RUNNING TO WIN

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1. In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul was urging his readers to follow his example of giving up personal rights for the Gospel’s sake. Why is relinquishing personal rights such a challenge [cf. 2 Corinthians 11:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13]?
2. Do you think Paul was being indecisive and characterless when he stated in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all people…” [cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23]? Why or why not [cf. Romans 11:13-14; 1 Corinthians 8:13; and 1 Corinthians 10:31-33]?
3. What are the blessings that accompany the Gospel [1 Corinthians 9:23]? Also, consult Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 3:6; and 2 Timothy 1:8-12.
4. What is the race each believer is running, and what is the prize to be won at the end [1 Corinthians 9:24]? Also, consider Philippians 3:12-14; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; and Hebrews 12:1-2.
5. Why is self-control a critical component to an athlete’s success [1 Corinthians 9:25-26]? How do these athletic word pictures of running and boxing help you strive to win imperishable rewards [cf. 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 5:14; and Hebrews 12:5-11]?
6. What does it look like in practical terms to discipline your body to bring it under control [1 Corinthians 9:27]? Also examine Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-18; and Colossians 3:12-17 for further clues.
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?

“We must face the fact that many today are notoriously careless in their living. This attitude finds its way into the church. We have liberty, we have money, we live in comparative luxury. As a result, discipline practically has disappeared. What would a violin solo sound like if the strings on the musician's instrument were all hanging loose, not stretched tight, not "disciplined""?

(A. W. Tozer)