Running the Race: Living with Purpose and Sacrifice

Summary

Tonight’s study in 1 Corinthians 9 centers on Paul’s example of spiritual maturity, humility, and unwavering focus on God’s calling. Paul addresses the Corinthians’ pride and their tendency to question his apostleship, even though they themselves are the fruit of his ministry. He challenges them—and us—to examine whether our lives truly reflect a commitment to Christ, or if we are simply going through religious motions. Paul’s confidence in his calling is not rooted in the approval of others, but in his personal encounter with Jesus and the clear evidence of God’s work through him.

Paul is not afraid to confront uncomfortable issues, whether it’s the church’s reluctance to support him financially or their spiritual immaturity. He models the courage to address the “elephant in the room,” teaching that spiritual growth requires honesty, boldness, and a willingness to deal with difficult subjects. He also highlights the biblical principle that those who labor in ministry deserve support, yet he chooses not to demand his rights, lest it become a stumbling block to the gospel.

Paul’s restraint is not weakness, but strength. He refuses to let personal grievances or the lack of support distract him from his mission. Instead, he demonstrates a sacrificial love for Christ and the church, willing to forego his own rights for the sake of others’ salvation. His motivation is not personal gain, but obedience to God’s call—“necessity is laid upon me.” He serves freely, making himself “a servant to all,” adapting to reach as many as possible, always with the goal of winning souls.

Paul likens the Christian life to a race, urging us to run with purpose and discipline. He warns against becoming so focused on others’ shortcomings or our own hardships that we lose sight of the prize—eternal life with Christ. True spiritual leadership means not only instructing others, but living out the same standards ourselves, keeping our own lives under God’s authority. The call is to intentional living: to sacrifice pride, comfort, and even our “rights” for the sake of Christ and the advancement of the gospel.

Key Takeaways

- Know Where You Stand in God
Paul’s confidence came from knowing his calling and relationship with Christ, not from others’ opinions. It’s vital to examine whether our lives genuinely reflect a commitment to Jesus, or if we’re just maintaining a religious appearance. Authentic faith is demonstrated by a transformed life, not just church attendance or outward displays. We must ask ourselves: does my life show I am truly in Christ? [09:32]

- Deal Honestly with Difficult Issues
Spiritual maturity requires the courage to address uncomfortable truths, both in ourselves and in our community. Avoiding or suppressing issues only leads to greater problems—anger, division, and spiritual stagnation. Paul’s example teaches us to confront the “elephant in the room” with grace and clarity, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us through hard conversations for the sake of growth and unity. [14:49]

- Sacrifice Personal Rights for the Gospel
Though Paul had every right to expect support, he willingly laid down those rights to avoid hindering the message of Christ. True service often means sacrificing our own comfort, recognition, or entitlements for the greater good. The willingness to put others’ needs and the cause of Christ above our own is a mark of spiritual maturity and love. [26:01]

- Let Obedience, Not Approval, Motivate You
Paul’s ministry was driven by necessity—a divine calling that compelled him regardless of people’s response or support. Our motivation for serving God must be rooted in obedience and love for Him, not in the praise or provision of others. When we serve for God’s sake alone, we find freedom from offense and discouragement, and our reward is a deeper relationship with Christ. [31:03]

- Run with Discipline and Focus on the Eternal Prize
The Christian life is a race that requires intentionality, self-control, and perseverance. Paul urges us to keep our bodies, emotions, and desires under God’s authority, lest we disqualify ourselves after preaching to others. Spiritual leadership means living what we teach, continually sacrificing distractions and self-interest to keep our eyes on the ultimate reward—eternity with Jesus. [43:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:27] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 9
[07:28] - Building Community and Practical Church Ideas
[08:54] - Paul’s Personal Example and Apostleship
[13:25] - Religious Pride and Authentic Faith
[14:49] - Addressing Difficult Issues Boldly
[16:02] - The Right to Support and Ministry Challenges
[17:31] - Biblical Basis for Supporting Ministers
[21:23] - The Real Work of Ministry
[26:01] - Sacrificing Rights for the Sake of the Gospel
[29:14] - Handling Offense and Maintaining Testimony
[31:03] - Motivation: Obedience Over Approval
[36:25] - Staying in God’s Grace Amid Conflict
[37:36] - Servanthood and Focused Ministry
[39:42] - Becoming All Things to Win Some
[40:33] - Running the Race with Purpose
[43:56] - Intentional Living and Self-Discipline
[45:02] - Sacrifice and Staying on God’s Path
[48:11] - Living What We Preach and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: 1 Corinthians 9 – Spiritual Maturity, Humility, and Focus

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### Bible Reading

- 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 (ESV)
- Deuteronomy 25:4 (ESV)
“You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.”
- Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Corinthians 9, what reasons does Paul give to defend his apostleship to the Corinthians?
[[08:54]]

