1 Coríntios 9
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - Our sinfulness resents and resists restrictions, sometimes even in the name of spiritual freedom. It is one thing to acknowledge the principle of living by love; it is another to follow it. Paul followed it Free (1658) eleutheros (See related verb eleutheroo) is an adjective which means freedom to go wherever one likes, at liberty, possessing the capability of movement, exempt from restraint, obligation or liability, unconstrained, unfettered. In the Greek culture this word pictured one who can go wherever they please) (from Homer down). For example, in one secular writing we find this statement "the temple of Artemis at Ephesus is open (free) to all". The opposite idea of eleutheros is that which depicts or characterizes a state of enslavement. Eleutheros in the Corinthian letters - 1 Co. 7:21-22; 1 Co. 7:39; 1 Co. 9:1; 1 Co. 9:19; 1 Co. 12:13; 1 Corinthians 7:21-22+ Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free (eleutheros), rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free (eleutheros, is Christ’s slave. Technical Note - There is a series of questions in this context. USB4 has fourteen, NASB has sixteen, NKJV has fifteen, NRSV has sixteen, TEV has fourteen, and NJB has twelve. It is uncertain whether these are statements or questions. (Utley) Brian Bell - Paul, the master illustrator, uses 15 examples in this chapter. 1. He’ll liken Christian Ministry to: a Soldier (7a), a Winegrower (7b), Shepherd (7c), Oxen (8,9), Farmer (10), an OT Priest (13), Preacher (14-16), Steward (17), Servant (19), Jew (20a), one under the law (20b), those w/o the Law (21), Weak (22), Runners (24,25), & Fighter (26,27). Am I not an apostle? Again begins with a negative (ouk) which expects the answer "yes." First of three questions all calling for a "Yes." He opened his letter attesting to his apostleship writing "Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother." (1 Cor 1:1) Paul not only had the same rights as other Christians but he also had the rights of an apostle. While we do not know exactly what the Corinthians had said about his apostleship in the letter they wrote (1 Cor 7:1), it certainly appears that he is offering a defense of his apostleship at the beginning of this chapter. Apostle (652) apostolos from apo = from + stello = send forth) (Click discussion of apostle) means one sent forth from by another, often with a special commission to represent another and to accomplish his work. It can be a delegate, commissioner, ambassador sent out on a mission or orders or commission and with the authority of the one who sent him. Apostolos referred to someone who was officially commissioned to a position or task, such as an envoy. Cargo ships were sometimes called apostolic, because they were dispatched with a specific shipment for a specific destination. In secular Greek apostolos was used of an admiral of a fleet sent out by the king on special assignment. In the ancient world a apostle was the personal representatives of the king, functioning as an ambassador with the king’s authority and provided with credentials to prove he was the king's envoy. Apostolos in the Corinthian letters - 1 Co. 1:1; 1 Co. 4:9; 1 Co. 9:1; 1 Co. 9:2; 1 Co. 9:5; 1 Co. 12:28; 1 Co. 12:29; 1 Co. 15:7; 1 Co. 15:9; 2 Co. 1:1; 2 Co. 8:23; 2 Co. 11:5; 2 Co. 11:13; 2 Co. 12:11; 2 Co. 12:12 Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? - This third question also begins with a negative (ouk) which expects the answer "yes." Have seen is perfect tense which means Paul had seen Jesus at a point in time in the past, with continuing effect or results of having seen the Lord. THOUGHT - Paul was a man who had seen Jesus, and this experience was a driving force for him for the rest of his life on earth. Isaiah saw the thrice Holy LORD and his life was forever radically changed (Isaiah 6:1-13+). John saw the resurrected, ascended, glorified Lord and wrote the final glorious chapter of the Bible (Rev 1:12-20+) . (Play "I See the Lord") Would it be true that we all would have a constant sense of Jesus high and lifted up in our mind's eye! How it would surely effect our Spirit empowered daily conduct and service to our Master! One thinks of this same motivating spiritual dynamic in 1 John 3:2-3+ John writing "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him (present tense - continually) purifies himself (aka, progressive sanctification), just as He is pure." Notice how our future hope (absolute assurance of future good) motivates present holy conduct! When was the last time you meditated on the truth of 1 John 3:2 to revive that glorious vision in your mind's eye? Memorize 1 John 3:1-3+ and ask the Spirit to use it to motivate you to continuing growth in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ in this short life. (2 Pe 3:18+). An apostle by definition had to have seen the resurrected Jesus Peter declaring "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us– beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us–one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22+) Paul insists that he did not merely see a vision of Jesus, but an authentic appearance of the post-resurrection Jesus. Acts 9:3-6+ As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” 1 Corinthians 15:8+ and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. Bob
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - Christians do not run for a short-lived pine wreath or for short-lived fame. They already have true immortality. They run in order to receive a “crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award … on that day” (2 Tim. 4:8), “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven” (1 Pet. 1:4). That prize is imperishable. But the imperishable requires self-control just as the perishable. No Christian will be successful in witnessing, or in anything else worthwhile, without discipline. Every good thing we accomplish—whether in learning, business, artistic skill, marriage, spiritual living, witnessing, or whatever—is accomplished through discipline and self-control.....The athlete’s disciplined self-control is a rebuke of half-hearted, out-of-shape Christians who do almost nothing to prepare themselves to witness to the lost—and consequently seldom do. Swindoll expresses the logic this way "If those rewarded with a withering wreath disciplined their bodies until they hurt, how much more should believers discipline their lives for heavenly rewards?"...Paul knew that the potent temptations of the world threaten to draw our attention away from the greater calling. It takes discipline to avoid their allurements—the kind of self-control that allows us to cross the finish line victoriously or leave the boxing ring on our feet instead of on our backs (9:27). Lenski on imperishable wreath/crown - The argument from the less to the greater is overwhelming: if those athletes practice such self-control merely to obtain a slight and fading earthly crown, shall we do less for a heavenly crown of glory that lasts forever? The two crowns are contrasted with each other by μέν and δέ, the οὖν only continues and means “now.” The perishable crown consisted of wild olive, ivy, or parsley (Fausset); or of laurel, pine, or parsley, which was said to originate from the laurel wreath that was assumed by Apollo on conquering the Python (Smith). Our crown is imperishable, “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” 1 Pet. 1:4. Vine gives some helpful background on the games - These occasions were more than mere contests, they were great national and religious festivals. Only freemen could enter for them, and