Paul the Boxer - 1 Cor 9:24-27 -

The original Korean text: https://blog.naver.com/stevision/50119424435

 

>> Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating (punching) the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Cor 9:24-27 <<

 

Paul compared Christians to athletes, because Christians should be ones who will receive imperishable wreath from God after they have lived a righteous and victorious life against evil ones on earth.

 

With what attitude did Paul himself participate in the competition where a crown is given? He took part in boxing matches. He said he did not beat the air. For a Christian to beat the air means that he pursues such vanities as Ecclesiastes says of, for example, wealth, much learning, many lovers, and honor, etc.

 

However, Paul has never punched others to knock them down in the matches. This is the unique aspect of Christian boxing. That's because Christian fighters do not fight by blood and flesh. It's rather a foul in Christian boxing to attack and harm others over the matters of flesh. You're pronounced a KO loser if you KO others over worldly things.

 

Strangely enough, however, Paul, who is on the boxing match, hits himself. He hits himself in order to subject himself to God's will. He did so, because the Devil, Paul's counterpart, sometimes had a place in Paul's fleshly desires and harassed him. 'I have to be rich,' 'I have to get a higher position,' 'I have to live a better life than others,' 'I only live once, so I have to enjoy everything I want,' 'Without these, I might feel unsatisfied when I die.' Devil incessantly breathed those thoughts into his mind. Paul was very sad, but he resisted all such temptations.

 

Paul could hit himself and control himself when he thought of the glory of God and the good (and the salvation) of others in everything (1 Cor 10:31-33), and when he was grateful to God in everything and content in everything (Phil 4:11-13).