I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 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. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Cor. 9:23–27

Dear Lord Jesus, this is one of those passages I used to avoid as a recovering legalist. When I finally came to rest in your righteousness alone for my salvation, it was Scriptures like this one that confused me—at times activating that part of me that still thinks I can make you love me more by my striving, doing and discipline. I am so thankful for the ongoing teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. Keep showing me more about living in line with the truth of the gospel (Gal. 2:14)—a life of true freedom.

Indeed, I praise you for all the freedoms you have won for us, Lord Jesus, including the freedom to obey you because of your grace and love, not because of our fear and pride. For the gospel has obliterated a wage-earning view of salvation. We now run for a crown of grace and, ultimately, every crown will be laid at your feet, Lord Jesus. Our obedience profits a lot, but it merits absolutely nothing.

The gospel also sets us free from running aimlessly and vainly beating the air—a lot of self-centered commotion. We now live as your beloved servants in a magnificent story of redemption and restoration, For all of history is bound up with your commitment to redeem your Bride from the nations and to make all things new. We praise you for rescuing us from little narratives of self-fulfillment for a life of kingdom advancement.

The gospel also sets us free from beating ourselves up because of shame, guilt and pride. Jesus, you are the one Runner who has “won the prize” for all of us. Only the gospel qualifies us to “share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col. 1:12). We now train ourselves for godliness by bringing our appetites and bodies in submission to the gospel (1Tim. 4:7–8)—not to the law, for the law has no power to change us (Col.2:23).

Thought we no longer fear losing our salvation, do let us grieve misrepresenting you by “frittering away” this one short life you’ve given us. Show us how to do all things for the sake of the gospel, by the grace and truth of the gospel. We are free, Lord Jesus, we would be freer still. We gratefully pray, in your most righteous and loving name. Amen.