Posted by J on November 15, 2004 at 17:08:00:
This Sunday, we talked a little bit about some of Paul's references to athletics. I decided to do a little reading...
"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. And everyone whoe competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they doe it to obtain a perishable crown. Therefore I run thus; not with uncertainty. Thus I fight; not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."
I Cor 9:24 - 27
The Greek word, translated 'temperate,' comes from the meaning "self-control" or "disciplined." The Greek word, translated 'uncertainty,' comes from the meaning "hidden" or "unclear" [as opposed to how we might translate that to mean "doubt"].
One teaching I have heard based on these scriptures states that we must be self-disciplined and bring our bodies into subjection so we will not lose his salvation. While the thought might sound "good" from a traditional sense, what is the context?
As Paul states just before...
"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servat to all, that I might win the more...I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you."
I Cor 9:19 - 23
The Greek word, translated 'partaker,' comes from the meaning "co-participant" or "companion."
The context seems to indicate his motivation more along the lines of his making the Corinthian church (i.e. these people) his priority. He wants them to be "partakers" of the salvation offered in Christ. His method for achieving this goal is to maintain "self-control" and keep a clear mind on his goals (as opposed to running "with uncertainty").
We also see the consequences for not Paul not excercising discipline: the Corintians might consider him "worthless" or "unapproved" (according to the Greek meaning for the word used for "disqualified," or as the KJV translates it, "castaway").
If he is not disciplined in acting according to his preaching, thus calling into question his authority, and his entire purpose in life!
The beginning of chapter 9, he asks...
"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
"My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to eat and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?
"...If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ...Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gosple should live from the gospel.
"But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better to me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.
"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!"
Paul seems to have a fairly clear view of his priorities. He also seems pretty clear in his methods and motives. I feel that I am turning a corner in how I understand scripture - I am moving from a place where I have to rely on others to explain things to me, to a place where I can seek the answers for myself...
J