The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 304

II. CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A COl. . 'I'EST WITH ENEMIES. The" race" does not fully illustrate- it. We have opponents, many and resolute. We have a trinity against us as well as for us-the world, the flesh, and the devil. We have not only to "run," but to "fight." 111. Fon SUCCESS ARE NEEDED: 1. Preparation. For athletic contests how much, "training" has to be undergone, often very painful and wearying! Our preparation for Christian life is arduous and long, but it does not commence before we enter upon Christian life, but as we enter, and continues until the close. We "train" as we run and as -we fight. 2. Earnestness. No indifferent competitor was likely to win in ancient races or boxing contests. Indifference kills Christian life. The half-hearted go not far from the starting-point. Many have only enough earnestness to "enter" for the race and ·fight; as soon as they have "entered," they think all is done. 3. Striving. To be amongst the runners is not enough; we must exe1t our powers; we must call into activity all our energies. We must not be as those who" beat the air," but as those who beat their enemies. Christian life is real, with issues of infinite importance. It is not for exhibition of skill, but for stern work. "Strive [agonize] to enter in at tho strait gate." Paul would have each Christian to be as the winner, who" spent himself" in snatching the victory (ver. 24). We do not hinder others from attaining, and for this we may be not a little thankful; but we each need to use the utmost effort. 4. Patience, Christian life is not soon over. At first we may do well, but when difficulties arise we shall be tested. Some who run fastest at first run slowest at last. Our all-wise Master spoke· of "enduring to the end." 5. Watclifulness. Lest we trip. Lest our enemy gets an ad,antacre. The great Preacher's text was often" \Vatch!" 6. Resolution. If we are to endure t~ the end, we shall need stern resolve. Fixedness of purpose is an essential for Christian life. '\Ve should determine in God's strength to go on, whatever may lie in our path: to fight on, no matter what enemies confront us. Christian life demands courage and fortitude; we must not be too easily frightened. 7. Concentration. "This one thing I do." The "whole man" must be given to religion. Home professors are "called off" from the race, and lose it. They lower their guard, for their hands must be about earthly things, and then their enemy overthrows them. 8. Continuity. This tries many. If religion were spasmodic, they could be religious. There are many "now-and-then" Christians. People like to be pious at intervals. 9. Mortifi- cation of the flesh. Ancient athletes knew, as their modern brethren do, what this means. The victor was" temperate in all things." A pampered body meant disappoint- ·ment, disgrace, loss. Paul said, "I keep under [I buffet, I bruise] my body." Our lower nature must be dealt severely with. Indulgence is disaster; we must practise .fclf-control, self-denial, self-sacrifice. 10. Confidence, bul not excess of confidence. CH. IX, 1-27.J THE FITIST EPISTLE '1'0 TI-rn COIUNTHIANS. 307