Our recent Wednesday evening study of 1 Corinthians chapter 9 ended without time to cover an important section. After assuring the Corinthians that he does practice self-denial of personal rights for the benefit of others (vs. 1-18) and stating his desire to do what he can to save as many as he can (vs. 19-23) he then expresses the diligence he shows in these efforts (vs. 24-27). Let’s dig into this last section.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (v. 24).

The Corinthians were familiar with the ancient Olympic games and the glory that accompanied them. Paul used the training and diligence of these athletes to illustrate the diligence needed in living the Christian life. The prize offered by Christ is something we must obtain.

“And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (v. 25). 

The word temperate is from a Greek word meaning “to exercise self-control.” Athletes use self-control in their training to be able to compete at a championship level. Also, athletes in the Greek games had to abide by strict laws and regulations concerning their food, training schedule, and free time.

The Olympian’s crown of olive branches and leaves was subject to decay. Neither the wreath, nor the glory that accompanied it, lasted forever. Christians strive for the crown of life (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10) and eternal glory (1 Pet. 1:4; 5:4).

No sacrifice is too great for those who want to win. While Christians may have certain rights (like eating meats or receiving support for preaching), there may be occasions when we choose to deny ourselves these rights. When that which we wish to obtain is greater than that which we have the right to enjoy, we will gladly practice self-control.

“Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” (v. 26).

Paul took the course that was set before him more seriously than an Olympic athlete. He was not “shadow boxing.” He wasn’t aimlessly throwing punches. His spiritual efforts were put forth with purpose, control, and skill.

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (v. 27).

Paul brought himself into total subjection, regarding not only his sinful desires, but also his liberties. Whatever stood in the way of God’s will being done, Paul exercised the strength to set it aside in favor of the furtherance of the gospel.

Paul did so with the understanding that he could be disqualified. This comes from a Greek word describing one who has failed a test. Paul is clearly stating that he can fall from grace. If not, the passage makes no sense, especially when we proceed into the next section speaking of the historical fact of Israel’s apostasy (1 Cor. 10:1-13). If Paul can’t lose his soul, then what kind of disqualification is the object of his concern? If an inspired apostle took the possibility of disqualification this seriously, how much more must we?!