SELF CONTROL AND THE REWARD

SELF CONTROL AND THE REWARD

“And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Cor. 9:25

self-control  To an almost incredible degree; using the most rigorous self denial in food, sleep, and every other sensual indulgence. A perishable crown - A garland of leaves, which must soon wither. How a life is lived and who they choose for their Leader determines the outcome of the race that all compete. Some exert little or no control based on the leadership of whom they follow. The follower of Christ the Master and Lord of John 13:13 show the same life traits of the only Leader to follow (Matt. 23:10). And their ability to exert this self-control receives power from the Spirit that was the controller of Him who set the example (John 13:15) even to the Apostle Peter (1 Pet. 2:21).

all things  One would have to follow the Leader to know this self-control.

perishable-imperishable The rewards for the self-controlled last forever and are never taken away by decay of any sort, due to a differing judgment seat. The “judgment seat” (Greek bema) for the self-controlled (believer) (2 Cor. 5:10) is not the “great white throne” (Rev. 20:11) where unbelievers that are marked by uncontrol are to be judged by their works and then sent into hell, but a judgment for rewards, or loss of rewards, to believers.

Rev. 20:12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."