Apostles at this time did have the right to eat and drink at the expense of the churches they served. They also had the right to be supported by the church for the work they did preaching to others. They did have the right to have a wife and begins family, and the right for all in the family to be supported by the church also. Paul didn’t partake in these rights because he didn’t want to be accused of preaching only to be paid. And the Corinthians Christians were trying to refuse to support him. Some gratitude. Lucky for us, Paul was willing to gratitude to spread the gospel. He followed his calling even though he didn’t get paid and got mistreated.
S:1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win an imperishable crown; but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preach to others, I myself should be disqualified.
O: Paul uses an example from the Greek sporting to reach the people here. All athletes train hard and dedicate themselves knowing only 1 person can win (really, participation trophies are pointless). They deny themselves certain wants/needs to be the best at the tasks. Paul is saying that we as Christians all are should be in the race for and the crown that never falls away. We should train as to win.
A: Our task here on earth is more than just being a wife or mother or grandmother. We are called to serve the Lord in these roles and others. We should be showing our husband, children, grandchildren the Lord’s word through our daily lives. Daily we must train ourselves and prepare our bodies for this life event, as if we were in a race for the imperishable crown. We can not let the desires of the body rule over ourself.
Getting up (or making the time) for daily readings is a start. Going to Church services is another. Keep asking that family member who doesn’t want to go to join you. No matter how many times they have said no. Help your neighbor (that may really annoy you) in a small task. Keep persevering for the goal. Let no one disqualify us in this race, let no one think we don’t deserve our prize in heaven.
K: Lord thank you for this place. Thank you for the path you have laid out for me. I pray you continue to guide me along it so I won’t stumble. Help me to persevere in this life, so I can reach your glory.
"The Corinthians were familiar with the ancient Olympic Games. So, Paul used the example of both a runner and a boxer to show the way in which we as believers must live our Christian life. Winners are not slackers. Winners work and train hard to obtain the prize.
Paul tells us to put effort into living the Christian life and into sharing the gospel. We should live just like an athlete that competes to win. There is a reward awaiting us in heaven. We are to run hard and fight hard. Are you living your Christian life in this way? What is one thing that you need to change so you can run more effectively?" (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-6-10/)
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