REMAINING DISCIPLINE: BEAT MY FLESH TO SUBMISSION

In First Corinthians chapter 9, in the New King James Version of the Bible, there are 3 main subtitles listed there. A Pattern of Self-Denial, Serving All Men and Striving For a Crown. Now, my goal for this post is to work my way to my main point, which is 1 Corinthians chapter 9, verse 27. But let’s ease into it today. So, open your mind, heart, and Spirit to what the LORD THY GOD wants to speak to your heart today. So, let’s pray. 

In the first 12 verses of 1 Corinthians chapter 9, the Apostle Paul incites his listeners by asking them a series of questions. We do not have time to consider them all but let’s look at a few together. Paul asks

These questions and others seemed like mindless questions. But they certainly are not. Here, Paul is addressing some serious scriptural offenses that were occurring in the Church. Many of which still exist in our churches today. 

Some in the Corinthians congression of GOD were callous toward Paul over trivial matters. Enough so that some created much confusion, arguments, needles debates, and practiced fault-finding tactics not only to hinder Paul’s mission for Christ but also to hinder the gospel of Christ from being preached (1 Corinthians 9:12).

As an appointed apostle of Christ, Paul could not simply ignore such great notorious towards the truth or the gospel. He had to address and confront these slanderous behaviors and attitudes head-on. Paul addressed these individuals nitpicking behaviors by asserting his apostolical mission and authority. He logically subsists and defends his ministry by referencing his constitutional right by means of Christ and the Mosaical law. He also pointed out the fact that he as an apostle of Christ had denied his self-interest and even comforts for the sake of the gospel.

Despite Paul’s efforts to tackle such issues in the Body of Christ, as an apostle, he did not have an easy task. He was constantly met with opposition and often combated with discouragement and reproach by superficial Christians, false brethren, and immature saints. Paul’s character and reputation were always placed under a microscope and under attack not only from those outside of the church but even from within. A sad reality that still exists today.

And yet Paul never allowed these insinuated behaviors, attitudes, or actions, whether done in public or in secret, to prevent him from speaking and sharing the full gospel in a manner of how GOD was leading him as an apostle for Christ. Paul was not going to let a few self-righteous, prideful, self-willed men or women discredit, disgrace, or criminalize the Good News of the gospel, his reputation, or the works he was doing for Christ. 
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Paul's focus in this Greek culture was to ‘preach the gospel’ no matter who took offense or how wrongly individuals interpret his intentions (1 Corinthians 9:16). To achieve this in an affectionally and effective manner, met that Paul had to antagonize (challenge, oppose, provoke, irritate, upset) and even be combative towards those who were trying to make a mockery over the gospel and his apostleship.

Paul not only had to address problems like idolatry, and rejection of Judeo doctrines like the trinity and the resurrection. But he also had to tackle issues in the Corinthians congression dealing with marriage and divorce, spiritual gifts, ethical differences, the role of men and women, immaturity, church discipline, sectarianism, etc. In fact, Paul declared at 1 Corinthians chapter 9, verse 16. “Yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.”
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The Greek word for ‘woe’ in verse 16 is ouai (G3759) – primary for expressing grief or denunciation. Here Paul is pointing out to his listeners that he preaches the gospel with all convictions and truth not out of personal ambition or because it was a matter of choice. He preached because HE WAS CALLED. CALLED BY CHRIST TO BE AN APOSTLE FOR CHRIST. Therefore, it was and is something he must do. Paul felt compelled to resolve doctrine and practical problems within the local church, not for his own namesake or based on his own self-righteous biases or boasting. He wanted to see the church of GOD grow and prosper both on an individual level and as a congregation as a whole. His goal was not self-motivated. Or led by some false personal pretense (sham, deceit, imagination, hoax). Paul clearly understood that the church is the temple of GOD. Therefore, the SPIRIT OF THE LORD dwelt in the corporate body, which includes all members. Hence, his mission was not to tear down the Body of Christ but to build it up. But in doing so, Paul could not leave or neglect to address the existing issues, whether public or in secret, that exist in Corinth.

