Paul, the Runner

The apostle Paul often used the theme of running in his letters. Discover what he might have been trying to tell us through his running metaphor.

Receive 

The apostle Paul often used the metaphor of running a race to remind his readers, and us, how important it is to run our race well. In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul encouraged believers to run away from sin and temptation and to run toward God.  

What have you been running toward lately? 

Is there something you need to flee from in your life so you can pursue God instead? 

What could your next step of running toward God look like? 

Reflect  

• How can you run away from sin and temptation as the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 1 Corinthians 10:14? 
• What does it look like to “run in such a way” as it says in 1 Corinthians 9:24? 
• According to 1 Corinthians 9:26–27, why is it important to be disciplined along your Christian journey? 
• Based on 1 Corinthians 14:1, what are we to be running toward? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that You are with me as I run the race You have set before me. Help me to run away from sin and temptation and run to You with my whole heart. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit can empower me to run my race well.”      

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• In Pursuit of Paul 

Listen: 

• Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes  
• Paul, the Letter Writer | Week 1  
• Paul, the Letter Writer | Week 2  

Read: 

• The More Excellent Way: What Paul Actually Means in 1 Corinthians 13  
• Spiritual Disciplines | Running the Race  

Watch: 

• Why Do We Have to Struggle? | 1 Corinthians 10:13  
• Cleansing the Body and Spirit – 2 Corinthians 7:1