1 Corinthians chapter 9

vs 19

Interesting that even though earlier Paul had said that once a Christian is free, they shouldn't go back to slavery,Paul now describes himself as a slave. The difference, of course, is that Paul isn't a slave for financial reasons - he is a slave for spiritual reasons. His service to people is also for the glory of God. And finally, he makes himself a slave because of the freedom he has in Christ.

vs 20

Is there a difference between a Jew and one under the law? I suppose so. I certainly have known several Jews who aren't all that faithful to the law, and I imagine that more Hellenized Jews would have been less legalistic too, especially outside of Israel. And in the other direction, you had people like God-fearers who weren't really Jews but put themselves under the Law anyway.

Note that Paul, who is a Jew, isn't under the law anymore, because he's a Christian, but he was prepared to become like them to reach them. He did not become one of them, and that's an important distinction. Christianity has a number of counter-cultural necessities that will prevent it from fitting in perfectly to any culture - Judaism included! But Paul would go as far as he could to reach these people.

vs 21

He would also completely change and become like someone who is not under the Law at all, for the same reason - to reach the lost. Paul doesn't care about his own identity - he knows who he is, because his identity is completely tied up in Christ and his kingdom. Just because he lives like someone who isn't under the law doesn't mean he ignores Christ's laws - Paul is secure in his faith and knows what he can and can't change.

vs 22

Paul will even become weak if it means winning some of the weak. God values the weak, so Paul will reach anyone by whatever means necessary for the sake of any that might come to repentance.

vs 23

Why does he do all this? For the sake of the gospel. I'm reading an interesting set of Bible studies at the moment that I'm going to run at my church, which talks about the kergyma - the group of teachings that the Apostles forms that is the gospel. Paul seeks that the gospel will be spread, sustained and maintained in as many areas as possible. He also knows that God will reward him in the future, but this verse could speak as much about the present blessings of serving the Lord and his gospel.

vs 24

And now Paul encourages the Corinthians to do the same thing - try and be the best damn Christian in the whole world, to reach as many people, to make the best Christian disciples, to do whatever it takes to serve God. Second place is the first loser.

vs 25

Even back then, rich patrons would sponsor olympic athletes to compete in the Olympic games - so professional athleticism has been around a long time. And they worked their asses off to win those games for their masters or patrons. Baul says that the prize they're running for is only temporary, and ours is eternal - surely we should run a little faster for an eternal crown?

vs 26

Paul certainly doesn't fight like it doesn't matter. He has a purpose, and he's going for it with both hands.

vs 27

Paul wants to make it clear that just preaching to others is not enough to win the prize. Not only do you have to be out there winning souls and discipling believers, you also have to deny yourself. You've got to beat yourself into submission, so that you are practicing what you preach, and so that you are eligible for the prize as much as all those people you are getting to join the race.