Part of building up the Body of Christ and individual members requires tearing down strongholds, wrongful behaviors, and attitudes, slanderous and idle talk, confronting backbiting, or all sorts of habits and behaviors that existed in the Greek culture that was influencing GOD’s congregation. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 10:4, Proverbs 27:17, Jeremiah 1:10).

To Paul, it did not matter if he had support from the local congregation or not. It was not primarily about them (the congregation of GOD). It was about preaching the full truth of the gospel, fulfilling the call Christ had placed on his life, acknowledging that he had been entrusted by GOD with this stewardship, and knowing, regardless of how the people responded to him or his message – he still is called by Christ; and as a result, of his faithfulness, he would obtain his reward in due season. Praise Jah!

Paul had no interest in abusing his authority in the gospel nor the gospel itself, as some were doing during this ministry (and some are still practicing this very day). Many doing Paul’s time were conducting themselves for the gospel as religious entrepreneurs. They preached the gospel for selfish gain, clout, and fame – charging for the message, a WORD, or prophetic utterance. Paul was a willing vessel that sacrifice himself, his ambition, his status, his fame, clout, and lot in life for the cause of Christ. What about you?
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Okay, let’s skip a few verses and drop down to the heart of our discussion at 1 Corinthians 9:27. 

Paul did not want his body, his self-will, or ambition to hinder his forward progress in Christ. Therefore, he did not allow his body to lord over himself. He was a servant, a slave to and for Christ. Consequently, he had to deny himself to not yield to his fleshly inclination. Be that it may be lust, appetites, pampering himself, etc.

Paul did not possess an unhealthy view of denial either as some who thought they could pay for their sins through such practices as self-tortures. Refusing to acknowledge that Christ had already paid it all – the penalty for our sins at the Cross.

We too must not forfeit our promise of eternity with Christ by pursuing things that we should not, by allowing our flesh to dominate over us, and by letting our misplaced (inappropriate, erroneous, illogical, improper, misdirected) thoughts, and mindsets hinder the works of Christ through others like Paul. 
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So what can we walk away with from this verse? In the previous verses, Paul says this. 

Here Paul compares himself (as well as us) to an athlete who disciplines himself to win the prize. In order to win, an athlete must make necessary sacrifices in the way he or she eats, works out, manages his or her body, attitude – especially towards others, and even controls his mouth – the way he or she speaks about himself and others. An athlete workout not for the sake of just working out but for and with purpose. He or she understands that his body, his mind, and his thoughts, including his mouth, were used to do or say whatever it wants. But there is a bigger picture Paul had learned that we need to consider, especially after submitting to Christ. 

Being disqualified.

If he failed to get a master over these things – his flesh, his thoughts, his mindset, his attitude, especially towards others, his mouth. That even he can become disqualified not by men but by Christ. He could lose out on eternal life and pleasing the One he has submitted himself to which is Christ. Therefore, he beats his flesh into submission – to do only all the things GOD had called him to do and say for the sake of the gospel, for Christ, for the Body of Christ, and its members. 

​SHALOM

If you look up the word transfiguration in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it defines it like this.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary even acknowledges it as a Christian feast that commemorates the transfiguration of Christ on a mountaintop in the presence of three disciples. (Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2022).
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Now, it is common practice for those who produce dictionaries in the book industry to follow an absorbing process in deciding which words to include in their new edition. For example, editors at Merriam-Webster have to determine the following before including a new word in their dictionary. 

The final test a word must pass before an editor decides to include it in the dictionary is that it must have enough proven evidence to show that it is widely used in our society. However, the word being considered cannot come from a single source. Otherwise, it is rejected from entry in the general dictionary. Of course, there are a few other processes not listed here. But you all get the point.

So, what does all this have to do with the transfiguration? Well, let’s take a walk back in time and you will find out. 

We can read about the transfiguration of Christ at Matthew chapter 17, verses 1 through 13. Verse 2 says,

The Blue Letter Bible reverse Greek interlinear defines the phrase, “was transfigured” this way.

Now, I do not know about you but when I read this explanation in comparison to the modern definition provided by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to me, this conveys a different school of thought, a different feel. So, let’s go a little deeper to see what we can obtain. 

