Our lifestyles are a testimony to what we actually believe. The Christian life is not one solely of lip service to our Lord, but also actions and thoughts that are consistent with what we profess. Just as a tree is identified by the fruit it bears, so also our life reveals our faith. Here is a Biblical truth: following Jesus is difficult but has eternal reward for those who take upon this journey with him. Jesus even taught (Mt 7:14), “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

With this in mind, Paul likens the life of faith to that of an athlete who begins to train and prepare for Olympic games. He uses the method of illustrations to teach the Corinthian congregation the necessity of dedicating one's whole life to the Holy Spirit Boot Camp training program in righteousness. This is the only way we be victorious in this life of Jesus and receive heaven’s prize.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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The central focus of the Gospel is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a result, the primary purpose of all ministry is the spreading of its good news of our great salvation and thus save souls. Further, this message is not reserved for one ethnic nationalistic group, but to all nations, tribes and tongues, thus Jesus Great Commission (Mt 28:19-20), “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” This is the church mission until the Second Coming of our Lord, thus he said, “…and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Paul was called into this mission field of ministry as an Apostle to preach to the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 9:15). This was especially a difficult tasking with the Corinthian church who was composed of both. At times, their distinct cultural differences were like attempting to mix oil and water, thus causing disunity within the church. In our sermon text, Paul reminds us of our call to spread the Gospel to both groups. He offers his strategy for winning souls out of every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

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A faithful minister of the Gospel is not one who is perfect or sinless. Rather, one who diligently strives daily to obey Christ and love his Bride (his church). The Bible teaches that the relationship between clergy and congregation is symbiotic in its nature. Meaning, both are dependent on one another in a mutually beneficial relationship. Paul highlights the truth when he challenged the Corinthian congregation, (v11), “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (cf., Mt 10:9-10).

Further, in Part 2 of this sermon series (v7-14) Paul reiterated that God has put into the hands of the church body the resources needed to support their Pastors and families in a similar way to how he structured the care of Old Testament Priest and Levites who served God and the people through a tithing system, thus Paul affirms (v13), “Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?” Though the tithing systems were a part of the Mosaic law and were fulfilled in Jesus, a similar principle of shared community care has been established by God for the NT church (e.g., 2 Cor 9, Acts 4:32-37).

In Part 3 of this sermon series, Paul reminds the church that though he has these rights to community care, he has declined to request them from the church. In today’s message, we’ll further explore why he decided to go the bi-vocational route as minister of the Gospel.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:15-18

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