1 Corinthians

A Free Slave {1 Corinthians 9}

3:00 PM


Monday April 13, “Walking In Wisdom”


The church of Corinth, established by Paul, was in the middle of a busy metropolis in the southern part of Greece. Surrounded by religions of idolatry and an immoral culture, the young church struggled from being corrupted by the pagan society in which they lived. When Paul learned of their conflicts, including church members practicing behaviors that were hurting fellow believers in their faith walk, Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians. And in it he let them know that although we may have the right to do something, doesn’t mean we should. 

“It was for freedom that Christ sets us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1) As the perfect fulfillment of the Law, with His death the Lord freed us from the bondage of living under a set of rules. Yet because we are all in various stages of our spiritual growth, what we feel free to do or not to do means different things to different people. Paul says that we need to respect these differences. Instead of saying, “I’m not about to give up my right to do something because a fellow Christian with a legalistic view gets hurt feelings about it.”, say, “Out of love it is better to limit my own freedom than to cause a weaker believer to falter.”

Paul knows of what he speaks. As an apostle personally chosen by Jesus, Paul was entitled to certain rights specified by God as written in the Law of Moses. But instead of claiming these rights, he voluntarily laid them aside for a greater reward. “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. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. I do all things for the sake of the gospel so that I may become a fellow partaker of it” (vs. 18-19, 23) Paul thought it a great privilege to be able to serve the Lord. And although he never compromised his convictions, he was more than willing to put his comfort, needs, opinions, and rights behind those of others, all to grow God’s kingdom.

“You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13) There is a quote by C. S. Lewis which says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” The covid-19 pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in people. As Christians this is our chance to put our love for others and Christ into action. And as one of the fruits of the Spirit, that love dictates we think more of others than we do ourselves, gladly laying aside our rights so that others may better know Jesus. And we can do so with joy, knowing the great reward of the “imperishable crown” awaiting us. (vs. 25) A crown which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).


1 Corinthians 9

Freedom and Discipline {1 Corinthians 9}

12:30 AM


As Christians we already look and act differently than non-Christians.  Two people on their Christian journey, look and act differently.  Paul is teaching these Corinthians and us too, that although we have a right to do whatever we want, we need to, as the old saying goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”, but that does not mean that we sin to be accepted.  When your focus is on living for Christ, your rights become comparatively unimportant.

Preaching the gospel was Paul’s calling.  That may not be your calling or my calling.  Perhaps yours is hospitality or feeding the hungry, or sharing your musical talent.  We need to use our gifts to glorify God.

The Christian life involves both freedom and discipline.  The goal in Paul’s life was to glorify God and bring people to Christ.  So Paul was free from any philosophical position or material entanglements that might side track him, while he strictly disciplined himself to carry out his goal.  For Paul, both freedom and discipline were important to be used in God’s service.

Paul gave several important principles for ministry:

1)  find common ground with those you contact. 
2)  avoid a know-it-all attitude
3)  make others feel accepted
4)  be sensitive to their needs and concerns
5)  look for opportunities to tell them about Christ. 

Winning the race requires purpose and discipline.  Paul uses this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard work.  And if you are like me, you have discovered that the further into your relationship with Christ, the harder life becomes.  We need to work on self-denial and be prepared, by reading and studying scripture daily.  As we spend more time doing this, we become more equipped to run the race with vigor and stamina.  We cannot merely observe from the grandstand, we need to train diligently because our spiritual progress depends on it.

Self-discipline requires an honest look at our strengths and weaknesses, with emphasis on our weaknesses.  It means building the will to say no when a powerful appetite inside us screams yes.  For example, when you have self-discipline, you can
  1. Say no to friends or situations that will lead you away from Christ
  2. Say no to casual sex, saving intimacy for marriage
  3. Say no to laziness in favor of “can do” and “will do”.

Self-discipline is a long steady course in learning attitudes that do not come naturally, and channeling natural appetites toward God’s purposes.

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Lord, I want to thank you for showing me my own weaknesses recently.  I want to thank you for showing me how to regain strength with You.  You Lord are my sole-source of strength.  You keep me on the straight and narrow path.  You have shown me that sin will never satisfy me or bring me peace.  You have shown me that this world will only laugh in my face.  When I give You my sins, You bring me joy.  It’s an amazing freedom that I pray everyone will enjoy!