these only after they had satisfied the officials that they had undergone the appointed preliminary training. Upon the occasion a herald announced the name and country of each competitor. The victor received a crown consisting of a garland of either ivy or pine leaves. His family was honored, and when he returned to his own town, a breach was made in the walls through which he was to enter, this being a token that a place so honored needed no defending walls. The most famous contemporary Greek poet would immortalize his name in verse. Perishable (5349) (phthartos from phtheiro = to destroy from phthino = waste) is that which is subject to corruption, rot, withering, decay or decomposition. The basic idea is that which is short lived, or that which has a brief life or significance. The ancient crowns or wreaths were composed of olive, apple, parsley, fir, pine or celery (depending on who one reads). Obviously such crowns would undergo decay over time as would even the very memory of the award. What a dramatic contrast with the eternal crown awarded to every Christian who faithfully finishes the race! Phthartos - 6v in NT - Rom. 1:23; 1 Co. 9:25; 1 Co. 15:53; 1 Co. 15:54; 1 Pet. 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23 Wreath (Crown) (4735) (stephanos from stepho = to encircle, twine or wreathe) in classical usage originally referred to anything that encircled something else, such as a besieging army or the wall around a city. The usual meaning in secular Greek was a crown or wreath won at various athletic contests. BDAG - The stephanos was "a wreath made of foliage or designed to resemble foliage and worn by one of high status or held in high regard… Apart from recognition of athletes and winners of various kinds of competitions, in the Greco-Roman world the awarding of a crown or wreath signified appreciation for exceptional contributions to the state or groups within it" In the New Testament stephanos is used as a metaphor for the eternal reward of the faithful --1Co 9:25; 2Ti 2:5; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 5:4; Rev 3:11; Re 4:4, Re 4:10. And so we see that the stephanos was literally an adornment worn around the head as a crown of victory in the Greek athletic games, this reward being given to the runner who crossed the goal first, to the disc thrower with the longest toss, etc. Apart from recognition of athletes and winners of various kinds of competitions, in the Greco-Roman world, the awarding of a crown or wreath signified appreciation for exceptional contributions to the state or groups within it. Stephanos - 25x in 25v in the NAS - Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; John 19:2, 5; Acts 6:5, 8f; 7:59; 8:2; 11:19; 22:20; 1 Cor 9:25; Php 4:1; 1Th 2:19; 2Ti 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10; 3:11; 4:4, 10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:14 Imperishable (862) (aphthartos from a = negates what follows + phtheiro = to corrupt) means nothing can corrupt or ruin, not liable to pass away, not subject to corruption, decay or dissolution and so imperishable. Absolutely nothing can ruin your eternal crown beloved! In secular Greek aphthartos described something that had not been ravaged by an invading army. Our crown is totally unlike any earthly crown awarded at the ancient Olympiad. A Christian’s crown cannot be ravaged by hostile forces! Aphthartos - 7x in 7v in the NAS - Ro1:23; 1Co 9:25; 15:52; 1Ti 1:17; 1Pe 1:4, 23; 3:4. NAS = immortal(1), imperishable(4), imperishable quality(1), incorruptible(1). Brian Bell - All the endeavors of the athlete are in vain if he has not trained his body & abstained from all that might in any way harm his physical condition. 1. “Champions aren’t born, they’re made!” 1. Made, via discipline, right training, desire & motivation, & realistic goals. 2. Our key word is temperate or to exercise Self-control! 1. It means strength within. [It carries the idea of mastering yourself instead of giving in to impulse or overindulgence] 3. Winners won: a lifetime exemption from paying taxes & serving in the military. Tuition free education. A not-so-modest statue of yourself erected along the roadway that led to the site of the games. But, the real prize was The Crown! 1. The Isthmian Crown was a wreath of wild celery. 2. 5 Crowns: Crown of Life(Blessed is the man who...James 1:12); Crown Incorruptible (1 Cor 9:25) Crown of Rejoicing (at His presence 1 Thes 2:19,20); Crown of Righteousness (all who have loved His appearing 2Ti 4:5-8); Crown of Glory (Shepherd the flock 1Pet 5:2-4) 4. Let’s keep in mind Paul isn’t speaking of salvation, but Rewards! 5. Paul wants us running to the finish line of life with our sites on winning…not just on finishing the race. 1. Myself in track in H.S. I just wanted to finish! 2. Except one race, I felt great, I was going for it. The race, the 880 yrd dash. 1st lap…I was smokin…the 2nd lap started…I hit the wall so hard! WHY? Lack of discipline…On our long run days I’d talk my friends into running to my house & going swimming, or trampoline-ing. 6. Since these athletes disciplined themselves so strenuously…for a wilting wreath, how much more should we train to win a continuing crown. 1. Heb.12:1 Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 7. "If you want to perform like a champion, you must practice like one!" 8. (John Wesley) “Give me 100 preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; they alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.” AN EVERLASTING CROWN Run in such a way as to get the prize … to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24–25NIV THERE IS a story told of a European princess who had everything she could ever want. Her husband was a wealthy man who adorned her with jewelry at every occasion. But the princess was a fervent Christian, and God put a burden on her heart to start an orphanage. Having no money of her own, she begged her husband to let her sell her jewels so that she could help the children. “Don’t you appreciate the jewels I give you?” he would ask in frustration. “Of course,” she would answer him. “But there are so many homeless children we could help.” Finally he relented, and she set out to sell her jewelry. With the money she gained, she was able to build a beautiful orphanage, and each day workers would bring in orphan children from the streets to be fed and clothed. The more children who came, the greater joy she found in showing them love and affection. One day the princess returned to her husband and said excitedly, “I found my jewels today. I found them in the bright and happy eyes of the children who were rescued from the streets. I found my jewels!” In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus implores us to “store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves” (Matthew 6:20). Peter explains why this is so important. “The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and everything in them will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment” (2 Peter 3:10). The jewels of this world, precious as they may seem at the moment, are as temporal as the days. They hold no value in the eyes of God. I heard a minister once tell of a flood that ravaged his town and flooded his basement. As he stood on the stairway surveying the damage to his possessions, watching helplessly as the things he had accumulated throughout the years were swallowed up in water, he struggled with feelings of anger and remorse. Suddenly he heard the Lord speak to his spirit. “Don’t worry about all that stuff,” the Lord said. “I was planning to burn it all up anyway.” There is a crown waiting for those who hold possessions loosely, and its