I Corinthians 9:15-27
The Rights and Sacrifices of the Apostle Paul in His Service – Part 2

Today, 05/11/2023, let us, together in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in I Corinthians 9:15-27.

15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

[King James Version]

Suggested Questions:

1. What is Paul boasting about? Is his statement in verse 15 an expression of arrogance?

2. According to verse 18, what is the reward for Paul in preaching the Gospel?

3. What does it mean to “make myself a servant unto all”?

4. What does it mean to become “under the law”?

5. What does it mean to become “without law”?

6. What does it mean to “become weak”? Does it involve doing things that are typically associated with weakness?

7. How does verse 27 contribute to refuting the “Once Saved Always Saved” doctrine?

8. How did Paul sacrifice himself while carrying out the duties of an apostle?

Suggested Applications:

1. Do you recognize that you are in a spiritual race?

2. Do you know how to discipline yourself so as not to give in to temptation and miss out on the grace of God?

3. What have you learned from the way Paul lived and served the Lord?