August 15

Most people start the race. Few finish well.

The world’s fixation on self-promotion and personal comfort receives a sudden shock from Paul’s words which state “Though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (1 Corinthians 9:19). Paul maintained his independence from public judgment yet he chose to transform his lifestyle for gospel ministry among different people. He adapted his lifestyle to match Jewish customs for Jewish people while communicating Gentile language to Gentile audiences. He lowered himself to meet the standards of those who were weak. His goal remained focused on eliminating every possible barrier which would allow more people to be saved.

Paul’s life was not about “fitting in” for its own sake. He never compromised truth. Instead, he made every cultural, personal, and social adjustment that didn’t violate God’s Word so he could bring people face-to-face with Christ. His mindset was that of an athlete chasing victory: “Run that you may obtain it”. Olympic athletes push their bodies for a medal that tarnishes; Christians run for an eternal crown. That demands self-control, discipline, and a refusal to drift.

But Paul warns, even those who start the race can be disqualified. He reminds us of Israel’s history: they experienced God’s presence, provision, and miracles, yet “with most of them God was not pleased” (1 Corinthians 10:5). Why? Idolatry. Sexual immorality. Testing God. Complaining. These weren’t harmless slip-ups, they brought judgment. And Paul says, “These things happened… as an example… written down for our instruction”.

It’s a sober warning for us. If you think you’re standing strong, “take heed lest you fall”. The same temptations they faced are the same temptations we face now, greed, lust, pride, and self-satisfaction. The good news? “God is faithful… with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape”.

This is not a casual stroll. It’s a race to win. And winning means finishing faithful, eyes fixed on Jesus, hands free of idols, heart set on the prize that will never fade.

Let’s discuss this. Join us here: Biblical Truth Forum

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39
1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 21:13

Today’s Scripture – Read

Listen to Today’s Scripture

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13

Summary:
Paul Surrenders His Rights
Warning Against Idolatry

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:6-13

to the intent that we should not lust after evil things. The apostle proceeds to enter into particular instances, in which these things were examples, teaching us to avoid sin, and so punishment; and begins with lust, which is the root and foundation of all sin; all the evil in the world arises from it, and the world itself is full of it, and is in God’s account the same as action: and here he particularly strikes at those Corinthians, that lusted after the feasts in the idols’ temples; and hints that that arose rather from a carnal sensual appetite, which ought not to be indulged, than from any other principle:

as they also lusted; that is, after evil things, the fish, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, onions, and garlic of Egypt, Num_11:4 which though they were not evil in themselves, yet the Israelites sinned in lusting after them, in not being content with the manna, the food which God had prepared for them; and besides, their desire after these things did not arise from want, but from a sensual appetite, and was attended with murmuring against the Lord and his servants, and was highly resented; for though the Lord gave them flesh according to their desire, yet while it was between their teeth, he sent a plague among them, by which multitudes were taken off, and the name of the place was called קברות התאוה, “Kibroth Hataavah, the graves of lusts”; the people that lusted being buried there, Num_11:34.

~ John Gill