Hello! Today I am going to share from you some things that I have learned through my reading of the New Testament for the past month or so. We often think of the Bible as dull, confusing, and not always applicable, but scripture tells us otherwise- that the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). During this season, I have found a new enjoyment in my daily Bible time, and have noticed that when ideas are repeated in my life, it could be a way for God to tell me to notice them. I wanted to talk about a few repeated ideas in 1 Corinthians 9 that are applicable to my life here on the Race, and every one of y’all’s lives who are reading. I would encourage you to read this passage before reading my blog, because the Word of God has much more power and wisdom than the word of Catherine.
- The Idea of “Rights”- A couple weeks ago, I listened to a sermon from Southside Baptist Church, and Pastor Gary discussed that we have to set aside our rights in order to live a selfless life like Jesus. He presented the question of “What rights are you clinging onto?” That question really stuck, because we are above no gross task at ministry. Just in time, because the very next day I was in charge of carrying a bucket of raked-up poop to the compost pile, and I did it with joy. The passage of 1 Corinthians 9 is titled “Paul Surrenders His Rights,” and verse 7 has 3 practical examples of how we typically expect something in return for our hard work. There is nothing wrong with that, but when spreading the Gospel, we do not get our “rewards” from the things of this earth, but in the victory of the Gospel itself.
- Being Entrusted with the Gospel- In a teaching to our squad a while ago, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 was mentioned, which states that God entrust us with the ultimate message of reconciliation. Our leader gave the message that we should seek to know God well, and thus represent Him well, since we are trusted by Him to share the Good News. In verses 17 and 18 of the passage I am talking about today, Paul states that God has entrusted Him with the Gospel. While taking notes on this, I was given a revelation for y’all on this topic. God didn’t just entrust Squad U with the Gospel in Africa, He entrusted each and every one of YOU with the Gospel wherever you are. He entrusted you as a student in Georgia with the Gospel, as a co-worker in Texas with the Gospel, as a teacher in Florida with the Gospel. These statements apply to every one of you, just fill in the blanks. Where has God placed you, and what people is He entrusting you with to share His words?
- The Running Metaphor in Verses 24-27
“ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain in. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. The do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
I have read this verse many times out of the context of this passage, a honestly was a bit confused. I was literally a runner, and knew that I would never get the prize of first place, so I just ignored this. Not always the best strategy to reading the Bible… I now see how it is explaining the physical and emotional hardship that Paul endures for the Gospel’s advancement. This got me thinking- it is natural for a runner to train hard to improve their times. They will wake up super early, push themselves to the point of throwing up, and watch what they eat. All this made me wonder, how much would we endure for other’s salvation. In high school, I would sometimes wake up at 5am to run, and struggle through school and then work tired, but the moment I am sleepy at ministry, I want to go home and nap. I must remember that this “training” is much more important, and people’s salvation is on the line.
