing to make the same point – he did not aimlessly punch into the air, but directed his punches toward the opponent.
4A. We must so run as not to be disqualified (27) .
1b. He disciplined his body, literally, “he struck his body under the eye.”
2b. He brought his body into subjection.
3b. “No, I beat my body and make it my slave…” (NIV)
1c. This was not a physical beating of the body, but included beating, even killing sin which expresses itself through the body (Col. 3:5; Rom. 8:13).
2c. He did this so that he would not become disqualified.
Questions…
1. Will only one Christian win the prize? If not, why does Paul use this analogy?
2. What is the difference in the prizes or crowns won?
3. What is the crown?
4. What does it mean to be temperate as we live the Christian life or run the race of faith? Can you think of an example?
5. What was Paul communicating about the way we should live the Christian life when he spoke of running not with uncertainty or punching into the air?
6. What is the goal on which we should keep our eyes?
7. What did Paul mean that he beat his body and brought it into subjection?
8. What did he mean by becoming disqualified?