value is not only priceless but eternal. (Embracing Eternity) Bruce Goettsche on the prize, the imperishable wreath - What is this crown we seek? In the Bible we are told that there will rewards given to those who are faithful. I don’t know what these rewards will be, but one of those rewards will surely be the reward of knowing that you were used by God to bring someone else to faith in Christ. Imagine how wonderful it would be to walk around Heaven and see those who are in Heaven because you were faithful in sharing the truth with them. Personally, I can’t imagine a greater reward....Our ultimate blessing and reward would be to hear the Lord say to us, “Well done!” A child playing ball will often search the stands to see his/her parents. Why? They desire the approval of the people who are most significant to them. When someone we love says, “Good job!” or “I’m proud of you” it is a very significant moment. How much more significant it will be to stand before our precious Redeemer and Lord and hear Him say, “You served me well”? That will be a reward surpassing any trinket the world could afford. Goettsche's comment reminds me of Paul's words in 1 Thes 2:19-20 describing our crown.... For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. Comment - So in this passage Paul identifies the believers he led to the Lord as his crown! Goettsche goes on to discuss HOW TO TRAIN TO WIN Let’s assume (for argument’s sake) that you want to be a winner as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Let’s say that you do want the imperishable crown and you do want to know that you have been responsible for others spending eternity in Heaven. What kind of training is needed? Focus. Paul says the true athlete goes into strict training. The athlete does not run “aimlessly”. He is constantly working on something. He is working on his start, his finish, his stride, or his endurance. He works purposefully. The athlete keeps working toward the prize of being a champion. He never loses sight of the goal. As believers we must keep before us the prize that we are seeking. It is easy to get distracted in this world. There are titles, awards, and milestones that can distract us. There are sports, politics, and profit margin that can occupy our attention. There is pleasure, the achievement of our children, and an abundance of stuff that can cause us to lose our focus. We must constantly, daily, perhaps even hourly, remind ourselves of the goal: the reward of Heaven and the souls of men. Discipline. The second thing that’s needed is discipline. Paul says, “I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave.” Paul says he isn’t just playing games; he is serious. We are told that he “beats his body to make it his slave.” The phrase “beat my body” means to hit below the eye or to get a black eye. The word for athlete in the Greek is the word “agonizomenous” from which we get our word “agony”. The person who plays to win agonizes to grow in their walk with God. 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; Amplified - Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. NLT - So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - Most people, including many Christians, are instead slaves to their bodies. Their bodies tell their minds what to do. Their bodies decide when to eat, what to eat, how much to eat, when to sleep and get up, and so on. An athlete cannot allow that. He follows the training rules, not his body. He runs when he would rather be resting, he eats a balanced meal when he would rather have a chocolate sundae, he goes to bed when he would rather stay up, and he gets up early to train when he would rather stay in bed. An athlete leads his body; he does not follow it. It is his slave, not the other way around. Rod Mattoon - To keep himself under control, Paul was extremely stern with himself. You have to be this way if you are going to keep the brama bull of your flesh under control. Our flesh kicks, twists, and snorts when we exert self-discipline. It does not like to be controlled, but that is what is needed if you are going to be a champion for Christ. THOUGHT - In a small church yard at the foot of a Swiss mountain, the body of a young English climber was buried. On the tombstone under his name and date were these words, "He Died Climbing." When you die one day, will you be climbing for Christ when that time comes? God help us all to be pressing for the prize. May we run our race for Christ faithfully and be champions for Him. In his last recorded words Paul gave a warning to his young disciple Timothy noting that "if anyone competes as an athlete, he (absolute negative and present tense - continually) does not win the prize (stephanoo) unless he competes (athleo) according to the rules (lawfully - see disqualification)." (2 Ti 2:5-see commentary) John MacArthur on disqualified says that "Many believers start the Christian life with enthusiasm and devotion. They train carefully for a while but soon tire of the effort and begin to “break training.” Before long they are disqualified from being effective witnesses (ED: REMEMBER THE CONTEXT WAS "WITNESSING" PAUL BECOMING ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE TO WIN SOME AND IN V27 HE AGAIN MENTIONS PREACHING SO THIS WOULD DEFINITELY SUPPORT MACARTHUR'S INTERPRETATION - WITH WHICH I AGREE) . They do not have what it takes, because they are unwilling to pay the price. The flesh, the world, everyday affairs, personal interests, and often simple laziness hinder spiritual growth and preparation for service. Even good things can interfere with the best. Fulfillment of freedoms can interfere with fulfillment of love. Following our own ways can keep others from knowing the Way. Souls are won by those who are prepared to be used when the Spirit chooses to use them. (MacArthur, J: 1Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press) Chuck Swindoll - Throughout this passage, it’s important to remember that Paul isn’t talking about working hard to earn salvation. The whole context is selfless participation in ministry by those already saved. Paul uses an athletic illustration to explain that not all Christians will be rewarded equally for the way they lived and invested their time, energy, and resources. Henry
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur adds that "He was not using subterfuge, hoping that, despite his protest, they would begin to pay him. He had never taken pay from those he served and he never intended to. Nor was he now asking for that in a disguised way." For it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast (kauchema) an empty one - NLT = "In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge." Paul is saying he would rather die than have anyone think that he was preaching the Gospel for financial gain or with a financial motive! This is a strong statement! What is the boast to which he refers? In context he has just said ("boasted") "I have used none of these things." MacArthur on my boast (kauchema) - The term “boast” refers to that in which one glories or to the basis of one’s glorying, and carries the idea of rejoicing. It is a statement of sincere joy, not pride (cf. 1 Cor 1:31; Ro 15:17). Paul was genuinely overjoyed for the privilege of serving the Lord and did not want material support to rob him of it in any way. (MSB) ESV Study Bible on make my boast - Paul uses this word not in its usual sense of pride that steals glory from God (see 1 Cor. 1:29) but rather as expressing a rightful sense of joy and fulfillment in what God has done through him (e.g., see Acts 14:27; Rom. 15:17–19; 2 Cor. 1:14; 10:7–8; Gal. 6:4; Phil. 2:16; 2 Tim. 4:7–8).
