1 Corinthians 9:19-27

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Questions to consider:

• What is Paul’s (a) attitude and (b) purpose in personal relationships?
• How is Paul free to be like all men without becoming carried away with this freedom?
• What are you doing to keep in shape spiritually? What prize do you seek?

Possibilities for prayer:

Paul writes about discipline at the end of this passage. Everyone knows that someone who entered the Olympic 400 meter dash without training a day would not stand a chance against those athletes who have spent years training, toning, and disciplining their bodies into excellent shape. Our spiritual lives are much the same. We should be disciplining ourselves to grow in knowledge and understanding of God in order that we might be able to share more effectively about Him. Today, let’s ask God for a spirit of discipline, so that we can become even more astute and knowledgeable disciples.