I’m preaching on 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 this coming Sunday (Feb 18, 2007). Its the daily Bible Reading scheduled for February 11. I would be interested in hearing from you as to what jumps out at you in this passage. What questions does it raise? What do you hear God saying to you in this passage. I suggest keeping your comments brief and clear, and I will try to return the favour on Sunday. Click on 
Comments to leave your thoughts.
Pastor Norm
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
This is an interesting passage and the comparison between being free and being a slave stood out for me, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone…” (vs 19). I am reminded that we have a choice in this life – to be slaves to sin, or enjoy freedom in Christ. What horrible bondage we can have to our sins, what glorious freedom we can have in Jesus Christ.! Knowing freedom in Christ gives us the desire to willingly serve others. We need to come alongside others, and even to make ourselves lower than others with a servant attitude, “… to win as many as possible.” (vs 19). We need to accept others where they are right now in their life, just as they are.
In verses 24 to 27 I really enjoyed Paul’s comparison of life to a race. There is only one race and one life and this is it! We only have one chance to run the race set before us. Paul talks about strict training. Just like an athlete, we need to be disciplined physically each day to spend time with God. Wholehearted time spent with Him and in the Word nourishes our soul and helps us to grow stronger. But despite our best efforts sometimes we stumble, fall and struggle to go on in this race. It is by God’s grace and mercy that we can dust ourselves off and continue on. We run in the knowledge of our hope of eternal glory with Christ, that is the prize. Our fellow Christians are not our competitors, they are our “running mates.” We are to encourage each other and not compare ourselves to each other. To run successfully we must together stay focused on Christ.
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that others have accepted me in the past right where I was. I am thankful for encouragement and hope I can encourage others. How grateful I am for the freedom we have in Christ and the wonderful hope of eternal glory. Amen.