1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NASBStr)
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Paul is a valiant warrior of the concept of Christian liberty. He so fought the battle in the church that many leaders of the church thought he was given the body a license to sin. He so believed in God's grace he didn't want anyone to think works at anything to do with any part of their salvation; from justification through sanctification unto glorification ... all faith, no flesh! That is why to the Romans he had to clarify and in chapter six wrote, "What, shall we continue in sin that Grace by abound? God Forbid!! How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer in it?" So, don't mistake the above verse as anything but a further explanation of liberty that works for others. In the above Paul talks about bringing his body into subjection. He is using the training metaphor of a fighter getting ready for a big fight. The context of the chapter (8-11:1) is to not do anything that may cause a brother to follow you into sin, or cause them to sin by your actions. It is about allowing the weak brother who has a different perspective to see you serve him or her. So, Paul, by faith, brings his body into subjection, offering it both to God and to his brother in Christ. He doesn't want to be disqualified in his service. He wants to make sure others see him as a servant to them. We are not naturally servants. We are typically focused on our own needs. Paul wants us to make sure we have a heart that wants to glorify God and minister to others. For that to happen he brings his body into discipline by Faith in the power of Christ.
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