Paul afraid of becoming disqualified?

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Permalink Reply by Colby on December 14, 2012 at 2:48pm

Some might read 1 Corinthians 9:27 alone and conclude that Paul is, in effect, saying:
God saves us, but we keep ourselves saved.  I believe such a view isn't supported by, and is contrary to, the Scriptures.

 

"So even Paul was concerned abut not getting to heaven despite all he knew about Jesus?"  If so, do we even have more cause to be worried about our own salvation?

 

No.  Paul was certain of his salvation as well as that of all true believers.

 

True, other passages stress the critical importance of staying the course, of persisting in the faith, until the end (Col1:23; Heb3:6,14; 1Pet1:5;1John2:19).  However, that begs the question: Whether and to what extent (if any) we are responsible for maintaining our salvation?

 

Does this verse and, in particular, the Greek word adokimos, which translated into English variously as "disqualified," "rejected," or "failing the test," suggest that the Apostle Paul was worried about his salvation?

 

Paul clearly states that our salvation is entirely God's work; his gift to us, which we receive by grace, through faith, in Jesus Christ (Eph2:8).  We do nothing to earn or merit our faith.  Further, not only does our faith come from God, it is sustained by and perfected in us by him (Heb12:2).  More to the point, because "Christ is the author and perfecter of our faith," Paul confidently states, "he [Christ] who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil1:6).   In Phil 1:10, he continues: "He [Christ] will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, if Paul isn't speaking about losing his salvation, what other possible meaning can he have intended in First Corinthians 9:27?

I believe Paul is driving home the point that as an apostle and teacher, he holds a special position.  He must continuously "lead by example."  He calls on us to "imitate Christ" as he does (1Cor1:11).  He realizes that others are going to judge him not by his words, but by his deeds.  If he isn't "walking the talk," people won't respect him and accept his teachings (which came by revelation from Christ) as the truth.  

For us, the message we should take to heart is, "don't be a slacker;" "don't rest on your laurels, content to coast your way to heaven on automatic pilot."  Live your life for Christ.  Imitate Christ as Paul.  Be an example to others.  If we don't see evidence of such fruit in our lives, of a growing and deepening life in and with Christ, then we need to ask ourselves whether our faith is a mere said faith or the real deal.

Paul likened life as a new believer and creation in Christ to that of an athlete in a race for the prize.  That is the way he wants us to approach life as Christ follower.

• "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" (1Cor9:24).
• "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (1Cor9:25)
• "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil3:14).

Paul was confident, in the end, that he would be with God.  Those that are truly new creations in Christ can have that confidence, too.

That's the gist of what I get out of this verse.

 

 

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Jenny on December 15, 2012 at 8:43am

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Permalink Reply by David Velasquez on December 17, 2012 at 4:20am

 

Jenny, Colby has done a great job placing the text in biblical context.

 

I will simply say to your statement: "So even Paul was concerned about not getting to heaven despite all he knew of Jesus." that is not what the Apostle means with the verse. He hopes not to be disqualified for ministry, but not salvation. I am in agreement with the post by Colvy.

 

Great question Jenny! Keep asking and feel free to continue to ask such excellent questions.

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Permalink Reply by Jenny on December 17, 2012 at 7:47am

thankyou everyone, your comments have been helpful to clear that up.

Colby, you have me lots to think about in this. it makes me think that once we are assured of our salvation, we shouldn't just be content with our own state, but must look outside of ourselves to see how we can be of service to others in the gospel.

 

i thank our Father for fellowship in the Word, this has been a real blessing

 

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