Contrary to what is taught in some parts of Christianity, God does not give us grace no matter what we do. God does not love His children blindly, bestowing His peace and blessings no matter what. God has a Kingdom, rules, thoughts and a will, and God disciplines His children.
We must know the fear of the Lord and that one day we will stand before Him and give account. (Rom 14:12, 2 Cor 5:10-11).
Christians are judged for two things: 1) their moral character (Matt 5:20, 1 Cor 6:9), and 2) their work for the Lord, how we have used the Holy Spirit, our talents, gifts, abilities and resources (Matt 25:14-3, 1 Cor 3:12).
We must not think that having a clear conscience and having a high degree of morality means that God will not hold us to account for other matters, such as whether or not we supported the Gospel preaching.
Paul knew about the future judgment, the coming kingdom and the prize that Christ had set before Him (1 Cor 9:24-27).
1 Cor 9:24 - only the person who runs the race without falling and finishes first receives the prize.
When we become Christians is not a time to relax and take it easy. God sets us on a race. Those who run and finish ahead of others they will receive a prize, but those not running well will suffer loss.
We must be strict with ourselves and exercise self-control. We must take care of our body, soul and spirit - an Olympic athlete does not fill their body with junk, we must live healthy and be nourished by God's Word daily. We must take control of our own body with its fleshly desires, we must deny our self, we must submit to God's authority (1 Cor 9:26).
We must know the fear of the Lord and that one day we will stand before Him and give account. (Rom 14:12, 2 Cor 5:10-11).
Christians are judged for two things: 1) their moral character (Matt 5:20, 1 Cor 6:9), and 2) their work for the Lord, how we have used the Holy Spirit, our talents, gifts, abilities and resources (Matt 25:14-3, 1 Cor 3:12).
We must not think that having a clear conscience and having a high degree of morality means that God will not hold us to account for other matters, such as whether or not we supported the Gospel preaching.
Paul knew about the future judgment, the coming kingdom and the prize that Christ had set before Him (1 Cor 9:24-27).
1 Cor 9:24 - only the person who runs the race without falling and finishes first receives the prize.
When we become Christians is not a time to relax and take it easy. God sets us on a race. Those who run and finish ahead of others they will receive a prize, but those not running well will suffer loss.
We must be strict with ourselves and exercise self-control. We must take care of our body, soul and spirit - an Olympic athlete does not fill their body with junk, we must live healthy and be nourished by God's Word daily. We must take control of our own body with its fleshly desires, we must deny our self, we must submit to God's authority (1 Cor 9:26).
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