“Do you not know that those who run in a race indeed all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to obtain it.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24
This is a beautiful statement. As a runner and coach, I see this verse used by athletes as a motivational statement. Along with Philippians 4:13, it is one of the more popular Scriptures verses among athletes. But what is the context of this verse, and those like it?
It is easy to take these types of verses and use them to fit our running lifestyle. I can understand the analogy of running in a race. But the central idea that Paul is communicating to the Corinthians is not one of being an athlete, but rather one of being obedient to Yahuah and His commandments. If you continue in the letter, Paul goes on to encourage covenant fidelity, abstaining from idolatry, and ultimately, emulating the behavior of the Messiah.
“Become imitators of me, as I also am of Messiah.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Salvation is a gift from Yahuah. It is only Yahusha the Messiah who can do that on the last day. But we are called to walk in obedience to the Father’s commands. And I believe that we must walk in obedience to obtain everlasting life. This is called discipleship.
But isn’t that works-based salvation? Well, what does our Messiah say?
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is DOING the desire of My Father in the heavens.” – Matthew 7:21
And also…
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, because many, I say to you, shall seek to enter in and shall not be able.” – Luke 13:24
And also…
“…but if you wish to enter into life, guard the commands.” – Matthew 19:17
It is discipline and obedience that guides us in a race. We do that by proper training, diet, sleep, and behavior. And we become obedient to the instructions of our coach. As a runner, you do not want to stop midway through the race. You do not want to run off course either. You need the proper discipline, training, preparation, and wisdom to successfully finish the race.
There is a reason that Paul and other New Testament writers use phrases like “endure until the end,” “hold fast,” and “strive.” Our faith “race” is a difficult one with many obstacles and hardships and opportunities to endure.
“But he who shall have ENDURED TO THE END shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13
There are many false doctrines out there, including one that says just believe. Some say that you just need to make a confession of faith in the Messiah. I know many people who confess to being runners, but don’t train in a way to obtain the prize. If someone quits the race before it is finished, they don’t receive the medal. And without proper training or instruction, there is the possibility you will not even finish the race. The reward is only given to those who believe AND obey. And although many will say this is “works-based,” that is the message given to John in the book of Revelation.
“Here is the endurance of the set-apart ones, here are those guarding the commands of Elohim AND the belief of Yahusha.” – Revelation 14:12
It is imperative to have faith in the Messiah and His atoning work. He is the one who resurrects us. But we must also have the endurance and fortitude to guard His commands. James reminds us that FAITH without WORKS is dead. And, likewise, belief in the Messiah without obedience to His Father’s commands is dead also.
“My brothers, what use is it for anyone to say he has belief but does not have works? This belief is unable to save him.” – James 1:14
John reminds us that the dragon is enraged at those who guard the commands AND have the testimony of the Messiah. It is these people whom the dragon is seeking to fight. He is not fighting those who have one or the other.
“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to fight with the remnant of her seed, those guarding the commands of Elohim AND possessing the witness of Yahusha Messiah.” – Revelation 12:17
We all run the race, unfortunately many have been taught that belief is the only thing of focus. This is unfortunate, as the Scriptures speak otherwise. Just “believe in Jesus,” and you will be fine is the message preached from most pulpits. But if you take the time to read the Scriptures, you will see that true emunah (faith) will always produce tsedaqah (righteousness). It is a great litmus test to see if one has true faith. The root word of righteousness is tsadaq (Strongs 6663), which means to follow a straight path. That straight path has been outlined in the Torah for Yah’s people. It speaks of how we should walk. And this walk begins through faith, but is carried out in obeying the instructions found within the Torah.
“For not the hearers of the Torah are righteous in the sight of Elohim, but the doers of the Torah shall be declared right.” – Romans 2:13
From our Western mindset, faith is a mental acknowledgement. But the Hebrew idea of emunah (faith) is one of action (Strongs 530). It shows support and obedience toward Yah. A great example of true emunah (faith) is found in Exodus 17 when Moses is holding up his arms during the Israelites’ fight with Amalek. The word emunah is translated here as “steady.”
“But Moses’ hands were heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Ḥur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. And his hands were STEADY until the going down of the sun.” – Exodus 17:12
The Hebraic idea of faith is always joined with action. It is never just mental acknowledgment. A true believer will learn the instructions of Yah and then follow them. Collectively, these instructions are called the Torah (Strongs 8451), which indicate following a straight path. So do you want to run the race in a way to receive the prize? Learn the instructions of the Most High, then follow that path!
FAITH IN MOTION 