1Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I disciple my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. Hypocrisy is an awful thing. To say one thing and do another is confusing for the one who hears your words then sees you contradicting them. As believers, we have a high calling. We have a higher standard. When we do not practice what we preach, it does not go unnoticed. And what is worse is that people stop listening to the truth. It sounds like a lie when we live that way. Paul wanted to guard himself and the church from such hypocrisy. This is why he writes, for the sake of the lost and those who are part of the flock. Our very words impact them.
It's a terrifying thing to read disqualified. But read carefully what Paul is saying. Paul says I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. He is not saying he will be disqualified from heaven. He is saying that those to whom he preached will no longer hear his words as truth. In a sense, they will lose their power. The Bible clearly says, So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 NASB But we don't want to be the reason a person rejects the truth of God because of our actions. Paul loved God and loved people. So he made it his goal to disciple himself for their sake. Our goal should be the same, not so we won't be disqualified but for the joy of being qualified and having the opportunity to tell others about Jesus. This is Good News! Have a great, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good!
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