Losers Pay the Price
Beat My Body

Scripture Reading:  2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:27

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

This last verse in chapter nine would fit into the TV show, “The Biggest Loser,” easily.  The contestants would relate to the apostle’s language of “beating my body down and making it a slave.”  In their efforts to lose weight, they certainly have to fight the urges and cravings of their bodies.  To be the biggest loser, they must make their body a slave to their goals of weight loss.

            In our spiritual journey, we will encounter daily battles with our own bodies or “flesh.”  It has natural cravings and urges that if left uncontrolled will cross over into sinful behavior.  As the Apostle Paul writes, he did not want to let this happen lest he be “disqualified for the prize.”

            The Greek word Paul uses for “beat” was “hupopiazo.”  This was a word used in the Greek culture for something receiving very rough treatment.  It literally means to beat black and blue.  It was used in reference to boxers who buffet their bodies, handle roughly…to discipline by hardship!  So it must be at times in the Christ follower’s life!  When our body craves something that we know would cause us to sin, we must treat our bodies roughly!  We must say no to these urges no matter how hard it may seem!  We must take on Paul’s attitude: I will not be disqualified for the prize!

Father, I am so grateful for the prize you are preparing for your faithful children!  I will pay the price to honor you today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.