In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul shares a deeply personal perspective on what it means to surrender our rights for the sake of the gospel. He challenges us to think about the freedoms we have in Christ, not as privileges to be demanded, but as opportunities to serve others more effectively. Through his own example, he teaches us how love and self-discipline should guide our actions rather than a mere insistence on what we are entitled to.
Paul begins by asserting his rights as an apostle. He asks rhetorical questions: “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus Christ, our Lord?” He reminds us that his apostleship is confirmed by the very fact that the Corinthian believers exist as a result of his ministry. If anyone doubts his role, the transformed lives among them are proof of his calling. This is an important reminder for us—our faith is not just about words but about real, life-changing encounters with Jesus.
He then addresses a practical issue: as an apostle, he has the right to receive material support from those he ministers to. He explains that those who work in the service of God—whether priests, temple workers, or even farmers and shepherds—are sustained by their work. Paul points to the Law of Moses, which says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” If even animals are allowed to eat while working, how much more should those who labor for the gospel be supported?
Yet Paul makes a surprising statement. Even though he has the right to be supported by the believers, he chooses not to use it. He refuses to take advantage of what he is owed because he does not want anything to hinder the gospel. For us, this is a powerful example of selflessness. Paul’s greatest concern is not his own comfort but the effectiveness of his mission. He does not want anyone to say that he is preaching for personal gain. Instead, he works tirelessly, even making tents to support himself, so that the message of Jesus remains free of charge.
This challenges us to rethink our own approach to service. Do we insist on what we deserve, or are we willing to sacrifice our rights to remove obstacles to the gospel? Paul reminds us that sometimes, giving up what we are entitled to can be the most powerful witness to God’s love.
Paul goes even further—he explains how he adapts to different people in order to reach them for Christ. “To the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews. To those who are under the law, as under the law… to those who are without law, as without law… to the weak, I became weak, that I might gain the weak.” This does not mean he compromises his faith, but rather, he meets people where they are. His goal is always to remove barriers that might prevent someone from hearing the good news.
This is an important lesson for us. Sometimes we get caught up in our own preferences, traditions, or ways of doing things, expecting others to adapt to us. Paul reminds us that if we truly care about reaching people for Christ, we should be willing to step into their world. This could mean listening with empathy, being patient with those who are still growing in faith, or even giving up certain personal freedoms to avoid becoming a stumbling block.
Paul sums up his approach by saying, “I do all things for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it.” His passion is clear—everything he does is driven by his love for Christ and his desire for others to experience the same salvation he has received.
As he nears the end of the chapter, Paul uses an illustration from athletics. He compares the Christian life to a race, emphasizing the importance of discipline and self-control. “Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.” Athletes train with intensity, giving up comforts and distractions to focus on their goal. Likewise, we are called to live with purpose, exercising spiritual discipline so that we do not become complacent.
Paul warns that even he, after preaching to others, could be disqualified if he does not remain faithful. This is a sobering thought. If Paul himself is careful to stay disciplined, how much more should we be? Our journey of faith is not something we can take lightly. We are not merely spectators; we are participants in a race that requires perseverance, self-control, and an unwavering focus on Christ.
This chapter is a call for us to examine our own lives. Are we willing to surrender our rights for the sake of others? Do we adapt to different people in order to reach them, or do we expect them to conform to us? Are we running the race of faith with the discipline and passion required, or are we getting distracted by the comforts of life?
Paul’s example challenges us to move beyond self-interest and to embrace a life of sacrifice, service, and single-minded devotion to the gospel. Whether it is in the way we interact with others, the choices we make, or the way we use our freedoms, everything should be guided by love and a desire to bring people closer to Jesus. If we live this way, we will not only run the race well but also inspire others to do the same.