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Reaction, Mindset, Goal, and Accountability

Running the Race to Win and Fighting the Fight for the Knockout Blow

Paul wrote these letters to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus, which is in present-day Turkey, and the recipients were in Corinth, which is in present-day Greece. Around AD 53-55, he encouraged the Corinthians to live disciplined and purposeful lives, much like athletes who train rigorously to win a prize.

So how does this relate to us today? Let’s dive into the verses as they were written, and then explore their equivalence in today’s modern vernacular.

“But everyone striving controls himself in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. So I run accordingly, as not uncertainly; so I fight, as not beating air; but I buffet my body and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be disapproved.” 1…

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗗𝗢𝗠 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗦: 𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛

Proverbs 15:13 tells us, A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

The passage is self-explanatory, yet a closer look reveals valuable lessons.

The first is the contrast between joy and sorrow. In our modern world, people often accept sadness as a justification for withdrawing from their surroundings, believing it will lead to healing. Unfortunately, this isolation can deepen sorrow and break the spirit.

The "joy" mentioned in Proverbs comes from repentance, the turning away from unproductive old ways. Seclusion alone won't bring joy. Reflection and a willingness to change the behaviors that led to isolation are essential.

Overthinking steals joy. When fixated on problems, we lose sight of solutions. Every sigh depletes our energy.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalms 31:24

The phrase 'Be of good courage. Speaks of' fastening upon, to be constant and be established.

For we know there will be moments when certain things and circumstances will attempt to make you lose faith, and other challenges will inundate your life. Even though you have faith in the Lord, there are moments when you are not constant in your fellowship with Him because other things consume your time more than your walk with the Lord. Consequently, you may find yourself feeling unstable and ungrounded.

But “Be of good courage,” that is, be constant and established. Therein lies the promise: the Lord shall strengthen your heart. For His mercy’s sake, as your hope remains in Him.

Though the past remains unchangeable, your future holds the promise of a blank canvas. It is pristine and unmarked, offering a realm of endless possibilities. By embracing the lessons of the past in the present moment, you chart a course forward, guided by the lantern of wisdom, towards a horizon of new beginnings.

In such newfound wisdom, trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝟯:𝟱-𝟲

ALL THINGS

The greatness of God is beyond everything and definitely whatsoever you are going through.

Let us look at John chapter 1 verse three. (John 1:3) For an insight to the phrase “all things.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Upon first glance of the passage above, even with our focus on the phrase “all things,” we perceive it as a whole.

However, the word describing the phrase “all things” carries a far insightful meaning. It speaks not of a whole at once, rather all things as in an infinite detail. This is the Greek word, pas – meaning each, every, each part and parts. Every item of creation, one by one.

One thing that is always present with you is your awareness. Where there is awareness, may you use the right discernment. Knowing where I am is not where I want to be in my life. Considering it is our actions, and our will, which at times usually placed us in such a place. Even then, let your desire be, ‘Lord, help me, hear me.’ When we know the danger of our situation, the honest is our prayer.

To this we pray. In like manner we say:

Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit fails: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Psalm 143:7

Self-help falls short. Embrace self-awareness to understand your situation. Yet, look beyond your condition and will. Trust in the Lord, acknowledging your limitations, and open yourself to divine guidance, support,…

Who are you? Do you truly know yourself? You know your name, but it was given to you by someone else, not of your own choosing. So, who are you really? You have your own thoughts, but can you control them? Are you truly in control?

Pause and look at the time on your wristwatch or device. Do you see the time? Say it out loud. Then, consider your surroundings, whether you’re at home or somewhere else. Look at the time again and pause.

Can you confidently say that you control what will happen around you an hour from now? So, are you really in control as you think you are?

Being aware of the time doesn’t mean you control your destiny. If you’re not in the driver’s seat of life, do you even know where you’re headed? Even now, you can’t hold a perfect thought to ponder this question.…

If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

The concept of sin often extends beyond actions to encompass thoughts and attitudes toward others. It’s important to remember that self-examination is a daily process. As we draw closer to the Light of the Lord, we may become more aware of our imperfections. This doesn’t necessarily mean we are becoming more sinful, but rather that our understanding of right and wrong is becoming clearer. This heightened awareness can guide us towards personal growth and spiritual development. It’s a journey of continuous learning and accountability.

But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

Thus, the Greek reads:

If we continue to confess…

Study Guide

Does the three "Woes" from Isaiah chapter 5 a call against the world or the believer?

Isaiah 5:20-22

The answer to the question is given in the 25 verse of the same chapter.

How are these "Woes" relatable to today's day and age?

If there is time, this we will discuss in the new group.

Familiarity with evil thought ripens us for evil action;

and a moment of passion, an hour's loss of self

control.

A. W. Pink

Dear Lord, grant me the resilience to see my future victory through the veil of my present shame.

• Querido Señor, concédeme la resiliencia para ver mi futura victoria a través del velo de mi vergüenza presente.

• Deus, dai-me força para ver minha vitória futura através do véu da minha vergonha atual.

Insight to your body through your mood and actions.

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. Psalms 55:18

Many were your problems, although a few might still be with you. But this day, in the quiet of your heart, try to reflect on where you once were. Your emotions, your struggles, and conflicts. Reflect on those things you have overcome.

And let it be of gladness to you.

Understand this, the Scripture said your body is a temple. This implies more than we realize, as a temple. There are duties and functions that ought to be carried out, and there are those that are responsible for the accomplishing of those things. Likewise, within you, your body which is a temple; there are over 37 trillion cells, and more are being produced at any given time. These cells…

The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way. Psalms 25:9

At times, before we learn to make the right judgment, we ought to first learn to be humble.

Even when we find ourselves in a situation with an awareness that another individual is in the wrong toward us. Still, therein you can only make the right and the needful judgment by looking not to your emotions, but trusting the LORD that He will make it right.

As the old saying goes; two wrong cannot make a right.