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - He gloried in the gospel but not for it. He had absolutely nothing to do with the giving or the content of the gospel. He simply received the revelation. Nor was he boasting of his commitment to or ability in preaching the gospel....At some time or another, every preacher whom the Lord has called will realize that he is under God’s compulsion. It is not that God’s calling cannot be ignored, neglected, or slighted, but that it cannot be changed. The man who resists God’s call or tries to give it up will, like Jeremiah, experience a “burning fire shut up in [his] bones” until he obeys. He has no choice. I am (present tense - continually) under compulsion (anagke); for (explaining the necessity) woe is me if I do not preach the gospel (euaggelizo/euangelizo) - Wuest = "a necessary compulsion is pressing down upon me." MIT = " a compulsion weighs upon me to do that." Paul was saved by Jesus to preach the Gospel as Jesus instructed Ananias to tell "“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16+) Paul was like Jeremiah, Peter and John (see related passages above) He didn’t control it; it controlled him. -- Steven Cole Redpath - He is able to face those who question his authority with the fact that he has maintained a testimony. This is an obligation which is laid upon every one of us. Bruce Barton - Preaching the gospel was Paul’s gift and calling. He admitted he couldn’t stop preaching even if he had wanted to. Paul was driven by the desire to do what God wanted, using his gifts for God’s glory. Paul’s admission offers a clue to discovering our spiritual gifts. What do you find yourself doing over and over? In what very specific way do you have a habit of serving others and enjoying it? Give other Christians permission to observe you and offer feedback. Make it a point to discover what special gifts has God given you. (LAC)
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur has a slightly different interpretation of slave to all - By choice, he set aside his right to be supported, and thus “enslaved” himself to self-support, in order to remove a potential offense and win more people to Jesus Christ (cf. Pr 11:30). Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. -- Daniel 12:3+ Cole on I have made myself a slave to all - A slave does not view himself as being over others, but rather as being under them to serve. He doesn’t think of himself first, but of those he serves. Paul made himself a slave to those who were without Christ. Do you view the lost as the enemy to be fought or as those whom you need to serve? If the latter, how are you serving them? Do you look for opportunities to serve your neighbors or your lost family members? If an unbeliever is rude toward you, do you react with anger or with kindness? I read of a mean army sergeant who threw his muddy boots at a Christian private as he knelt by his bunk in prayer. They hit him in the head, but he went on praying. In the morning the sergeant found his boots beside his bunk beautifully polished. That act of kind service on the part of that private resulted in the sergeant’s salvation. I’ll be the first to admit that I probably would not have responded as that private did. But that kind of behavior starts with an attitude that we all must adopt: “I am a slave to the lost.” (Winning Others to Christ) Note the "key word/phrase" "I may win" (kerdaino) used 6 times in 1 Cor 9:19-22. Paul "defines" what win means in 1 Cor 9:22, where win is changed to save. Made...a slave(1402) (douloo) means to bring someone into a state of absolute obedience and thus to bring into bondage, to enslave, to make someone a slave. The idea is to be held and controlled against one’s will. Figuratively (all NT uses except Acts 7:6) douloo means to gain control over someone. To become servant, to make someone a slave or to become a slave, to serve. The imagery derives directly from the ancient practice of enslaving an enemy defeated in battle as a prisoner! And so douloo describes not so much a relation of service as primarily one of dependence upon, or bondage to, something. Douloo - 8v in NT - Acts 7:6; Rom. 6:18; Rom. 6:22; 1 Co. 7:15; 1 Co. 9:19; Gal. 4:3; Tit. 2:3; 2 Pet. 2:19 Win (gain) (2770)(kerdaino from kerdos = gain) means literally to procure an advantage or profit, to acquire by effort or investment (as in the parable of the talents Mt 25:16,17, 20, 22; Jas 4:13 = "make a profit"). In 1 Cor 9:19-22 kerdaino is used 5 times and translated "might win", in each use this "gain" referring not to money but to men's souls, for those whom Paul might "gain" equates with those who were saved. This is the ultimate "good investment" which will pay "dividends" for eternity! Are you placing more effort into investing in the market were the gains are temporal or in men where the gain is eternal?
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur- Within the limits of God’s Word and his Christian conscience, Paul would be as culturally and socially Jewish as necessary when witnessing to Jews (cf. Ro 9:3; 10:1; 11:14). He was not bound to ceremonies and traditions of Judaism. All legal restraints had been removed, but there was the constraint of love (cf. Ro 9:3; 10:1; Ro 11:14). For examples of this identification with customs of the Jews, see notes on Acts 16:3; 18:18; Acts 21:20–26. (MSB) ESV Study Bible - Paul was a Jew (2 Cor. 11:22; Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:5) and valued his Jewish heritage (Rom. 9:3–5), but the Jewish Messiah himself had nullified the distinctively Jewish parts of the Mosaic law (Matt. 15:11; Mark 7:19; Rom. 14:14; 1 Cor. 7:19; Gal. 2:11–14; 6:2; Eph. 2:14–15). In Christ, God had created a newly defined people where there was no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Acts 15:9; Rom. 3:22; 10:12; 1 Cor. 10:32). became Cole on To the Jews I became as a Jew, - There is a perception to gain: Where is this person at? Paul had one message, the gospel, which he never changed. But culturally, he considered the perspective of his hearers and tried to think and act as they did, as long as it wasn’t sinful, so that they would hear the message. To the Jews, Paul became a Jew (1Cor 9:20). Wasn’t Paul already a Jew? Yes, but he had left the strict cultural aspects of Judaism behind when God called him to preach to the Gentiles. So when he went back to Jerusalem or to Jewish people anywhere, he had to relate to them as a Jew. In modern terms, with the Jews, Paul was kosher. He skipped the bacon for breakfast. “Those under the Law” (1Cor 9:20) is another way of looking at the Jews. It focuses on their religious practices, especially keeping the ceremonial aspects of the Law. Paul was no longer under the Law of Moses (Ro 6:14; 7:4), but he could observe a Jewish celebration if it gave him an opportunity to reach the Jews. (Winning Others to Christ) Utley on though not being myself under the Law - We must relate Paul’s words here to Jesus’ words in Matt. 5:17–20. Paul is not doing away with the Mosaic Law, but seeing its true fulfillment in Christ. The Law is not the means of salvation, but it is still (1) a true revelation and (2) a reflection of God’s will for humanity in society. It functions in progressive sanctification, but not justification.
