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1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Paul’s Analogy
Paul’s Analogy (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
If you don’t believe in “Once Saved, Always Saved”, then you have probably used this text to teach that Paul believed he could become disqualified from salvation. While that is a valid application of the text, such is not the interpretation which must come first.
What has always bothered me about that application is, “but only one receives the prize” (9:24). Is Paul really saying, “try to be a better Christian than others as if you have to beat them to make it to heaven!”? If not, then what is the interpretation?
This winning the prize immediately follows Paul’s admonition to become all things to all men. Notice this repeating word:
• “WIN more people” (9:19)
• “WIN Jews” (9:20)
• “WIN those under the law” (9:20)
• “WIN those without the law” (9:21)
• “WIN the weak” (9:22)
The “prize” (9:24) is trying to win is not his own salvation, it is the salvation of others. The “prize” is the salvation of a person, the salvation of a Jew, the salvation of one under the law, the salvation of one without the law, and the salvation of the weak.
The “imperishable crown” is not his own salvation, it is the salvation of others. This is reminiscent of Paul’s language describing the Thessalonians – “For who is our hope or joy or CROWN of boasting” (1 Thess.2:19).
Paul exercises self-control in everything (9:25). This includes his body (9:27). This “body” is still within the analogy of an athlete. Contextually, his body includes his actions which involves training his conscience to become all things to all men.
Why is this training to love others (i.e., the law of Christ – 9:21) to become what they need to hear us preach the gospel important? Could not loving, not saving souls, not putting others’ needs before our wants, not training our conscience, not being able to forego freedoms, not knowing the difference between the law of God and our conscience, all disqualify us?
Train yourself to win souls by training your conscience, being willing to put their salvation above your reputation, to become all things to all people so that they become your prize.
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