1 Corinthians 9
Love is one of the most frequently mentioned themes in Christianity, yet it is often the most misunderstood. It’s easy to say, “I love you.” It’s far harder to live it out. In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul challenges us to move beyond mental agreement with love and actually embody it in our lives. Through his example, we see what drives him, what he sacrifices, and how he fulfills the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
What Does It Look Like to Love God and Others?
We know we’re called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We understand the call to make disciples of all nations. But how do we actually live that out? Why is it so difficult? Paul’s life in 1 Corinthians 9 offers answers.
Paul begins by defending his apostleship. The Corinthians, captivated by culturally impressive leaders, questioned Paul’s authority because he didn’t fit their mold of success. He wasn’t flashy, wealthy, or reliant on their financial support. Instead, Paul built tents to support himself—work that some found demeaning.
Paul explains why he made these choices, not to assert his rights, but to demonstrate his love for God. He knew his worth as an apostle and his right to be supported (1 Corinthians 9:7–14). Yet, he laid down these rights, showing that love often costs us something.
The Cost of Loving God
Paul’s decision not to demand his rights wasn’t a reflection of insecurity or lack of worth. It was a reflection of his love for God.
“But I have made no use of any of these rights… For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting” (1 Corinthians 9:15).
Paul’s love for God wasn’t driven by obligation, title, or personal gain. He freely gave up his comfort, security, and entitlements to glorify God.
Loving God costs self. It requires sacrifices—our rights, our comforts, and even our image. Paul’s passion to preach the gospel stemmed from his overwhelming gratitude for God’s love. He knew he had been forgiven much, saved from spiritual blindness, and called to eternal purpose. This love drove his loyalty, obedience, and desire for God above all things.
Where Does This Love Come From?
Paul’s love was a response to God’s love. As 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” Paul, once the chief of sinners, was saved not by his own merit but by God’s mercy and grace. He couldn’t ignore a love like that, and neither can we.
Loving Others: Selfless and Sacrificial
Paul didn’t just love God; he loved others. He used his freedom in Christ not to serve himself, but to serve others.
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (1 Corinthians 9:19).
Paul adapted to the needs of others to share the gospel effectively. To the Jews, he became as a Jew. To those outside the law, he became as one outside the law (1 Corinthians 9:20–21). He wasn’t compromising his faith or affirming sin; rather, he was laying aside his preferences and freedoms for the sake of others.
This is the essence of loving our neighbors—sacrificing our rights, comforts, and desires to seek their good. Paul became “all things to all people” so that some might be saved (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Love Requires Discipline and Perseverance
Paul compares the Christian life to a race, emphasizing the need for discipline and self-control:
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:25).
Athletes forgo legitimate pleasures to win temporary rewards. How much more should we, as Christians, discipline ourselves for eternal rewards? Paul gladly laid aside his rights to better love God and others.
The Enemy of Love Is Self
Self-centeredness is the greatest obstacle to love. It seeks its own good, insists on its own rights, and acts for its own profit. Love, on the other hand, sacrifices and counts others as more significant. It seeks the betterment of others and rejoices in their good.
Living with Eternal Purpose
Paul’s life challenges us to examine our own. Are we distracted by worldly pursuits, comfort, or entitlement? Or are we pursuing the one passion worthy of total commitment: loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving others as ourselves?
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). Paul lived this out. His life shows us that the only way to make a kingdom impact is through Christ-like love—a love that sacrifices, perseveres, and seeks the eternal good of others.
As we run our race, let’s not aimlessly beat the air. Let’s discipline ourselves to live with focus and purpose, pursuing the imperishable prize of God’s glory and the joy of seeing others come to know Him.
In the end, there is no greater reward than hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”