MY BODY, MY SLAVE

Study Text: 1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV, 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Objective:

We need to “whip our bodies into shape” and make them our slaves, a slave of the real me, the inner spiritual me. This will cause me to exercise some rigid self-discipline over my body.

Introduction:

To make my body my slave is to buffet, strike a blow forcing me to the thought of self-discipline and the inner man to align with the word of God.

A disciplined life under control will allow me to preach to others the importance of self-discipline to control the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-17 NIV, 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

The flesh in this context refers to the sinful nature of humanity, our inherent tendency towards selfishness, sin, and disobedience to God.

Desires of the flesh are the cravings and inclinations that arise from our sinful nature, often leading to actions that are harmful, self-centered, or contrary to God’s will.

You will not gratify the desires of the flesh if you choose to live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. One will not fulfill or indulge in their sinful desires or inclinations by praying daily in the Holy Ghost.

The works of the flesh are referenced as follows: Galatians 5:19-21 NIV, 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul discusses the importance of self-discipline in practicing faith.

Biblical Explanation for Self-Discipline:

A. Metaphorical Language:

· Not physical self-harm: The phrase does not encourage self-flagellation or other physical punishments. This verse does not promote physical abuse of the body.

· Controlling desires: The phrase is a metaphorical expression of rigorous self-discipline and the denial of desires that conflict with Godly living.

· Athlete training: Paul uses the analogy of an athlete training for a competition to illustrate the level of dedication needed to live a disciplined life in Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV, 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

B. The Purpose:

· Avoiding disqualification: Paul’s goal is to remain faithful and effective in his ministry, and to avoid being “disqualified” from receiving eternal life.

· Living for God: The purpose is to stop “indulging the flesh” and live as God desires.

· Serving others: Having self-control allows Paul to focus on serving and ministering to others.

C. The Meaning:

· The body as an instrument: The body is seen as a physical shell that needs to be controlled by the spiritual or inner self.

· Fighting sin: The “flesh” represents the sinful nature that opposes God’s Spirit and needs to be brought into submission.

· Empowerment by the Spirit: Achieving self-control is not based solely on human willpower but requires the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

“I beat my body and make it my slave” highlights the importance of intentional self-discipline and denying worldly desires in pursuing spiritual growth and a life that honors God. It emphasized the need to control impulses and desires to prevent them from hindering one’s faith and effectiveness in serving God.

Romans 8:38-39 NIV, 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.