1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Q.1. Why did Paul refuse to enjoy the provision for ministers of the Gospel? How did he feel about proclaiming the Gospel? Does Christ reward us less if we are paid to minister? – (1 Cor.9:15-19)
Paul was compelled to preach the Gospel – For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel (1 Cor.9:16). He refused to use the right to be remunerated by the ministry, because nothing gave him greater joy (1 Cor.9:15-16). Those who are remunerated still serve as stewards. However, Paul explained – What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel (1 Cor.9:18 c.f. (1 Cor.4:1-2). Paul identified a problem that can make it difficult in paid ministry. Paid workers serve alongside a vast majority who function as volunteers. Though those in the ministry today serve Christ and will be judged by Him, they are also accountable to the church people who employ them (Rom.14:10-12; 1 Cor.3:11-15; 2 Cor.5:9-10). Paul had no such bondage in sharing the Gospel, since he preached – … without charge … for though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more (1 Cor.9:18-19). However, he had already established the truth that a servant of Christ was to be a faithful steward, and as such had the right to be remunerated for his service (1 Cor.4:1-2; 9:8-11).
Q.2. Why did Paul make himself a slave to all? Did he compromise the Gospel with some cultural groups? What motivated Paul to adapt his approach to the ministry? – (1 Cor.9:20-23)
Paul did not follow a rigid formula in preaching the Gospel. He had made himself a slave to the unsaved, regardless of their different cultural distinctives, in order to gain the maximum effect with his preaching (1 Cor.9:19). He explained his approach to both Jews and Gentiles – 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law (1 Cor.9:20-21). He was a keen student of his audiences and was prepared to remove any unnecessary obstacles, in order to successfully communicate the Gospel. He adapted his lifestyle, without compromising the truth of the Gospel, according to these differing groups. (c.f. Gal.1:6-9). It mattered not whom he encountered – 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it (1 Cor.9:22-23). For Paul it was all about Christ and the furtherance of the Gospel – so that I may win more … so that I may by all means save some (1 Cor.9:19 & 22).
Q.3. In what way is ministry like a race? What makes preaching the Gospel different? What made Paul value discipline? What warning did he give about ministers of the Gospel? – (1 Cor.9:24-27)
Paul applied his knowledge of the Isthmian Games to Christian service. He had already shared insights regarding the rewards that believers would receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor.3:10-15). Athletes would compete to win the prize. We should – … Run in such a way that you may win (1 Cor.9:24). Athletes at the Isthmian Games had to maintain a strict pre-Games regime in order to qualify to compete. Paul advised that the servant of Christ should discipline himself for the greater prize that God will give to His faithful servants (1 Cor.9:25).
Crown 1 – CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – Love the Lord’s appearing – 2 Tim.4:8.
Crown 2 – INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN – Disciplined service – 1 Cor.9:25-27.
Crown 3 – CROWN OF LIFE – Patiently endures trials – Jms.1:12; Rev.2:10.
Crown 4 – CROWN OF GLORY – Leaders who feed the Flock – 1 Pet.5:2-4.
Crown 5 – CROWN OF REJOICING – Soul winners reward – 1 Thes.2:19; Dan.12:3
If these athletes received just a perishable laurel wreath, how much more should we exercise greater self-control in order to gain the imperishable crown (1Cor.9:26). Just as athletes could be disqualified from the Games for lack of discipline, Paul asserted – I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified (1 Cor.9:27). Paul was not talking about losing his salvation, but he recognised that some failures make a person ineligible to do the work of the ministry. Paul warned us to carefully observe the disciplines of the faith.