I reviewed a few encyclopedia dictionaries to get a little more understanding and clarity on this supernatural event. But let’s review one of them together – the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia. This is how it described this occurrence.

This voice was so powerful and overwhelming that all 3 men immediately prostrated themselves and waited in silence. But when they finally got the strength to look upward, only Jesus stood before them. What an awe-inspiring and unexplainable experience this was for these 3 men.

Now, we can attempt to break down the word transfiguration and its many parts and variations to figure out how our society is currently using this text. And that’s all good. Such a process can be beneficial and has its place. But what I think is most important for us to understand is the impact this encounter had on Jesus’ disciples and how this event, this supernatural phenomenon should have on us today. 
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When people speak of the transfiguration, even in the church, we refer to it in the most general way. As if it is or was a normal occurrence. We do not give it the reverence and holy accolades it deserves.

So, let’s think about this. Here in this account, we only know of one other occasion where GOD spoke such blessing words about Jesus HIS Son – “This is MY beloved Son.” – whom HE was well pleased with. Twice, GOD was confirming Jesus as HIS choice, HIS chosen vessel to do HIS will and bidding for HIS Kingdom and for the sake of humanity.

Through such gracious words, GOD was clearly indicating HIS favor upon this man of GOD that we know as Christ.

So, now, think about the transfiguration for a moment. And just imagine the impact it had on Jesus, despite knowing what He will have to endure and encounter in the near future for the sake of all of mankind. This event definitely gave Jesus the boldness, joy, new confidence, and even the endurance He will need to endure the shame and torture he was about to undergo for each one of us. This event was extremely significant in the spiritual realm and certainly in human history. It is not an event we can take lightly or gloss over.

Now consider the influence this experience had on Jesus’ disciples who were present. This moment had to be faith-building for them. If any of them were internally questioning whether Jesus was heaven-sent or whether He was the Messiah. This event would have cleared all of that up for sure. It would have radicated any doubts. Especially considering what all of them were about to be exposed to and experienced firsthand. For Jesus’ disciples, their days were about to get really dark. Persecution was about to get heavy and thick for them. Life as they once knew it was about to change and it was not going to be the same. A dense dark cloud was about to hover over the land and the heads of GOD’s people. But this event of the transfiguration would be forever imprinted in the minds of these 3 disciples who will play a pivotal role in the survival of the Church and its members during the coming dark church days. This event will strengthen them and help them to stay in the place, in an hour when many will abandon not only their faith but also Christ, their Savior and Deliver.
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Seeing the transfiguration figures of both Moses and Elijah was confirmation to Jesus’ 3 disciples that there is life on the other side. There is immortality for mankind – for those who are able to obtain it. No longer could they or any of us doubt the holy authority and power that rests on Christ. He truly is the Son of GOD. For these 3 men have seen as witnesses, an aspect of the unseen world through this unnatural event. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 13:1). Between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah – Peter, John, and James were able to see the spirit meeting with the spirit in their heavenly bodies. GLORY TO GOD! These men got to see a glance of what heavenly bodies look like in heaven. 

One word would best describe the point of this subtitle - significance to us today. “Everlasting life”. Or even life after death. Okay, that was two words but you get the point. THERE IS LIFE AFTER THIS LIFE WE ARE CURRENTLY LIVING. The transfiguration is a powerful witness to this. If we continue to gloss over events like this in our human history – not only do we miss the value of such events. But it can even cost us missing out pn so much more.
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Every man, woman, and child must learn their Bible history. And I am not talking about that man-made makeup, tainted history we have been taught in our schools and even by our parents. (Compare to Hosea 4:6). We must know our history that was established and written by our Creator. (Compare to Genesis 1:1). It is then and only then, we will be able to obtain TRUTH (John 17:17).

This is the WORD OF THE LORD

The vitamins and herbs listed below are the perfect combination for anything viral. You need to take the following.

• 5 Dandelions
• 4 Vitamin Cs
• 1 Zinc

Then listen to GOD for how long you need to take them - the duration.

This is post is based on the Scripture prinicple for at Deuteronomy 7:15.