Paul has explained how Christians have many rights as children of God, but that he himself did not use those rights, in order that the gospel message from him would not be hindered. (12b) Now he describes the full extent of his own example, showing how much he denied himself, even changing his lifestyle to be able to deliver the gospel message to all kinds of people (22). He uses strong language, figuratively calling himself a “slave of all people” (19). This is true missionary spirit.
Paul also brought this up as a rebuke to certain Corinthian Christians, who were trying to see how much of a worldly life they could live and still be called Christians. Anyone with such an attitude is missing the entire point of Christian life. Christian life for all believers is like a race, requiring discipline and self-denial, as Jesus himself spoke of taking up our cross to follow him. Ultimately, it is we who must discipline ourselves for this race (27). It is worth it because, unlike earthly races, this is a race for an eternal prize (25).
Jun 16, 2026
THE RACE OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MINISTRY
Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Key verse: 24
NIV
chapter 9
19. Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
21. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.
22. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
23. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
24. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
26. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
27. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the example of Jesus and of Paul who took up their crosses. Grant me willingness and commitment to undertake the discipline necessary to run a good race of faith.
One Word: Discipline to run the race