I Corinthians 9:1-27 (Part 41) Single Issue of Restricted Liberty
• Single issue of restricted liberty—vv. 1-18 (refusal of compensation)
• There are also multiple issues beyond compensation—vv. 19-27—subdivided . . . 1) The principle of service for the Lord, vv. 19-22; 2) The goal of service for the Lord, v. 23; 3) 3) The discipline of service for the Lord, vv. 24-27
The basic principle of service, vv. 19-22
• His objective condition, v. 19a
• His subjective condition, v. 19b
• The details, vv. 20-22
*Adjustment to people can be made without compromise of truth
*Adjustment is relative to the issues involved
Athletic metaphor, vv. 24-27
• “Race”
• “Prize”
Discipline
• Must be direction
• Must be discipline (disciplined training)
• Must be efficiency
The purpose of it, v. 27
• “Into subjection”—literally “refused after testing”—the word . . . 1) Points to Paul personally; 2) It points to Israel; 3) It points to the church
Chapter 10
It is an expansion of 9:27—the subject is the danger of spiritual disaster . . .
• Paul can be, 9:27
• Our fathers, 10:1
• Us/we, 10:6
Structure of Chapter 10 revolves about three words
• “For”—10:1
• “But”—10:5
• “Now”—10:6