1 Corinthians 9:26 (KJV)
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
There is a blending of faith and certainty that the unbeliever—and, frankly, some professing believers—simply do not understand. Paul explains it clearly.
The chapter begins with his defense of his position as an apostle. There were those who questioned it. Paul admitted that he was one born out of due time (1 Corinthians 15:8), and even today many debate whether he was the twelfth apostle, replacing Judas Iscariot, or whether that role belonged to Matthias.
From there, he speaks of his status as a single man, pointing out his liberty to marry, as Cephas (Peter) and other brethren did. He then moves to the subject of income.
Paul teaches that it is the Lord’s intent that those who minister the gospel should live of the gospel. It is absolutely appropriate and right for pastors to earn their living through the offerings of the church. Paul, however, chose not to receive that support. He poured himself into the ministry, running to obtain the prize of the high calling of God.
Here is the heart of it: he did so because he was certain of the prize. He lived by faith—confident of the outcome.
The Christian life is not guesswork. It is as certain—indeed, more certain—than the paycheck one receives at the end of the week.
#RunWithPurpose #FaithWithCertainty #NotBeatingTheAir #LivingByFaith #CertainOfThePrize
Running With Certainty: Biblical Faith Is Never a Gamble
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in uncertainty.
If Paul ran with purpose and fought with conviction, we should too.
Visit marvinmckenzie.org for Bible teaching that treats Scripture as settled truth—not guesswork.
In the comments: What helps you stay focused and certain in your walk with Christ—and where do you see believers today “beating the air”? Your answer may help someone else more than you realize.
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