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur on law - To keep from being misunderstood, he makes it clear that he is not talking about ignoring or violating God’s moral law. The Ten Commandments and all of God’s other moral laws have, if anything, been strengthened under the New Covenant. For example, not only is it sin to commit murder but also to be inordinately angry with your brother or to call him a fool. Not only is adultery sinful, but so is lust (Matt. 5:21–30). Love does not abrogate God’s moral law but fulfills it (Rom. 13:8, 10; cf. Matt. 5:17). None of us in Christ is without [outside] the law of God, but rather are under the law of Christ. Every believer is under complete legal obligation to Jesus Christ—even though love, rather than the externalities of the law, is to be the guiding force. (MNTC-1 Cor)
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - If a person is offended by God’s Word, that is his problem. If he is offended by biblical doctrine, standards, or church discipline, that is his problem. That person is offended by God. But if he is offended by our unnecessary behavior or practices—no matter how good and acceptable those may be in themselves—his problem becomes our problem. Utley feels that "The law of Christ is a way of referring to the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34+). Paul and James phrase it in several different ways (“the law of the Spirit of Life,” Rom. 8:2; “the law of Christ,” Gal. 6:2; “the perfect law, the law of liberty,” James 1:25 and James 2:12+; “the royal law,” James 2:8+). It takes tact to make contact. So that (term of purpose) I might win (kerdaino) those who are without law - Gain Gentile converts. Paul reminds me of Hudson Taylor (founder of China Inland Mission) who when he was led by God into the interior regions of China, chose to adopt their style of clothing and manner of living in order to facilitate reaching more with the Gospel. (See picture above) "Together with his co-workers, Hudson Taylor began speaking and preaching and distributing literature in the nearby areas. However, when he saw that the Chinese people could only see him as an outsider he followed the example of Dr. Charles Gutzlaff, whom he called the “grandfather of the China Inland Mission,” and chose to wear the clothes of the common Chinese people. Although this made him the laughing stock of both foreign and Chinese onlookers, the effects proved his point and helped people see that what he preached was not such a foreign message after all.....While stressing the need to preach widely, Hudson Taylor urged local churches to establish and mature, for church buildings to be of Chinese not foreign design, and for leaders of the churches to be Chinese Christians." (from Article on James Hudson Taylor) Smith - “Paul sought to win people to Jesus Christ by being sensitive to their needs and identifying with them. We should try to reach people where they are today and expect to see changes later.” Brian Bell - Paul did this so well in all the Greek cities. He didn’t use Jewish analogies, but instead spoke to their Gentile-ness! One w/o the Law...could also refer to the “freedom abusers”. Paul encourages us to be mobile in method, but not in morals! Related Resource: An Enquiry Into The Obligations Of Christians To Use Means Ror the Conversion of the Heathen - by William Carey True Teamwork They [train] to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. —1 Corinthians 9:25 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Sports brings out the best and the worst in people. The news media often focus on the worst. Those who comfort players with “It’s not whether you win or lose that counts; it’s how you play the game” seldom make world news. But once in a while they do. After a baseball team from Georgia defeated a team from Japan in the Little League World Series, one reporter wrote: “The boys from Warner Robins left a lasting impression of their inner character for the world to see. They proved again, it’s not whether you win or lose that counts. It is, how you play the game.” When the losing players broke down in tears, the winning team members stopped their victory celebration to console them. “I just hated to see them cry,” said pitcher Kendall Scott, “and I just wanted to let them know that I care.” Some referred to the moment as “sportsmanship at its best.” It was indeed heartwarming, but it points out that sports—even at its best—is an imperfect metaphor for Christianity. In sports, someone always loses. But when someone is won to Christ, the only loser is Satan. Lord, too often I view as my enemies those who don’t know You. Help me love them as You love them. Help me gently share Your truth with them. Help me see them as part of Your great mission field. Amen. Tact is the knack of winning a point without making an enemy. J Oswald Sanders - The Value of Prohibitions 1 Corinthians 9:21 We must by diligent study of the Scriptures and by thought and prayer arrive at our own convictions and not weakly adopt those inherited from others. We should, nonetheless, guard against the idea that there is no place for taboos and prohibitions in the Christian life. They are plentifully found in both Old and New Testaments—the Ten Commandments, for example. If it be objected that we are “not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:15) and that the restrictions of the law do not apply to Christians, the answer is that nine out of ten commandments in the Decalogue are reiterated in the New Testament, where their application is greatly widened. Murder in the act is traced to hatred in the heart. It is true that we are no longer “under the law” as a way of justification but we are “under . . . law to Christ” as a new way of life. Paul is as strong in his prohibitions as with his calls to freedom. “Put off,” “abstain,” “lay aside” are characteristic commands of his letters. The Bible does not legislate in detail for every matter of conduct that might arise, but it does enumerate clear principles which, correctly applied, cover every conceivable case. If God did not give clear guidance, how can we then be held responsible for failure to do His will? It is within the unique qualities of New Testament Christianity that lay down clear guiding principles rather than imposing a set of taboos, a system of rules and regulations, for God delights to deal with His people as adult sons and daughters rather than as children under a tutor. Since this is the case, in reading the Scriptures we should constantly ask, “What are the spiritual principles put forth in this passage?” (SC) Common Ground That I might win those who are without law. — 1 Corinthians 9:21 Today's Scripture: Acts 17:22-31 Roman emperors are not generally remembered for their wisdom, but there are a few exceptions. One great thinker was Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome from AD 161 to 180. Gifted with a brilliant mind, he was one of the great intellectual rulers in Western civilization. Although he never became a convert to the new faith that would be called Christianity, he displayed remarkable insight. His wisdom reflects the law of God written in the heart of someone who did not have God’s Word (Rom. 2:14-15). For example: • The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. • You have power over your mind—not outside events. • Your life is what your thoughts make it. These words sound similar to Proverbs 23:7, “As [a person] thinks in his heart, so is he.” We can learn helpful principles from non-Christians and use their beliefs as common ground for sharing the gospel. When Paul stood on Mars Hill addressing some of the leading intellectuals of his day, he did not belittle their beliefs but established common ground with them and then gave the gospel (Acts 17:26-28). What common ground do you share with your friends? Books read Hobbies Travel Children Sports Upbringing Work A grief experience Military service A faith worth having is a faith worth sharing. 