To Reach the World, Part 3 - The Priority - 1 Corinthians 9

God’s plan to reach the world? Us, going to all the nations and making disciples! God’s power? From the Holy Spirit for us to be witnesses! This is obviously our #1 priority as Christians! What can we do to fulfill this task? The Apostle Paul points the way…

· For Paul, nothing more vital than sharing the gospel (Rom 1:16-17)
· This was his responsibility, his top priority! (1 Cor 9:15-22)
· His goal: Be a gospel ‘fellow-partaker’ and win the prize! (9:23-27)

Two Key Questions
· Did Paul share the gospel in order to save himself? (Some say so.)
· Did Paul ‘train’ so to not be ‘disqualified’ from going to heaven?

A Closer Look at 1 Cor 9
· What is a “partaker” (v23)?

A ‘partaker’ is like an athlete who _________ the ___________! (24)

· What is Paul’s ‘training regimen’ to “win the prize”? (vv24-27)

   o Think Positive! (24)

   o Learn to say “No” (25)

- Say “No” to part-time Christianity
- Say “No” to ‘spiritual junk-food’
- Say “No” to ‘spiritual steroids’

   o Focus on the Goal! (26)

   o Train like you mean it! (27)

“Run your race to win!” 1 Cor 9:23

[Listen Now...]