(1) What analogy does Paul use to help us understand the battle with self and sin that we all struggle with? What are the crucial differences, though, between the analogy and the reality he's referring to?


In this passage Paul is using the analogy of runner primarily and he
also uses the analogy of a boxer. This analogy is important because
it looks at the discipline of the athletes and their focus and it
shows us that as Christians we should be just as focused and
disciplined.

This is a good analogy but we are not simply Christians so that we
may receive a prize for being good Christians. We also are not
competing against each other. But the main idea of this passage is
that we must do Christianity on God's terms and not our own

(2) How confident was Paul regarding the race he was in? Where did his confidence come from? Why should we have the same confidence?

Paul did not put confidence in himself but His confidence came
from his connection with Jesus. He knew that even after he
ran for others there was a chance that he would sill be lost.
Therefore we should never look to our works , and congratulate
ourselves because its by the grace of God we are able to do these
Good works.

(3) Though Paul shows confidence, he's also aware of the possibility of failure. How does he describe it, and what is his solution? How does his answer fit in with the theme this week?

Paul talks about self discipline and , about beating ones body into
subjection. In order to obtain the prize we must have self control,
this is the message I hear in connection with this weeks lesson. In
the Christian race it takes those who will not give up but continue
to press ,and continue to deny self. With God all things are possible

Prayer: Father we want to be like Jesus , help our Christianity to be real, and authentic. I pray that you will change us from the inside out and make us more and more like you. My we not be lost after we have preached to others, help us to have the Spirit of self-control. Thank you , in Jesus name amen.