2. What example from the Old Testament does Paul use to explain why ministers should be supported by the church?
[[21:23]]

3. How does Paul describe his motivation for preaching the gospel, even when he is not supported or appreciated by others?
[[31:03]]

4. What metaphor does Paul use to describe the Christian life, and what does he say is required to “run the race”?
[[40:33]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul refuses to demand his rights for support from the Corinthians, even though he says he deserves it? What does this reveal about his priorities?
[[26:01]]

2. Paul talks about becoming “all things to all people” so that he might win some. What does this look like in practice, and why is it important for the advancement of the gospel?
[[39:42]]

3. The sermon mentions that spiritual maturity requires dealing honestly with difficult issues. Why is it sometimes easier to avoid these “elephants in the room,” and what are the dangers of doing so?
[[14:49]]

4. Paul says, “necessity is laid upon me” to preach the gospel. How does this sense of calling affect the way he responds to criticism, lack of support, or personal hardship?
[[31:03]]

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### Application Questions

1. Paul’s confidence came from his relationship with Christ, not from others’ approval. Are there areas in your life where you are more concerned about what people think than about what God thinks? How can you shift your focus this week?
[[08:54]]

2. Think of a situation in your family, work, or church where there’s an “elephant in the room”—an issue everyone avoids. What would it look like to address it with honesty and grace, following Paul’s example? What’s holding you back?
[[14:49]]

3. Paul willingly gave up his rights to avoid being a stumbling block to others. Is there a “right” or comfort you need to lay down for the sake of someone else’s faith or for the gospel? What would that sacrifice look like in your life?
[[26:01]]

4. When you serve or help others, what is your main motivation? Is it recognition, approval, or obedience to God? How can you realign your heart to serve out of love and obedience, even if no one notices?
[[31:03]]

5. Paul compares the Christian life to running a race with discipline and focus. What is one distraction or habit that keeps you from running well? What practical step can you take this week to “keep your eyes on the prize”?
[[43:56]]

6. Paul says he keeps his own life under God’s authority so he won’t be “disqualified” after preaching to others. Are there areas where your actions don’t match what you say you believe? What’s one change you can make to live more authentically?
[[48:11]]

7. The sermon talked about sacrificing pride, comfort, and even our “rights” for the sake of Christ. What is one area where pride or comfort is holding you back from fully following Jesus? How can you surrender that to God this week?
[[45:02]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for the courage to live with integrity, to address hard issues with love, and to keep your focus on Christ and His calling above all else.

Devotional

Day 1: Knowing Your Standing in Christ
Understanding your identity in Christ is foundational to your walk with God. Paul, despite criticism and doubt from others, was confident in his calling and relationship with Jesus. He challenges us to examine whether our lives truly reflect a commitment to God, or if we are simply going through the motions of religion. It is not enough to attend church or know a few scriptures; our lives must show evidence of transformation and dedication to Christ. Ask yourself if your faith is genuine and if your actions align with your professed beliefs. [10:45]

1 Corinthians 9:1-2 (ESV)
"Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord."

Reflection: In what specific ways does your daily life show that you truly belong to Christ, beyond just attending church or saying the right words?


Day 2: Boldness to Address Issues with Grace
Paul was not afraid to address difficult issues directly, refusing to ignore the "elephant in the room." He models the importance of having the courage to confront problems, whether in relationships or within the church, with honesty and clarity. Suppressing issues or avoiding hard conversations only leads to greater problems and unresolved anger. Instead, we are called to deal with matters openly, with a spirit of love and truth, so that healing and growth can take place. [14:49]

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: Is there a difficult conversation or issue you’ve been avoiding that you need to address with honesty and love this week?


Day 3: Serving God Regardless of Recognition or Reward
Paul made it clear that his motivation for ministry was not financial support or human praise, but obedience to God's call. Even when others failed to support him or misunderstood his intentions, he continued to serve faithfully, knowing that his true reward was in pleasing God. This teaches us to serve God with pure motives, not for what we can get, but because He has called us. Our focus should remain on fulfilling God’s purpose, regardless of how others treat us or whether we receive recognition. [36:25]

1 Corinthians 9:16-18 (ESV)
"For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel."

Reflection: What is one area where you can serve God this week without expecting recognition or reward, simply out of love and obedience?


Day 4: Becoming All Things to All People for the Sake of the Gospel
Paul’s willingness to adapt and meet people where they were—becoming “all things to all men”—demonstrates a heart focused on reaching others for Christ. He did not let personal preferences or grievances get in the way of sharing the gospel. Instead, he prioritized the salvation of others above his own comfort or rights. This challenges us to lay aside our own agendas and be flexible, so that we might reach more people with the love and truth of Jesus. [39:42]

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)
"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: Who in your life needs you to step out of your comfort zone so you can share Christ’s love with them in a way they can receive?


