Body Blow
In my NIV translation of the Bible, a section of 1 Corinthians is titled "The Need for Self-Discipline." In this section of Paul's letter to the Corinthian believers, the apostle admonishes the readers to incorporate discipline into their lives as followers of Christ. The author uses a metaphor of runners in a race to explain how believers should approach walking out their faith. He says that while "in a race all the runners run," only one will receive the "prize." Paul encourages the readers to run to "get the prize."
Run the race of life to receive the prize, the crown of life.
Using a running race is appropriate for the believers' walk through life as both have a start and finish and are exhausting and challenging. However, the comparison may also lead one to believe that of the runners in the believers' earthly race, there is only one winner. This would be a misinterpretation of what Paul is stating. It is important to note that the apostle never uses the term winner or champion. There is no indication of a gold medal presentation. There is only a reference to getting a prize.
Based on how the race is stated in Paul's letter, we can suppose the runners referred to include all those who start the race or, rather, all humans born into the world. Therefore, the ones getting the prize are those who finish the race faithful to Jesus Christ and His commandments. Paul goes on to suggest that all those who "compete" go into "strict training." Again, the comparison would suggest a competition. However, the author makes it clear that his reference to the race of the Christian way is not the same as those played out in the "games." He says, "They [those participating in the games] do it to get a crown that will not last." But the believer lives out his faith to receive a "crown that will last forever."
So, how should we approach this "race" we are in as believers in Jesus? According to Paul, we need to "not run like someone running aimlessly" and not fight like "a boxer beating the air." In other words, this Christian life is serious, and we must approach it through strict training and great self-discipline to run for the prize promised—a crown of life!
After using the race metaphor, Paul changes the comparison to that of a fighter. Here, the apostle refers to his intention in fighting, striking a "blow to my body." Let's get physical! Seriously, Paul ain't messing around. He clearly points out the adversary in this fight for your life. It is your own body, or what is biblically referred to as the flesh.
Paul emphasizes the fight we are in and the true identity of our opponent. It is that which is in you that wishes to lead you away from the righteous path into the way of the world. The sinful nature that so often overcomes the spirit within us when we are not fighting against its influence. Paul was having none of it in his life. The apostle was pounding his flesh in order to "make it my slave." This great missionary and man of faith fought daily against his flesh to prevent it from overcoming his spirit and God's work in his life.
We need to do the same. Now, some have taken this verse to mean self-mutilation, as if beating their physical self would make any difference to their spirit or the eternal conflict that they are fighting. That is nonsense and should be rejected. But the truth is that our sinful nature will always directly object to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must fight against its objection. Like Paul, we must beat it into submission, making it subservient to the will of the Spirit.
Why is this important? Well, Paul had no intention of preaching the truth to others while at the same time being "disqualified for the prize." Even this great servant of God had to fight to remain in the race for the prize set before him. The last thing we want is to be DQ'd from the eternal fight for the crown of life. So put the gloves on, or instead take them off. It's time to put a whoopin' on the flesh.
To read more on this subject, check out "Human Oppression" on this blog.