Freedom & Self-Denial

1 Corinthians 9:19–27 ESV

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.

Paul Surrendered His Freedom.

The Freedom was granted by the grace of Christ.

He was not in bondage, that he might be made to be a servant.

He did not have to bondage to their rules or standards.

But, he volunteered his freedom.

Why?

It was a conscience choice that he may accomplish a purpose.

What do we do with Paul’s idea?

Freedom - we understand this idea

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Slave - we also have an idea of this meaning from our nations history.

But God!

The Lord said in His kingdom: “the last shall be first and the first last.” MATT. 20:16

Thus, if we let scripture interpret scripture, we can know that Paul’s decision is a Christ decision.

Our freedoms should come second to the purpose of Christ in our relationships.

Paul’s Actions Were to Win As Many As Possible

1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

Paul gives the idea at the end of our first focal verse of the day.

“Of free choice and zeal and love to Christ, [Paul] had an insatiable desire for the salvation of mankind.” __ John Chrysostom

Chrysostom was right here to note Paul had a desire and a passionate pursuit in his effort.

look at the effort Paul went to in his relationships.

1 Corinthians 9:20–22 ESV

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.

Keep the custom with the Jews.

Follow the law with those who found in necessary

Live in freedom of the law with those who found it essential.

Live in surrender with those who do not have knowledge.

Become whatever is necessary, within the bounds of Christ, to see some saved.

1 Corinthians 9:23 ESV

23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Serve with purpose, passion, and pursuit.

In essence, there should be reason, zeal, and an end game behind effort.

Paul Desired to Receive a More Important Honor.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV

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.

Do not be constrained by an unwillingness to strive for the prize.

Many people do not understand the purpose God has for us as the church.

The purpose is to share what Christ has done with the end game being the salvation of lost people.

But Paul is clear that the prize is the reward in Christ.

We are to run the race with victory in mind.

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Discipline is necessary to fulfill God’s calling.

Paul is speaking of self-control as the discipline necessary to be mindful in our relationships.

Why?

Because we are not running as an Olympian for a medal or wreath, but for what is eternal.

The imperishable or incorruptible crown.

(one of 5 crowns mentioned in the N.T.)

1 Corinthians 9:26–27 ESV

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.

Paul had a definite goal/purpose - “i do not run aimlessly”

Have you ever watched the preparation of a fighter.

They Box into the air before the fight.

In reality, they are showing for the crowd.

But Paul had discipline that he might control himself.

Paul desired to not be found to be wrong in practice and right in Word.

Walking Away, But In...

Our freedoms should come second to the purpose of Christ in our relationships.

Become whatever is necessary, within the bounds of Christ, to see some saved.

Serve with purpose, passion, and pursuit.

Let the Word be evident in your practice.