1 Corinthians 9:22 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. Amplified - To the weak (wanting in discernment) I have become weak (wanting in discernment) that I might win the weak and overscrupulous. I have [in short] become all things to all men, that I might by all means (at all costs and in any and every way) save some [by winning them to faith in Jesus Christ]. NET 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some. NLT 1 Corinthians 9:22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:22 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. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:22 ἐγενόμην τοῖς ἀσθενέσιν ἀσθενής, ἵνα τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς κερδήσω· τοῖς πᾶσιν γέγονα πάντα, ἵνα πάντως τινὰς σώσω. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:22 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. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:22 I became to the infirm as infirm, that the infirm I might gain; to all men I have become all things, that by all means I may save some. ASV 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:22 I became to the weak as one who was weak that I might win the weak. To all I have become everything needed in order that by all means I would be able to rescue some of them. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak, I made myself weak, to win the weak. I accommodated myself to people in all kinds of different situations, so that by all possible means I might bring some to salvation. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:22 I became like a person weak in faith to win those who are weak in faith. I have become everything to everyone in order to save at least some of them. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the feeble, I was as one who is feeble, so that they might have salvation: I have been all things to all men, so that some at least might have salvation. To the weak: 1Co 8:13 Ro 15:1 2Co 11:29 Ga 6:1 I have become: 1Co 10:33 that I may 1Co 9:19 1 Cor 7:16 Ro 11:14 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL BECAME ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN To the weak I became weak, that I might win (kerdaino) the weak - The "key word" here is weak. Who are the weak? In context this has to refer to the weak he has just described in 1 Cor 8:7, 9, 10+), the weak in faith and understanding. In those passages Paul used the verb astheneo and here uses the related adjective asthenes. In Ro 5:8+ Paul describes the state of those before they received Christ as helpless. Although weak is used in chapter 8, there it clearly refers to those who are already believers, but who are weak or immature in their faith. Arnold says "They were weak because they had superstitious beliefs and hang-ups concerning meat sacrificed to idols or drinking wine or observing religious holidays. Paul was a total abstainer from these things if they ever became a hindrance to a person coming to Christ. Paul would not abuse his liberty so he could be the most effective witness for Christ he could possibly be." MacArthur takes a different approach on the weak - Paul was willing to identify with those, whether Jew or Gentile, who did not have the power of understanding to grasp the gospel. When among those who were weak he acted weak. He stooped to the level of their weakness of comprehension. To those who needed simple or repeated presentations, that is what he gave them. No doubt he demonstrated that kind of consideration in the case of the Corinthians themselves (cf. 1 Cor 2:1–5+). His purpose was to win them to salvation. ESVSB on weak - This is the attitude that Paul wants those in Corinth with superior “knowledge” to adopt toward the “weak” in their midst (cf.1 Cor 8:9–13). NIVSB on weak - Paul did not exercise his Christian freedom in such things as eating meat sacrificed to idols in pagan temples (8:9, 13), as if he shared the sensibilities of the weak. Alan Redpath - To the weak he became as one weak. He refused to use his liberty as a Christian in any way that might become a stumblingblock or lead another astray. Steven
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur says it this way "If a person is offended by God’s Word, that is his problem. If he is offended by biblical doctrine, standards, or church discipline, that is his problem. That person is offended by God. But if he is offended by our unnecessary behavior or practices—no matter how good and acceptable those may be in themselves—his problem becomes our problem." (MNTC-1Cor) I like the NIVSB note on fellow partaker - Paul’s hope concerning the manner of his own participation in the future glory of believers is linked with the faithfulness with which he carried out the apostolic mission Christ gave him (cf. 2 Co 3:1–3; 5:10; Php 2:16; see especially 1 Th 2:19–20+). W E Vine has a similar comment - The apostle is not thinking here of his partnership with the believers at Corinth, but of his cooperation with the gospel itself in its activity. That he is thinking of the great eternal issues and of the effects of taking his share of the work effectually, seems clear from the remainder of the chapter.
1 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - Paul therefore counsels all believers to run in such a way that you may win, by setting aside anything that might hinder the reception of the gospel. Holding tightly to liberties and rights is a sure way to lose the race of soul-winning. Many of the Corinthian Christians seriously limited their testimony because they would not limit their liberty. They refused to give up their rights, and in so doing they won few and offended many. (Bold added) Hunter - "So run" demands tremendous effort, concentration, determination, dedication, resolution. It means calling upon every ounce of energy, putting forth all of one’s strength, to emerge as victor. There is no place here for half-heartedness; for the soft, flabby christian. May God help us all." (CAVEAT- DO NOT INTERPRET THIS AS IF IT IS ALL UP TO US TO EXERT THIS TREMENDOUS EFFORT - YES WE ARE TO DO IT BUT WE CAN ONLY DO IT WITH SUPERNATURAL ENABLEMENT. IF YOU LEAN TOO FAR TO YOUR PART, YOU RUN THE RISK OF BECOMING A LEGALIST OR AT THE VERY LEAST A PERSON WHO IS FRUSTRATED BECAUSE OF REPEAT FAILURES TO "KILL SIN" - JERRY BRIDGES GIVES THE BALANCED APPROACH HE CALLS "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible" (100/100)) (What the Bible Teaches) WHAT IS THE PRIZE? At this point, the question must be asked, what is the prize? Commentators vary considerably on what they think the prize represents. If we keep the context in mind ("context is king" in interpretation!), what has Paul been emphasizing in the preceding section? He has been describing his willingness to give up his rights (self-denial) and he has been describing his willingness to do anything (that is legal, moral) necessary to win souls to Christ with the Gospel. Therefore in light of this context, several commentators interpret the prize as souls won to Christ (God of course wins them, but allows us to participate in the process by proclaiming the Gospel), and I personally believe that this is the primary meaning of Paul's exhortation and instruction in 1 Cor 9:24-27. In 1 Cor 9:25 Paul mentions wreath which is used 18x in the NT and every other time is translated crown or crowns. And in 1 Cor 9:25 Paul says we (he and all saints potentially) receive a perishable wreath or crown. It follows that the prize in verse 