© 2012 Church of God Faithful Flock
August 10 - August 17, 2012
The ongoing close and abiding relationship with our Father and Jesus Christ in prayer, Bible study, and occasional fasting, in conjunction with the attendance of Church services (Hebrews 10:25, as God makes possible with the true Church of God), and Bible studies, should be preparing each one mentally and spiritually to meet those hard obstacles with the courage and strength of iron in their hearts to overcome and endure whatever stands in the way.
I Corinthians 9:24 “Know you not” The Isthmian games, in which the foot-race was a leading one, were a subject of patriotic to the Corinthians in the neighborhood.
These periodical games were to the Greeks rather a passion than an amusement: a suitable image of Christian earnestness.
“But he who ENDURES to the end shall be saved.”
Matthew 24:13
Dear Brethren,
The euphoria of the two weeks of the Olympics’ in Britain has ended; the grandstands emptied and the contestants have gone their way. Some were exuberantly happy of being winners— others were depressed for either having been disqualified or having lost their events to the winners.
Considering the winners, Michael Phelps of the United States will have ended his long career as the most decorated Olympian in history.
The Internet: “Phelps will be the best medalist of all time for a while. As part of his legacy are 17 gold medals, an unprecedented dominance in any sport. The three silvers and two bronze medals will just be icing on the already sweet-tasting cake for the unflappable Phelps, as he cements his legacy as the greatest Olympian of all time.”
There is much God’s people can learn from the Olympics and the contestants for they parallel the trials and testing encountered in the true Christian way of life that must be endured and overcome to be counted worthy of being accepted by Jesus Christ when He returns to this earth.
Training for the Olympics
When studying the contestants who devoted many years in training while exerting hard enduring effort to prepare their bodies sufficiently to be accepted by the officials of the Olympics to enter their events— one could wonder what drives these people to train for such a long time and so rigorously to become the best of the best?
Considering some of their writings in which a few have expressed their thoughts reveal the answer:
Diligence, relentless drive, hard training with determination to become the best, while pursuing their dream realizing nothing is impossible if one is willing to pay the price.
Some of the same areas can be paralleled in the life of the true Christian and can be found in the booklet, “The Seven Laws of Success,” by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong.
The Olympic Rules
And after the contestant having entered the event for which he or she had trained, there were the rules that had to be strictly obeyed.
During the Olympics in Britain, a few were disqualified for one reason or another for having broken the rules.
One runner was disqualified for having broken the rule of stepping slightly out of her lane and on the line during her competitive run for the coveted metal.
The lines separating the runners were drawn to ensure there would be no contact between the runners.
Seeking God’s Kingdom
God’s Elect have been given a goal that is the greatest of all goals! Though only God and Jesus Christ can finalize the goal seekers through mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:1, 5-10), each of the Elect, similar to the contestants, has to do his and her individual part by obeying God’s holy and righteous laws while giving their all in this way of life to be awarded the crown of life by Jesus Christ.
A true Christian also has to endure many obstacles in life to remain faithful and loyal to God and Jesus Christ – a very real and hard obstacle course – and having to overcome them.
Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous . . .” And though Jesus Christ will aid His people in overcoming them, the struggle must always continue while crying out to Christ for the help needed to faithfully endure all the way to the finish line of the race for life; and He does aid us.
Hebrews 2:16-18 “. . . He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of His people. For in that He Himself has been tempted (margin: tested), He is able to aid those who are tempted (tested).”
As the end-time closes in on the Church, Israel and the world, the struggle for the faithful Christian facing the coming severe famine, disease epidemics, and persecution from inside and outside will become much greater — testing each one to the utmost point of human endurance.
Jesus Christ compared the end-time to a woman in her final hard and painful contractions coming together into one final very hard push for the deliverance of her baby:
John 16:20-21 “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.”
Jesus Christ said through the writing of the Apostle John.
Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed with white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the book of Life . . .”
With these things in mind consider the writings of the Apostle Paul who compared the true Christian life to the contestants in the Olympics.
Running the Christian Race
Jesus Christ makes known the entrance to the beginning way of the Christian Race:
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter (for the Christian run) by the narrow gate (John 10:7); for WIDE is the gate (is Satan’s way) and BROAD (are the lanes) is the way that leads to destruction (disqualification), and there are many that go in by it. Because NARROW IS THE GATE AND DIFFICULT IS THE WAY (to remain in the lines separating the path of life from the broad way) which leads to life, and there are FEW who find it.”
And as the rules of the Olympics were strictly enforced, so it is with the true Christian, yet tempered with mercy and forgiveness upon godly repentance (I John 1:8-9).
