Paul adopted to different circumstances and found common grounds when speaking with different people groups. When speaking to a Jew, he spoke with Jewish authority because he knew Jewish laws, to the slave, he spoke like a slave because he was a love slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. To those under the Law, he spoke with Law, although he was a free person. He didn’t become an outlaw or lawless and those without law refers to Gentiles. He revered the law, but set it aside that he might reach the lost Gentiles. Because where there is Spirit, there is freedom. To the weak, he became like a weak and gave the Gospel. His sole purpose was to win the people of different backgrounds that they may turn from their sins and accept the Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. By all possible means he was willing to turn their hearts to one and only God. To an immature person, Paul seems as an inconsistent person, but he was very consistent. He gave up all rights to win as many Jews and Gentiles as possible. “I have become all this to all men” expresses his principle and he delights in sharing some of its blessing. Yes the Lord will reward every person according to his work and labour put in winning the souls. This adoption of different methods should motivate us reach the unreached people in countries like India, China and Africa. With changing technologies in communication, we must adopt and use them effectively to take the message of the Gospel.
- For the sake of himself and all ministers: (9:24-27): Apostle Paul and the Corinthians were well aware of the Isthamus games which are second only to Olympics. He uses the race of runners. In his letters, (Phil. 3:14; 2 Tim.4:7-8 ) speak about race. He compares himself to the racer. In aa race, all runners run, but only one gets the prize (gold medal). But in a Christian race, all will get the prize when they finish the race. All those who run are given even extra diet so as to complete the race. The prize indicates the rewards, not salvation and life. Paul points out that an athlete who expect to win must train diligently and put extra hardship. The crown that we get in Olympics or Isthmus will not lost long, but the crown and rewards we get from the Lord Jesus Christ are everlasting.
A Christian does not run in order to get to heaven, he is in the race because he has been saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. Further Paul is saying, “he was not running aimlessly. He runs with strict discipline. However the greatest runner one may be, if he does not follow the rules, he would be disqualified. Paul goes under strict personal discipline. Walking with God demands personal sacrifice of pleasures and worldly pursuits. In this age of luxury, one must be serious believer to run in the Christian race. While Paul going through strict discipline, he gave up his rights, his authority in order to win as many as possible. He knew many were called but only some were qualified to finish the race. That’s why he says, “I do not run aimlessly and I do not want to get disqualified.” In the Isthmusgames just like Olympics, a herald would announce those who were disqualified and the cities from where they come from. The disqualified Greeks did not lose their citizenship, but they still compete in the next games. Similarly for a Christian who is running in a race, when we face stiff challenges, or fall down in our fights, God in His grace provides opportunities for us rise up and complete the task given to us. Paul was not disqualified any time. That’s why he could boldly say in (1 Tim. 4:7-8), “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race…” This is a great motivation for all believers. Our God is a gracious God, He will not let us tempted beyond what we can bear (10:13-14). Although in a race only one runner wins and gets the prize, but every believer can win an incorruptible crown. This crown is given to those who discipline themselves for the sake of serving Christ and winning lost souls. They keep their bodies under control and keep their eyes on the goal. This calls for our personal devotion, sacrifice, priorities, time management and commitment for the service of God. Paul emphasizes about eternal rewards and in no way he wanted to miss it. Beware! You who call yourself a Christian.