Discipline for the Right Reasons - 1 Corinthians 9-10

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV Strong's)
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Discipline for the Right Reason

The above passage is quoted in many different ways by the Church.   It certainly is a good passage to memorize and mediate upon if you are an athlete.   If you are tying to find motivation for self-control, this passage really hits home.   There is nothing wrong with using the text in this manner.  However, the power of the passage is found in the context of the section it was written.   Paul, in chapter nine, is writing to the Church at Corinth.  The church, at this time, had some of their leadership or follower-ship, opposing Paul’s authority and ministry.   By reading the context we can see that some objected that Paul “might” be using a collection of money he was soliciting for the Church in Jerusalem for his own benefit.  The entire chapter is Paul making a case that he is NOT doing that, but he COULD do that if he wanted.  He is telling them that the person who lives by the gospel should be able to be supported (financially) by that preaching the gospel.  Paul makes the point over and over that it is “permissible” and “right” to earn your living by preaching the Gospel.  But, he goes on to say, he is NOT.  He is working a job (him and Barnabas) to support himself. The implication is that the financial support he is soliciting for the persecuted church in Jerusalem is FOR THEM ONLY.   So, why the reference, above, to an athlete preparing for the Olympic Games?   Paul knew that the Corinthians would understand the metaphors of the athlete.   The Corinthians understood the “games.”   They controlled their bodies, disciplined their bodies, to obtain a physical wreath around their necks.  That was their gold medal.   Paul is saying that he, on the other hand, is denying himself some of the luxuries of life (a wife, eating, drinking, living off the gospel ... see verses 4-5) in order to obtain an incorruptible prize ... the pleasure of Christ.   The discipline in of the body is a great thing. If it is ONLY for a physical reward, however, it is useless.  If we are doing so to obtain the pleasure of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is for great gain.  That is the point of discipline the body.  It is for the pleasure of Christ when it is done in the power of the Spirit.