DANGER OF BECOMING DISQUALIFIED
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1Cor.9:27). The Apostle Paul did not want to become disqualified. In our text the word “disqualified” translates a Greek word that was used in reference to metals that did not prove themselves to be of good quality. The apostle used the word in reference to himself, stating that he did not want to be regarded as one not standing the test, not approved; unfit, spurious, or reprobate. In the subsequent passages, that constitute a good portion of the next chapter in the Corinthian epistle, Paul calls upon the ancient Israelites to illustrate the possibility of becoming disqualified. First, he mentioned how the ancient Israelites had started out successfully in their relationship with God by mentioning the Israelites had passed through the Red Sea and in so doing were baptized into Moses. They all ate the same spiritual food and they all drank the same spiritual drink. Yet, in spite of these things Paul wrote the following, “But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness” (1Cor.10:5). Of all the ancient Israelites who had left Egypt at the age of twenty years or older, only two families made it to the Promised Land. What happened to the rest of the estimated two million that went out of Egypt? They became disqualified along the way. Referring primarily to the Old Testament books of Exodus and Numbers, the apostle reveals how many of them became disqualified. First, he reveals some lusted after evil things (1Cor.10:6). Second, some became idolaters (1Cor.10:7). Third, some became involved in sexual immorality (1Cor.10:8). Fourth, some tempted Christ (1Cor.10:9). And fifth, some murmured or complained (1Cor.10:10). From the book of Numbers we also learn that unbelief sealed their fate to die in the wilderness. After recalling the events that led to the ancient Israelites becoming disqualified, the Apostle Paul then gives a warning to his Christian brethren, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1Cor.10:12). Next, the apostle points out that a Christian will not fall if he makes correct application of the knowledge that no uncommon temptation will befall him; that God will not permit the Christian to be tempted beyond his ability to endure; and that God will make a way out of the temptation.