(24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (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. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (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.
The figure which the Apostle hath here made use of, to draw a comparison by of the Christian warfare, is as beautiful as it is just, and as much suited to the present hour, as it was in the days of the Apostle. The ground and space of this life, in which the Christian race is ran, corresponds to what is marked out, both in the boundary and the time limited to the Grecian games, and have their determination alike to him that wins. But the pastimes of this world differ widely from the serious concerns of another. And, as in the things themselves, so in the issue. There was but one successful candidate in the earthly race. But in the heavenly, all that run in Christ, the Way, the truth, and the life, are alike successful. Moreover, he that ran in the earthly warfare, and came off victorious, soon yielded himself to the conqueror death. But he that wins Christ, and is found in him, subdues forever all that opposed him, and wears his crown forever. Hence, all the victors in Christ exalt in the same hymn of praise: blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, 1 Peter 1:3-4
I beg the Reader to notice what the Apostle saith of himself, of keeping under his body, and bringing it into subjection. By which he could not be supposed to mean the mere animal flesh, by fastings, and the punishment of stripes, and scourging, and penance, and the like, which tend more to create spiritual pride and peevishness, than induce any reformation of the heart. Paul knew too well human nature to recommend such things. Besides, it is the corruption of the heart he desired to bring under, and which no doubt he sought for to accomplish, in mortifying the deeds of the body by the Holy Ghost, as he recommended to others, Romans 8:13. And the motive Paul had in view, is a confirmation of his meaning, lest (said he) that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway; that is, lest from some corruption of his fallen nature, indulged, and rising up in rebellion to his renewed and better part; he should fall into some foul transgression, as David did; and, as this would tempt the enemy to blaspheme, as it did in the case of the Psalmist, the Lord should lay him aside from his public ministry, like a vessel in a family, which though once in continued use, was now no longer called for. Such a thought was dreadfully painful to the active and zealous mind of the Apostle, and, therefore, he desired eternal grace from the Spirit, to keep under the body of sin and death, which he well knew he carried about with him, and under which he groaned, being burdened. This appears to be the evident sense and meaning of the Apostle's words. Some, however, have ventured to give this passage a different construction, as if the Apostle feared, that, if falling into sin from the corruptions of the body, he might be cast out of God's presence forever. A thing totally foreign to all the Apostle's uniform doctrine, and daily profession of his everlasting safety in Christ, Jesus had declared him to have been a chosen vessel; and Paul had assured every Church of his interest in Christ, and union with Christ. Being confident of this very thing, (said he to the Church at Philippi), that he which hath begun a good work will perform it unto the day of Christ, Philippians 1:6. I know, (said he to Timothy), whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing, 2 Timothy 1:12 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Under such, well grounded and well formed assurances, it is impossible that the Apostle could have entertained the smallest apprehensions of being finally lost. And, as hath been shewn, the words could mean no other, than that he dreaded that from human infirmities, he might be laid aside from usefulness, to the very end of his life, in his Lord's service. And I hope the Reader will also here from learn, that such holy jealousies as Paul here expressed, and the Lord's people many of them know, are not at all inconsistent with the perfect safety at the same time; in which they are considered, according to the election of grace. It is the sweetest of all thoughts that as their original call to salvation resulted not from their own merit, so neither their final safety depends upon their improvement of grace. The Lord's everlasting love, and the consequent call which in time followed, was neither bestowed for human deserving, nor preserved for human improvements. everything in the Covenant flows from the Lord's purpose, will, and pleasure. What will exalt the divine glory in promoting the happiness of his people. And, as it is a Covenant ordered in all things and sure; so Jehovah undertakes the accomplishment of it, both for himself and them. I will not turn away from them to do them good: but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me, Jeremiah 32:40.