1 Corinthians 9 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁶ For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. ¹⁸ What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

¹⁹ For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. ²⁰ To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. ²¹ To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. ²³ I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

²⁴ 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.²⁵ Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. ²⁶ So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

REFLECTION

• If time allows, read the whole chapter. Then read the passage for today.
• Paul presented himself as one who had surrendered many personal rights for the benefit of others. This was not bragging. It was sharing. As such, it was a powerful revelation of the motives that not only drove Paul, but also can energize us as we seek to serve the Lord.
• Note the rights Paul surrendered – and then his motives. He gave up the right to marry and travel with a “believing wife” (v5). He gave up the right to be financially supported by those he ministered to (vv6-12). And he gave up the right to live as he pleased in order to meet the expectations of those he ministered to (vv19-23).
• Why? Paul wanted to make preaching the gospel a gift, not a purchase (v18). He wanted to fit in with others, so as not to personally offend anyone who needed to hear the gospel (vv22-23). He placed such a high value on the rewards Christ will give in the future that mere earthly pleasures held little attraction (vv24-27).
• In giving up the rights as Paul did, how are we like athletes in training (vv. 24-27)? Right now, in the race of the gospel, are you a runner or a spectator? Do you long for the crown (trophy) that God is going to reward you? Talk to God about your role right now, ask Him to help you prepare for the race.