1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

This crown by looking at the context seems to have something with God’s Kingdom Work and keeping ourselves from being corrupted.

Incorruptible Crown equals a crown that cannot be corrupted.

Strongs on Incorruptible
ἄφθαρτος
aphthartos
af'-thar-tos
From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G5351; undecaying (in essence or continuance): - not (in-, un-) corruptible, immortal.

The actual working Incorruptible Crown is used this one time in the Bible so we will have to draw the meaning from the context of the surrounding verses. However the idea of a Divine Competition is expressed in other places in the Bible,

Divine Competition (Context)

1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

The Apostle Paul is making a comparison of running a race and the Work of the Lord. This race has something to do with preaching the Gospel.

In 1 Cor 9:24 Paul has been speaking of serving others, being faithful to preach the Good News, an exhortation to be faithful in what God has called us.

He is not referring to salvation, but something additional to our salvation.

An Incorruptible Crown

It seems the running must be done properly or lawfully. According to the rules. (1 Cor 9:24).
As we can see in the later verses running the race as a minister in such a way Paul does not become a castaway.

This has to do with the integrity, purity and sincere walk with God.
During Paul’s time the Romans were in charge and the Olympic Games were a well known event. Paul seems to be looking at the Olympic competitions and making a comparison for the Christian who is also running a race.

Those who run this earthy race (Olympic Games) receive a crown albeit corruptible.

Those who run in the race of the Christian life receive a much better and incorruptible Crown.

It seems in our day, so many ministers that should take head to these verses. Running in a way that pleases God. Lawfully running this race means our lives should or must line up with the our profession of faith. We must practice what we preach! If we are calling others to purity and holiness, we must also master these.

It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (Rom 9:16).
Let us run in a way that we can also obtain or receive this reward.

Temperate in all things

Lvimg what we preach!
Recently I saw a famous actor preaching in a super large church. This man lives with his girlfriend like they are married. This is called fornication! A man with a lifestyle that does not match his profession of faith has no business in the pulpit preaching about a holy God.

I believe this is what is implied by living temperate lives.

Strongs on the Word “Temperate”
ἐγκρατεύομαι
egkrateuomai
eng-krat-yoo'-om-ahee
Middle voice from G1468; to exercise self restraint (in diet and chastity): - can([-not]) contain, be temperate.

1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Jesus said for us to look at the fruit of a tree. Only a good tree will bear good fruit.

If we are going to obtain this crown we will have to learn to control the earthly lusts. As Paul told Timothy “Youthful Lusts”.

Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible (1 Cor 9:25).

In those days the crown consisted of some sort of plant. After a short period of time it would have begun to wilt and brown. We can obtain a crown that will never fade and will last us for eternity. It also seems by the context that this crown is a future crown or received in heaven crown.

Our salvation is free and is obtained by faith. This crown is not for all, but for those who faithfully ran the race. Keeping ourselves unspotted from the World. This crown is for those who became a fruitful worker in the things of God and His Kingdom. I have a feeling this crown is for the radicals that went after Jesus with Zeal and never looked back. These that did not get distracted by earthly riches and earthly prizes, but beat their bodies and kept themeselves in good spiritual condition.

This person is living to please the Audience of One. This prize may very well come with the Words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. WELL DONE FROM JESUS AND A CROWN INCORRUPTIBLE.

Approval from Jesus

This crown is for those who will live a holy life.

1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Serious incentive for Holy living.

• Keeping our bodies under subjection
• Because a person who preached to others can themselves become a “Castawy”.
• Fail the race and not receive the prize.

Strongs on the Word “Castaway”

ἀδόκιμος
adokimos
ad-ok'-ee-mos
From G1 (as a negative particle) and G1384; unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication worthless (literally or morally): - castaway, rejected, reprobate.

Disapproved or rejected.

• This crown is for the faithful.
• This crown is for those are good trees bearing good fruit.
• This crown is for those who live for the approval of God.
• This crown is for those who will not give in to carnal lusts.

A preacher of the Gospel can become a castaway

Our lives must match our preaching.
How many have already become castaways?
How many are in it for the money?
Self promoted fame?

This crown is obtained only by running the race lawfully. Living a godly life.

“To preach well is but to increase one’s condemnation if one does not live well”.

This is a quote from someone else, but I am not sure who the source is. Something I heard!

The requirements for this crown seem steep! Can a person obtain this crown? Yes!

The first crown we spoke of was the crown of Righteousness. Here is the link.
https://steemit.com/steemchurch/@mhm-philippines/crown-of-righteousness

The crown of Righteousness seems pretty easy to obtain. For all who look to the coming of the Lord or the return of Christ.

But this crown is sort of where the runner meets the road.

Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Thoughts from a missionary.
Thank you for stopping by.
Daddy William

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