II Timothy 2:5 “And if a man also strives for the masteries, yet he is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”
The Olympics in Ancient Greece
One can see through the writings of the Apostle Paul that Jesus Christ inspired him to compare this Christian life to the Olympics of his time. For by comparing the physical to the spiritual, we have a true life picture of the Spiritual race in which each one has been called and selected to receive the ultimate prize, the crown of eternal life in the Family of God.
I Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run (the Olympics), but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air (making every punch count). But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
The following commentaries compare the physical to the spiritual:
Experimental Commentary, Volume 5, Page 5, I Corinthians 9:24-27 (using KJV):
The Apostle Paul uses the same image – a proof of genuineness (Acts 20:24) . . . not ‘all’ who enter in the Christian race win (10:1-5), so run, that you may obtain. . . . to put forth all exertions.
It is vain to begin unless we persevere to the end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Revelation 2: 10). So expresses, Run with such perseverance in the heavenly course as ‘all’ exhibit in the earthly ‘race.’ Run so as to not only receive salvation, but a full reward (I Corinthians 3:14-15; II John 8).”
Jesus Christ through the writings of the Apostle Paul exhorts His true people to remain confident and endure the tough struggles while knowing that through His aid each one can receive the fullness of His promises:
Hebrews 10:35-36, 38 “Therefore do NOT cast away your confidence (by remaining in the race), which has great reward. For you have need of ENDURANCE, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise (of life and reward). . . . If anyone draws back (drops out of the race for life), My soul has no pleasure in him.”
Experimental Commentary: I Corinthians 9:25 “striveth” – in wrestling: a more severe contest than the foot race.”
It is with this need of building our spiritual strength for the continuous wrestling that the Apostle Paul wrote:
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the POWER of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. FOR WE DO NOT ‘WRESTLE’ AGAINST FLESH AND
BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Experimental Commentary: I Corinthians 9:26 “Run not as uncertainly” not without definite object as a runner uncertain of the goal.”
Each of the Elect must always keep a positive attitude with purpose and goal in mind while casting out immediately any wavering doubts that one cannot finish the race for with Jesus Christ helping all things are possible.
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Where there is no vision (goal) the people perish . . .”
Experimental Commentary: I Corinthians 9:26 “Not as one that beats the air” instead of beating the adversary (boxing) – sparring in a sham fight … the real adversary is Satan the devil.”
The Churches in Galatia
The allusion to the Grecian games continues in the Apostle Paul’s writings to the Churches in Galatia:
Galatians 5:7 “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”
Clarke Commentary, Volume 6, Page 410, Galatians 5:7
“You did run well” You once had the faith that worked by love — you were genuine, active, useful Christians.
“Who did hinder” Who prevented you from continuing to obey the truth? You could only turn away by your own consent. The Apostle Paul here, as in I Corinthians 9:24, compares Christianity to a race.”
The Book of Hebrews
The Apostle Paul also uses the allusion of the Grecian games in his letter to the people of God in the Book of Hebrews.
After having written of the examples of the pioneers in the Christian faith, men and women tried to the utmost in life and to death, some experiencing horrible deaths in martyrdom, they remained faithful through it all and are now asleep waiting for their resurrection to Spirit life (Hebrews 11:1-40).
It is with this in mind that the Apostle Paul once again wrote of the Christian race to life while looking unto Jesus Christ who is cheering each one on to the end of the race — and then to be crowned by Him as winners with reward and eternal life.
Hebrews 12:1“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the stake, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Clarke Commentary, Volume 6, Pages 776-777, Hebrews 12:1, Cloud of witnesses.
Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore (an inference to Chapter 11), seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.”
Here is another allusion to the Olympic games: the contenders were often greatly animated by the consideration that the eyes of the principal men of their country were fixed on them; and by this they were induced to make the most extraordinary exertions.
Clarke Commentary, Volume 6, Pages 776-777:
Hebrews 12:1 “Let us lay aside every weight” As those who ran in the Olympic races would throw aside everything that might impede them in their course; so Christians . . . must throw aside everything that might hinder them in their Christian race. . . .
In laying aside the weight, there is an allusion to the long garments worn in the eastern countries, which, if not laid aside or tucked up in the girdle would greatly incommode the traveler, and utterly prevent a man from running a race. [James 1:21]
The easily besetting sin of the Hebrews was an aptness to be drawn aside from their attachment to the Gospel, for fear of persecution. [Revelation 2:10; Matthew 10:28]
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus” Looking off or from the world and all secular concerns to Jesus all spiritual and heavenly things connected with Him. This is still an allusion to the Grecian games: those who ran were to keep their eyes fixed on the mark of the prize; they must keep the goal in view.” [James 4:4: I John 2:15-17]
Scripture makes known the truth of that statement:
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) “Where there is no vision (goal, “prophetic vision”) the people perish (“cast off restraint” – fall out of the race for life) . . .”
