Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, 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
Corinthians 9:24-27
I continue my study of 1 Corinthians. I am assisted
in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book. Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary -
of 1 Corinthians 9:19-27. The main idea offered by the commentary*: "All preferences and rights are worth giving up to bring others to Jesus." The introduction* then further develops this main idea by describing "soul winning" and a "simple gospel presentation" called the "Romans Road." It then shares that for Paul, "[s]oul winning was a priority for the apostle, and it should be a priority for every follower of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Paul allows us to examine the heart of a soul winner." The following two divisions provided by the commentary* unpack the text in more detail:
- I Deny Myself to Win Souls for Christ (9:19-23): "Paul gladly flexes and bends to win others to Christ." He is not disobedient to God but he denies himself personally (slave to Christ - do anything to follow His call to bring Him glory), religiously (i.e. respecting, adapting to (but not necessarily practicing when no longer in place such as ceremonial law/sacrificial system), and not arrogantly looking down upon Jewish practices), socially (interacting with the Gentiles), and completely (referring to how Paul will also work humbly to save "the weak" or those who are seeking or new believers but have previously followed paganism or idolatry) for the sake of saving others.
- I Discipline Myself to Win the Crown (9:24-27): Paul uses the analogy of athletics and winning a competition to describe believers efforts to run a race, endure, and to win eternal rewards. As they endure, believers must exercise both self-control (avoid sin and sinful influences) and self-discipline (practice spiritual disciplines). We should not act aimlessly but with intention and endure based on God's direction and commands for us.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace - delivering me from my sin and saving me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and grace. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
