1 Corinthians 9:15-27: Why race, if not to win? / Jeff Struecker

Big Idea: Why race, if not to win?

1 Corinthians 9:15-27

I. Sacrifice to prepare for the race. 

1 Corinthians 9:15-18

For my part I have used none of these rights, nor have I written these things that they may be applied in my case. For it would be better for me to die than for anyone to deprive me of my boast! For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? To preach the gospel and offer it free of charge and not make full use of my rights in the gospel.

 II. Stretch to get ready for the race.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.

III. Strain for the prize at the end of the race.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I want to start my journey with Jesus today.
• Become: I will run my race this week. 
• Be Sent: I will stretch myself to help someone connect with Christ this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What is the hardest sporting event you’ve ever finished?
2. Have you ever started an event but didn’t not finish (DNF)?
3. What event have you prepared the longest and hardest for?
4. Who currently serves as an example of the kind of faith you’d like to have? 
5. Have you found yourself trying to run someone else’s race lately?
6. Who do you know that needs to start a walk with Jesus?
7. Pray for this person by name this week.