Evidences of a Surrendered Life

Thought: In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul speaks of his own apostleship and ministry. He seems to be using himself and his own ministry as an example here, while also defending his apostleship and ministry practice. Thus, in our text, we read the words of a man totally committed to His Lord and totally committed to the work God has called him to do. The apostle reveals his total surrender to His Lord and the Gospel in this fascinating section of 1 Corinthians.

The Choice Not to Use Legitimate Rights (vv. 1-18) 
In verses 1-18 we read of Paul’s passionate decision and commitment not to use his rights. The issue that Paul is referring to is the right to receive material benefit from the Corinthians since he ministered spiritually to them.

Now, what claims did the Apostle Paul have to this right that he did not use? Paul actually presents an incredible argument for why he could have received some kind of payment or remuneration for his Gospel preaching ministry: his apostleship—his God-given position (vv. 1-2), the practice of others (vv. 3-6, 12), common sense and practice (v. 7), Old Testament principles and current temple practices (vv. 8-13), and the Lord’s direct command (v. 14).

But notice the “nevertheless” in (12) and the “but” in verse (15). Paul chose not to use this right. Why? 1) In order not to hinder the Gospel of Christ: “We endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ” (v. 12). 2) In order not to make full use of his authority in the Gospel (v. 18). He had the right, but he did not want to abuse it or use it wrongly!

Why do you think he was so passionate about this? People were misreading this practice for weakness and lack of authority. God’s work and the ministry of the Gospel of Christ were being challenged. Paul had strong convictions about this matter, especially in the face of the immaturity and carnality of these Corinthians who were not putting others before themselves. Paul states simply that as an entrusted steward, his payment was doing what he was called to do, and to offer the Gospel freely was his “reward.”

The Choice to Be a Servant to All (vv. 19-23) 
What an expression of commitment to the Lord and to the Gospel! The Apostle Paul did not want to be an offense or a hindrance to the hearing and the receiving of the Gospel. Behind this “missiological” lifestyle is a willingness to put others before himself. When it came to cultural patterns or preferences of conscience, Paul was willing to submit himself to the concerns of others, although he was under the “law toward Christ.” And make no mistake about it, the differences between the various groups that Paul mentions were no less a challenge in Paul’s day as they are today.

We live in a day of sensitivity to different cultures, traditions, beliefs—and the reaction against this context. Notice that this is a definite decision for Paul. Despite the freedom to be who God made him to be, Paul made specific choices and decisions that involved serving others. Why? This is a decision for the Gospel’s sake. Paul saw himself as a servant of the Gospel (Rom. 1:1-15) so he served all people in the Gospel.

At the same time, we need to remember that for Paul, being a servant of the Gospel was the same as being a servant of Christ. I don’t want us just to think that this decision on Paul’s part was just for evangelists and missionaries. He is using himself as an example in a context where he is trying to encourage holy choices that lead to edification. As believers, we are to live in such a way that we don’t hinder the gospelGospel or the spiritual growth of others. We are to serve one another in the Lord within the church family and in the context of mission in the world.

The Choice to Discipline Oneself (vv. 24-27)
The reference and imagery here is of the athlete. We are very familiar with the different aspects of Paul’s discussion here. Only one receives first prize in the race. Therefore, you run to win. This calls for self-control on the part of the athletes. And this is done for a perishable crown (wreath), but Christian runners run for an imperishable crown.

Then Paul personalizes it. His running or fighting is done in a purposeful definite way. He disciplines himself (his body) in order not to be disqualified. The implication here is that anything that would hinder the successful completion of the race (ministry) should be eliminated. This involves daily training, discipline and ultimately personal obedience.

Paul doesn’t give a list of “dos and don’ts” here. The deciding factor is not a specific list, it is the passion for faithfulness and obedience that motivates the individual to be self-controlled and disciplined in order to win race and receive the prize—whatever it takes.

What about us? Here, in the words of the apostle, we see evidences of a surrendered life. These are not vague matters of surrender. These are specific real-life issues that we all face in the Lord’s family. We must be willing to give up our rights. We must be willing to serve others. We must be willing to “run to win”—to strive for daily obedience.

Let me remind you of some beautiful and challenging words found elsewhere in Paul’s writings concerning Our Lord: Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus chose not to use His rights (Phil. 2:6-7a); He chose to be a servant (Phil. 2:7b-8a); He chose to be obedient (Phil. 2:8b-8c).

So, let the Lord apply these challenges to our hearts: Is there a personal right or privilege that I need to sacrifice for the sake of Christ and His work? Am I willing to be a servant in some way or measure that I have not been willing to be in the past? Is there someone I must serve and I have been unwilling to do so even for the sake of Christ and His work? Is there some discipline or self-control that I must exercise (by the power of the Holy Spirit) to remove something from my life that could hinder the work of Christ or to add something to my life that could advance the work of Christ in and through my life?

Thrust: Surrender to the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit today as we reflect on Paul’s personal example as he followed Christ.

David L. Olford teaches expository preaching at Union University’s Stephen Olford Center in Memphis, Tennessee.