24 parallels the wreath/crown in verse 25. Therefore it would be logical to examine the 18 uses of crown to see if they provide any clue as to the identity of the prize. We thank Thee for the crown Of glory and of life; ’Tis no poor withering wreath of earth, Man’s prize in mortal strife; ’Tis incorruptible as is the Throne, The kingdom of our God and His Incarnate Son. —Horatius Bonar So if we study all 18 uses of crown/wreath, we find some very interesting truths. For example in Php 4:1 Paul writes " Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved." So clearly the saints at Philippi (where he planted the first church on the European continent), are themselves his crown (and joy). And then in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 we read "For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are (present tense - continually) our glory and joy." Paul clearly states the saints (undoubtedly the ones he had a role in leading to Christ) in the church at Thessalonica were his crown of exultation (and hope and glory and joy). The New Living Translation says paraphrases verse 19 as "After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when He returns? It is you!" (1Th 2:19NLT) Clearly Paul is saying that those believers in whom he played a role in bringing to Christ will be his crown and by implication (cf "you are our glory and joy" is in the present tense) he will in some way experience that "living reward," that "crown," that "prize" for all eternity. In short, this simple analysis of crown and comparison with context of 1 Corinthians 9 leave little doubt that at least one aspect or component of the prize is the converts we have had a role in their coming to Christ. Crowns At the Bema (See Table) Of course, other passages use stephanos to describe the various crowns that will be awarded to Christians which certainly could be a component of the prize Christians receive after running their race of life. "the crown of righteousness" (2 Ti 4:8) for all who have loved His appearing. "the crown of life" (James 1:12) for the one who perseveres under trial and is approved. "the unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:4) given when the Chief Shepherd appears to award spiritual shepherds "the crown of life" (Rev 2:10) to those at Smyrna who are faithful until death In Philippians Paul has the only other use of the Greek word for prize, writing " I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Php 3:14) What is the prize in this verse? The text does not say but I like the ESV Study Bible comment that "The prize is the fullness of blessings and rewards in the age to come, most especially being in perfect fellowship with Christ forever." MacArthur Study Bible is similar describing it as "Christlikeness in heaven." Constable suggests "The prize probably refers to the reward faithful believers will receive at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). God has called every believer to salvation so we may obtain that prize. However only those who run the race as Paul did, namely to gain an ever increasing experiential knowledge of Christ, will obtain it (1 Cor. 9:24)." One "prize" of course is Christ Himself, for nothing and no one could be a greater prize. Closely related to the prize being Christ Himself, are the words from Christ Himself of "Well done." (cf Mt 25:21, 23, Lk 19:17). Here are a few comments on the prize. MacArthur also sees the prize as salvation of souls - In a sense, every Christian runs his own race, enabling each one of us to be a winner in winning souls to Christ. Paul therefore counsels all believers to run in such a way that you may win, by setting aside anything that might hinder the reception of the gospel. Baker - In 1 Cor 9:24–27, Paul tops off the discussion of the purpose and strategy of his missionary activity by focusing on his goal, noted in 1 Cor 9:23, to do everything he possibly can to save those who might respond positively to the gospel message Jack Arnold - The prize at the end of the race is not salvation because the Christian already has that due to his eternal relationship with Christ Jesus the Lord. He runs the race for rewards which come for faithful service. Again, there is an analogy with the Greek games. For a young Greek, the reward at the end of the race would not be his Greek citizenship. It was the law of the Greeks that no person could participate in the games unless he could prove that he was of pure Greek parentage. These young Greek athletes were already Greek citizens running in a race to obtain honor, glory and a prize. Christians are already citizens of heaven, and that happened at the moment they were converted to Christ. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philip. 3:20). We Christians are not running the race hoping that we will someday be citizens of heaven. We are citizens of heaven now, and we are running the race for spiritual crowns, for rewards given to us by Christ himself at the Judgment Seat of Christ as an expression of His satisfaction because of the Christian’s love, devotedness and faithfulness in this life. Christians are free men and women in Christ, and as such are placed in the spiritual race and are to win that race. If we fail to give all we have to win, we do not lose heaven, but we lose reward. Salvation is by grace, not by works. We do not work to keep ourselves saved, but we work to prove or demonstrate salvation. We work, not for salvation, but because of salvation, and the result of that work is reward in heaven at the judgment Seat of Christ. Salvation is by grace, and thank God that even though we fail at times, God’s grace is sufficient. If salvation were by works, we would be miserable, for none of us ever lives the Christian life as he could or should. When would we do enough works to know that we were saved? As runners put forth every effort to win, so the Christian must strain every nerve and stretch every muscle to produce his finest spiritual effort.....Why are you here on earth? God saved you. He designed you with your gifts, talents and abilities that He might use you, that you might be pleasing to him, and that you might win the race. If you do not win, it is not God’s fault; it is your fault because you refused to get in spiritual shape, to pray, to discipline your body, to bring your mind under control, to make your heart obey. Paul says, “Run that you might win!” Warren
1 Coríntios 9:27
MacArthur writes that… The athlete’s disciplined self–control is a rebuke of half–hearted, out–of–shape Christians who do almost nothing to prepare themselves to witness to the lost—and consequently seldom do. (MacArthur, J: 1Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press ) Paul was saying that if the Olympic and Isthmian athletes exercised such great discipline (giving up the good and the better for the best) and self–control in all things, why can't you Corinthian Christians? In this same line of thought we need to remember that Jesus didn’t say, “Follow Me and life will be easy.” He said, “Follow Me, and life will be tough, but your prize will be worth it in the end.” The Christian life is not a race to see who comes in first, but an endurance run to see who finishes faithfully. Remaining faithful to the finish makes us true winners. We are judged by what we finish, not by what we start. John
1 Coríntios 9:27