To endure to the end, Jesus Christ used the example of Moses that should be emulated by every true Christian:
Hebrews 11:26-27 “By faith he (Moses) forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible (there for him and cheering him on).”
Clarke Commentary, Volume 6, Pages 776-777: Hebrews 12:2
“The Author and Finisher of our Faith” But the reference here seems to be the judge in the games, whose business was to admit the contenders, and to give the prize to the conqueror.
Jesus Christ is here represented as this officer; every Christian is a contender in this race of life, and for eternal life. The heavenly course is begun under Jesus; and under Him it is completed. He is the finisher, by awarding the prize to them who are faithful unto death. . . . [Revelation 2:10]
Hebrews 12:3 “For consider Him” Here is a continued allusion to the contenders in the Grecian games, who, when exhausted in bodily strength and courage, yielded the palm to their opponents, and were said to be weary or exhausted, to be dissolved, disheartened, or have lost all bravery and courage.”
Ongoing Preparation
The spiritual strength needed through the building of faith that comes by belief in the promises of God, must be in the process of building now as Scripture makes known. Otherwise the failure to pray and study diligently the Holy Bible will leave one too weak to run the race to life
Proverbs 24:10 “If you faint (or quit) in the day of adversity your strength is small (25:26).”
It should be realized the overcoming of the present trials and tests are intended to strengthen the Christian in faith and trust to enable the person to endure and overcome the heavy trials that are yet ahead as well.
Many Have Fallen by the Wayside
Many who began the race have fallen by the wayside from God’s way of life having given way to the cares and attractions of this world.
The Parable of the Sower makes this known as well:
Mark 4:16-17 “These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure for a time.”
Though Jesus Christ cautioned His people many times through the Scriptures of these grave dangers there were those who failed to listen and gave way to the glitter and attractiveness of the world.
Luke 21:35 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and care of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly.”
Those who resist Satan and his temptations, as did Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-11), will receive awesome and wonderful blessings:
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who ENDURES temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the CROWN OF LIFE.”
The White Horse - Satan’s Ministers
God Chastens His Children
Because of His great love for His people, there are the times that our Father and Jesus Christ see no alternative but to paddle His People with the hope of turning His people around and back to Him before it comes to be too late:
Hebrews 12:7, 20 “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten. . . .”
Clarke Commentary, Volume 6, Pages 776-777: Hebrews 12:4 “You have not yet resisted unto blood” Many of those already mentioned were martyrs for the truth; they persevered unto death, and lost their lives in bearing testimony to the truth had opposition and persecution, yet you have not been called, in bearing your testimony against sin and sinners, to seal the truth with your blood.”
End of quotes from the Commentaries
Many of God’s true people did seal His truth with their blood, as many will once again during the coming Great Tribulation:
Revelation 6:9-11 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer,, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”
Enduring Hardship
Trials and tests come on all of God’s people in many different ways to test one’s very heart and soul for the needed development of godly character that comes with endurance and making right and wise decisions and living with them.
II Timothy 2:3 “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
Acts 14:22 “We must (endure) through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God.”
Only the Few will Endure and Enter God’s Kingdom
Jesus Christ was asked the following question:
Luke 13:23-24 And one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He (Christ) said to them, “Strive (Greek: struggle, literally agonize as in agony) to enter the narrow gate, for many will seek to enter and will not be able.”
The Apostle Paul commended the members in Thessalonica:
II Thessalonians 1:4 “. . . we ourselves boast of you among the Churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.
Blessings promised to the faithful Philadelphia Church Era:
Revelation 3:10 “Because you have KEPT My command to persevere (in the race to life), I also will keep you from the hour of trail (three and one/half years of the Great Tribulation) which shall come upon the whole world, to TEST those who dwell on the earth.”
The Ultimate Reward
There will be wonderful blessings for those who endure to the end; the Crown of Life and Kingship in the new world soon to come—
Revelation 3:11 “Behold, I come quickly, HOLD FAST what you have, that NO ONE MAY TAKE YOUR CROWN.”
In the Christian race all are winners if each one perseveres all the way to the finish line whatever that may be, whether the sleep of death, or the change, when Jesus Christ returns (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Don Billingsley
Jesus Christ cautioned in many Scriptures the grave danger of religious deception that would be bought about by Satan through his false ministers masquerading as His true ministers (Revelation 6:1-2; Matthew 24:4-5; II Corinthians 11:13-15; II Peter 2:1-3; II Thessalonians 2:1-3), and will deceive many of God’s people:
II Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, . . . and they will TURN AWAY from the TRUTH, and be TURNED ASIDE to fables.”
Many times, Scripture exhorts the elect to be very diligent about the true teachings and cling to them with passionate love:
Jude 3 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
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