Don’t be disqualified in the race of life, discipline yourself to win it!

 

Read 1 Corinthians 9. Which part of 1 Corinthians 9 inspired you the most?

1. Paul’s Conviction: Paul determined to share the gospel without getting any financial compensation or support. He was compelled to do it and considered it a woe if he could not fulfill his responsibility. What’s your attitude towards sharing the gospel? Try to write down you own philosophy of sharing the gospel, use vv.16 & 18 as a guideline — “Yet when I preach the gospel, I _________________________________, for I am _______________________. _______________________ if I do not preach the gospel...What then is my reward? Just this: ____________________________________________________________ .

2. Paul’s Humility: Paul was willing to make himself a slave to everyone in order to win people to Christ (v.19). He was willing to become all things to all men so that by all possible means he might save some (vv.20-22). What changes or adjustments do you need in order to share the gospel to those near you? What price do you need to pay?

3. Paul’s Discipline: Paul had a clear goal of his life (to get God’s reward), and strict disciplines in order to achieve that goal (“I beat my body and make it my slave” v.27). What kind of discipline do you need in order to “get the prize”? Try working on your daily schedule and see how you could prioritize your workloads to accommodate some “unhurried time with God” each day.

4. Your own insight: (fill in yourself)

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Meditation and Application:

Meditate on the above questions along with the necessary actions. Pray over your philosophy of sharing the gospel (1 above), your necessary adjustments (2), as well as your renewed daily schedule (3), that you would live a focused life to win the prize.