MacArthur explains the first part of Romans 8:13 this way: The apostle is not warning genuine believers that they may lose their salvation and be condemned to death if they fall back into some of the ways of the flesh. He has already given the absolute assurance that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Ro 8:1-note). He is rather saying that a person whose life is characterized (Ed: continually) by the things of the flesh is not a true Christian and is spiritually dead, no matter what his religious affiliations or activities may be. If he does not come to Christ in true faith, he must die the second death under God’s final judgment. (MacArthur, J: Romans 1-8. Chicago: Moody Press) Comment: We need to understand what Paul is not saying. He is not saying believers won't ever sin or from time to time fall back into patterns of sin they had before they were regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Clearly legitimate children of God do fall back into sin when their focus turns away from Lord and His sufficiency and onto themselves and to the things of the world. Stated another way, there may be times in a believer's life when a snapshot might show that person as if they were living according to the flesh, but over time they would exhibit evidence of progress in holiness. Neither is Paul suggesting that a believer should “Let go and let God”, a philosophy promoted by some who advocate a so-called "deeper life", in which one progressively rises to higher and higher levels of spirituality until sin and even temptation are virtually absent! As long as a believer is in his or her earth suit, they will be subject to the passions of the wily evil flesh and will daily (cp Lk 9:23 - "daily") need to keep putting sins to death by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and His ever sufficient supply of grace. Only in heaven will our need for this "practical" or "progressive" sanctification (growth in holiness) come to complete and final end, for when we see Christ, we shall be like Him (1Jn 3:2, 3 - What is He like? Holy of course. Sinless. Glorified.) Until the consummation of our blessed hope (Titus 2:13-note), all believers are admonished to continually be about the Father's business of putting sin to death by the Spirit (cp Col 3:5-note). Ray Pritchard comments: I once heard Dr. Ryrie call Romans 8:13 the most important single verse on the spiritual life in the New Testament. He liked it because it contains a beautiful balance. There is God’s part— "if by the Spirit" —and there is our part— "you put to death." Spiritual growth comes when we do our part as we rely upon the Holy Spirit’s enablement. True spirituality is neither entirely passive ("Let go and let God") nor entirely active ("I’ve got to do this all by myself"). This verse balances a moment-by-moment dependence upon the Spirit with a tough-minded attitude toward the flesh. Is the spiritual life dependent upon God or upon me? The answer is Yes! I cannot do it without God. God will not do it without me. (Think of the) illustration about a car versus an elevated train. One operates on the storage principle (You put gas in the tank and you drive it. You burn the gas and when you're out of gas, you stop, you get more gas, you run it again, you burn it, you get more gas, you keep on driving until you run out. You're constantly running and stopping, running and stopping, filling and refilling.), the other on the contact principle (You have the two rails on the outside and the electrified third rail in the middle. What is it that keeps the elevated train going? As long as the train stays in contact with that third rail in the middle, it will go and go and go and never stop. Too many people think that walking with the Holy Spirit is like riding in a car. You get filled with the Holy Spirit and you get run down and you get filled up again and you get run down. So they're constantly up and down, up and down, being filled and emptied, being filled and emptied. That's not the Christian life of the New Testament.) The Christian life operates on the contact principle. Just as the train moves forward as long it stays in contact with the third rail, even so your spiritual life moves forward as you stay in constant contact with the Holy Spirit. The whole question of the Spirit-filled life resolves itself into this: Are you keeping in contact with the Holy Spirit? Your job—your only real job as a Christian—is to stay in contact with the Spirit -- Day by day. Hour by hour. Moment by moment… How well have you been staying in contact? (Read his entire messag - Life in the Spirit - Roman 8:5-17 including his discussion of "Three Faulty Ways to Live the Christian Life" - "By rules...By a formula...By an experience") Paul states a parallel truth in Colossians in the form of a command… Therefore consider (nekroo) the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. (Col 3:5-note) Comment: Note that in this verse nekroo is in the active voice (signifies one makes a volitional choice). Vine says nekroo conveys the "sense of destroying the strength of, depriving of power, with reference to the evil desires which work in the body". Paul is saying in essence "Put an end to the life of" your bodily members and functions in regard to immoral purposes. This command to mortify the evil fleshly desires is another way of saying "I buffet my body and make it my slave". Make it my slave (1396) (doulagogeo from doulos [word study] = servant, slave + ago = to lead, bring) means literally to bring into a state of servitude, to make a salve, to bring into a state of subjection. Used only here in the Bible. Note that while the body per se is not evil, it is the "base of enemy operations", the camp from which Sin launches its missiles of anti-God impulses and desires that if not deflected by the shield of faith always result in death and destruction to our spiritual life. Spirit empowered Self denial This is a description of what I would call "Spirit empowered self denial" and begs the question "Are you a "slave" to your body? Does your body give the orders?" If "yes" then clearly you are not denying your fleshly lusts and it follows that you are not surrendered to the the Holy Spirit -- He is not filling, controlling and empowering you. A T
1 Coríntios 9:27
MacArthur notes that "Many believers start the Christian life with enthusiasm and devotion. They train carefully for a while but soon tire of the effort and begin to “break training.” Before long they are disqualified from being effective witnesses. They do not have what it takes, because they are unwilling to pay the price. The flesh, the world, everyday affairs, personal interests, and often simple laziness hinder spiritual growth and preparation for service. Even good things can interfere with the best. Fulfillment of freedoms can interfere with fulfillment of love. Following our own ways can keep others from knowing the Way. Souls are won by those who are prepared to be used when the Spirit chooses to use them. (MacArthur, J: 1Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press) Chuck Swindoll - Throughout this passage, it’s important to remember that Paul isn’t talking about working hard to earn salvation. The whole context is selfless participation in ministry by those already saved. Paul uses an athletic illustration to explain that not all Christians will be rewarded equally for the way they lived and invested their time, energy, and resources. Craig Blomberg - Verse 27b has been taken as Paul’s concern that he might lose his salvation (a remarkable thought in view of Rom. 8:31–38) or that “the prize” refers to some kind of rewards above and beyond eternal life itself (an idea for which there is no shred of contextual support). More probably, “disqualified” (adokimos) should be interpreted in light of the other reference to testing in the context of Judgment Day in 1 Corinthians (3:12–15). There Paul says God will “test” (dokimasei; v. 13) believers’ works and give out corresponding praise or censure (see the discussion above, pp. 74, 80). But neither one’s salvation nor eternal status in heaven is at stake. (NIVAC-1 Cor) Albert