1 Corinthians 9: Group Study Handout

Overview

Paul asserts his freedom and status as an apostle, noting that the Corinthians are his work in the Lord (vv. 1-2). He offers a defense of his rights, questioning why he should not eat or drink, or have a believing wife like the other apostles (vv. 3-6). Paul uses analogies to illustrate entitlement, saying that soldiers, vineyard planters, and shepherds benefit from their work (vv. 7-14). He explains that he has not claimed these rights, as he wishes to avoid hindrance to the Gospel (vv. 15-18). Paul describes how he becomes like others, adapting to different people groups to win them (vv. 19-23). He uses the metaphor of a race to encourage believers to exercise self-control and aim for the eternal prize (vv. 24-27).

Key verse

“but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 (WEB)

Outline

1. 1 Corinthians 9:1–2 Paul's Apostolic Authority
2. 1 Corinthians 9:3–6 Defense of Rights
3. 1 Corinthians 9:7–14 Analogies of Entitlement
4. 1 Corinthians 9:15–18 Relinquishing Rights
5. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 Becoming All Things
6. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Running the Race

Discussion questions

1. In v5, what does Paul ask about taking along a 'wife who is a believer'?
2. What does Paul mean by 'the prize' in v24?
3. Paul's choice to waive rights in v12 raises the question of what motivates self-denial?
4. In v19, how does Paul reconcile his freedom with being 'under bondage' to all?
5. When have you set aside personal rights like Paul for a greater cause?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 9: Philippians 3, Hebrews 12, Galatians 5.

Before next time: read 1 Corinthians 10.