Crowns

1 Corinthians 9
I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  1 Corinthians 9:22b


LET IT GLOW

Paul was a Jew who preached Christ to the Jews, as the fulfillment of the law; he sought to convert the Gentiles to faith in Christ. He preached on the uneducated ones level where they could understand about salvation and the Christian living, though Paul was highly educated for his day.(Paul was part of the Sanhedrin counsel.)  He knew how to live on almost nothing or with everything. (Phil.4:12)
Paul was all things to all men. He was whatever he needed to be in order to reach the lost with the gospel.
Can I say the same things? Am I willing to endure the "whatever" is needed in order to reach others with the gospel? Wow!


Matthew Henry tell us that Paul did not despise the Gentiles nor judged them, but converted them. He was a Jew, but not a stumbling-block in their way. Paul denied himself for their sakes, that he might insinuate into their affections, and gain their souls. He would not sin against God to save the soul of his neighbor, but he would very cheerfully and readily deny himself.

Denying self. I've heard that before.
In Mark 8:34b, Jesus stated,"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Jesus summed it up, how to be His follower, didn't He? Linda, put your wants, desires, and plans aside, crucifying them, then live as Jesus lived. Am I willing, daily?

Falwell explains in Liberty Bible Commentary:
Paul was willing to concede Christian liberties at all points if in the process, the gospel is preached, and the lost are won to Christ. This implies a willingness to do more, not less than the law required. It certainly does  not condone sinful activity and compromise in order to "win" some.


LET IT GROW

I have never won a contest where a crown was received by the winner. My sister was high school football homecoming queen and received a crown. I wonder if she still has it, or if it has  perished with time.

In verses 24-27, Paul uses the example of running a race to receive a corruptible (perishable) crown as the winner. He tells us that as Christians, we will obtain an incorruptible (imperishable) crown that is eternal.

Jerry Falwell said,"The Isthmian games were an athletic event known to all of Paul's readers, held on alternate summers within the vicinity of Corinth It was an event not to be missed  by anyone of importance in all parts of Greece."

Sounds like these games were as popular to the Corinthians as the Razorback football, basketball, and baseball games are in my state.

In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren states:

Paul lived a purpose-driven life. He said, "I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." (NLT verse 26) His only reason for living was to fulfill the purposes God had for him. He said, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21 NIV) Paul was not afraid of either living or dying. Either way, he would fulfill God's purposes. He couldn't lose! When fulfilling your purposes seems tough, don't give in to discouragement. Remember your reward, which will last forever. The Bible says, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Cor. 4:17 NIV)

Blackaby said, in his devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day:

"Atheletes are willing to push themselves harder and longer and farther than anyone else. They strive to bring their bodies and minds completely under control so that they excel and receive a prize. Others go home to relax, but athletes continue to train.
If an athlete can be motivated to make incredible sacrifices for a perishable reward, how much more ought Christians to strive for an imperishable one? Are you striving to bring your body into subjection for the glory of God? Are you training your mind to think the thoughts of God rather than thoughts of the world? Are you disciplining your life in prayer? "

Am I surrendering my body and mind unto the Lord for His use and glory?


LET IT GO

Deny self, live for Jesus.

Remember that faithfulness and obedience will receive a crown.

Work for Jesus out of love, not for the crown.