The Sacrifice of Discipline | 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
1. Sacrificial discipline leads us to sensitivity (v.19-23)
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those
under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
2. Sacrificial discipline leads us to purpose (v.24-26)
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
2 Timothy 4:7-8: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
1. To earn heavenly rewards
2. To be told “well done”
3. To fulfill our calling
4. To become more like Christ
1 Corinthians 10:31: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
3. Sacrificial discipline leads us to mastery (v.27)
27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1. We can master our appetites
1 Corinthians 6:12: All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything
2. We can master our desires/purity
1 Corinthians 6:18: Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
3. We can master our speech
James 3:2: For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
4. We can master out time
Ephesians 5:15-16: 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
5. We can master our emotions/temper
Proverbs 25:28: A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
