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"I discipline my body..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:27

APPLICATION TO LIFE

Paul carefully practised what he preached in his personal life. This was vital or he could end up failing in life and ministry.

“Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty.
Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection,
lest, when I have preached to others,
I myself should become disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:26-27

1. Two different symbols employed

a) A runner

b) A boxer

2. As a runner

a) Not with “uncertainty”.

b) The idea of “uncertainty”:

i) Aimless

ii) Purposeless

3. As a boxer

a) He does not beat the air.

b) He knows his opponent.

c) He aims to defeat the opponent.

4. “But I discipline my body”

a) The word “discipline” involved the following:

i) Punishing of the body if needed.

ii) Strict and rigorous discipline is in mind.

b) “Bring it into subjection”

i) The word “subjection” refers to making the body “a slave”.

ii) And a slave must obey its master.

5. Personal application

a) Paul had a preaching ministry.

It was demanding, to say the least!

b) The possibility of being “disqualified”.

This thought helped Paul to be absolutely disciplined or he would fail to be approved.
Thus, he was deeply committed to maintaining self-discipline rigorously for life!