Day 5: Intentional Living and Self-Discipline for God’s Prize
Paul compares the Christian life to running a race, emphasizing the need for intentionality, discipline, and self-control. He urges believers to keep their focus on the eternal prize, not allowing distractions, feelings, or the actions of others to derail them from their purpose. This means making daily sacrifices, bringing our desires under submission to Christ, and persevering even when it’s hard. True spiritual maturity is shown not just in what we say to others, but in how we live out our own faith with consistency and integrity. [43:56]

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Reflection: What is one specific habit or attitude you need to bring under Christ’s control today so you can stay focused on God’s calling for your life?

Quotes

Do you know that when you play church and when you’re not right with God, that you may play church but you don’t realize the devil’s not playing? And he’ll take you further than you ever thought you’d go, you’ll get dirtier than you ever thought you would get, and this is something I try to drill into people’s mind. You may be playing a game right now, you may be going through the motions, but the devil’s not. [00:19:09] (19 seconds)  #DevilDoesntPlay Edit Clip

If we didn’t do the work of God, there are so many people right now that would have a hard time. And so Paul here is sharing with you that work, the ministry, is work. In fact, let’s look at verse 9. For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Does God take care of the oxen? It’s God’s, he’s using this example here, the oxen is out there treading the corn and doing all the work in the field, and you take care of that oxen because he’s doing a work for you. Why aren’t you taking care of your preacher who’s doing a work for you? [00:22:59] (34 seconds)  #CareForTheWorker Edit Clip

Now, this shows a love for Christ. I have seen people come to church and act a straight-up fool, not caring about who saw them, not worried about what they said, how they said it, but in their mind, they were right. But a lot of times, it’s not about you being right. It’s about being right with God. In other words, how does God want me to handle this situation? I know I’m right, and Paul knew he was right because the word of God backed him up. He could have stood up there and just made a big old fit. He said, you’re all sinners, you’re wrong before God. He could have just gone down the list. But he said, I’m not trying to do that. Why? Because I don’t want to hinder anybody in the work of God. And so sometimes you’ve got to quell your spirit for the cause of Christ. [00:29:21] (43 seconds)  #QuellForTheCause Edit Clip

You fulfill the call of God because God called you to do it. That’s your call and so different times when people get mad I’m not coming to church today because of this I’m not going to do this I’m not going to because this and the other then they’re not having their eyes on the prize Paul here is showing us here for though I preach the gospel I have nothing to glory of for necessity is laid upon me yea what was me if I don’t do it for if I do this thing willingly I have a reward when God calls you do something that’s the reward along the way good things may happen people may praise you things may be said about you you know the good things can happen but the reward is being right with God having a right relationship with God. [00:33:42] (47 seconds)  #CalledToServeRight Edit Clip

As long as I stay where God wants me to stay, do what God wants me to do, I’m good. They can’t touch me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. And so as I’m learning to just keep my peace. Now, I know some people may know what answers. Has anybody ever stepped out of that grace because you got mad? You stepped out. Brother Franklin’s waving at me over there. You know, he called you and as you’re in the call of God, somebody’s acting ignorant. Somebody’s doing something crazy or whatever. And you know what? I’m tired of you. And I’m getting ready to take care of this right now. And you step out of that grace. Well, now it’s on you. Now, whatever happens, you’re emotional, you’re cursing and all this other stuff. That’s not God’s will. And people say, oh, I’m sorry. Did you know I’m sorry doesn’t always wipe away what you just did? You can be, I’m sorry all day long. Man, you just cursed everybody out in the church. You just did all kinds of stuff. Oh, I’m sorry. No, you need to learn to stay in his grace. Stay where God wants you to stay and he’ll be your protector. [00:36:17] (65 seconds)  #StayInGodsGrace Edit Clip

He has this focus on his eternal reward. He is doing all he can. It’s called intentional living. But he surrendered his rights as a minister to receive, pay from them, support from them, so they could do what God wanted them to do. He didn’t know, he didn’t want to be focused on that other stuff. Now, sometimes you can focus on your problem so much that that’s all you ever think about. And at some point, you’re going to have to learn to put it all aside, trust in Jesus. I’m just going to give God that problem. I’m not going to focus on it. I need to focus on just doing my work for God. [00:44:14] (36 seconds)  #IntentionalMinistry Edit Clip

Paul believed he was a heralder of the rules of the game, telling everybody how to be saved, but he also believed that he was a participant in the game. He didn’t just tell everybody else how to live, he had to live that same way also. So as we are doing the work for God, we can never get to a place that we’re only telling others how to live for God. You know, brother, you need to serve God and be the most wonderful thing in the world. You tell that to other people, but you don’t truly serve God because there are certain things you still do. As Blair said, at some point you’ve got to make that decision, step over into the right side, and do what God wants you to do. [00:48:03] (31 seconds)  #TrustAndWorkForGod Edit Clip