Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

I Corinthians 9:24

We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. I Corinthians 9:12

- Put up with anything? Do we? Are we really willing to?

I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 1 Corinthians 9:19

- Are we willing to give up our freedom in this life for the goal of winning souls?

- Are we really willing to enslave ourselves? To everyone?

I have become all things to all men so that

by all possible means I might save some. I Corinthians 9:19-23

Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone,

doing everything I can to save some.

- Doing everything we can. Are we really doing everything we can?

- Is the goal of winning souls the motivating factor in our lives?

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.

They do it to get a crown that will not last;

but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly;

I run with purpose in every step.

- Are we running aimlessly or are we running with purpose?

I do not fight like a man beating the air.

No, I beat my body and make it my slave,

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should,

so that after I have preached to others,

I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Corinthians 9:24-27

If you think you are standing strong,

be careful not to fall.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.

And God is faithful.

He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.

When you are tempted,

he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

I Corinthians 10:12-13

Do not cause anyone to stumble.

I try to please everyone in everything I do.

I don’t just do what is best for me;

I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. I Corinthians 10:31-33

O God, make this true of me.

May this be my epitaph...

I don’t just do what is best for me;

I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:33