1st Corinthians 9:12-27
1 Corinthians 9:12 KJV
[12] If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Are we willing to give up our legitimate rights for the furtherance of the Gospel and the benefit of others?
1 Corinthians 9:15 KJV
[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.
What are we willing to sacrifice for the gospel?
1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV
[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!
Do we think of think our duty for God earns extra credit with God or realize that woe is me if I fail to do what He has called me to do?
1 Corinthians 9:17 KJV
[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.
Do we realize that God has entrusted us with something to do for Him? If we realize God has called us to do something, then we have a responsibility to be oversee the calling/gift He has entrusted to us. I believe God has something for all of us, we should be faithful.
1 Corinthians 9:18 KJV
[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.
Are looking for rewards for our service or just thankful for the opportunity to serve?
1 Corinthians 9:19 KJV
[19] For though I be free from all men , yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
Are we controlled by people or free ( see Galatians 1:10) For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Do we realize that we are to be servants to others?
1 Corinthians 9:20-22 KJV
[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. …
Do we look for common ground with people to be able to reach them or minister to them.
1 Corinthians 9:23 KJV
[23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you .
Are we committed to doing all things for the sake of the Gospel realizing that when we pour our all into the Lord's work we receive the benefits of The Lord. We will reap what we sow.
1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV
[24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Are we running to win? How serious are we about fulfilling God's eternal purpose for our lives?
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 KJV
[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. …
Are we living an intentional life for Christ?
Are we exercising discipline?
Are we making our body our slave?
Do we realize the importance of practicing what we preach or profess to be and that there are serious consequences for doing otherwise?
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