Written by Paul J Bucknell on November, 02, 2021

1 Corinthians 9:27 The Disqualification of Christians with Questions

The Question on 1 Corinthians 9:27

What are the contributing factors leading to Christians being disqualified?

1 Corinthians 9:27

“But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).

A Reality Check

This question on disqualification provides key insights into a Christian’s life purpose here on earth. Paul acknowledges that believers will be judged. Some Christians have never heard of such a thing. This judgment, however, has nothing to do with being lost or saved but is on the extent of their faithfulness once they have come to know the Lord. Paul, though an apostle, faced the same pressure as all believers—“I myself will not be disqualified.”

The netbible.org provides two definitions for the Greek word for ‘disqualified’ (Greek: ἀδόκιμος).

“1) not standing the test, not approved

1a) properly used of metals and coins

2) that which does not prove itself such as it ought

2a) unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate”

If a professing believer turns from his faith and becomes a reprobate, then we should realize something else is going on there.

God hates the righteous who turn to wickedness—taught both in the Old and New Testaments. However, this statement does not mean that one works for salvation. If a professing believer turns to wickedness and never repents, then it reveals that they were never a genuine believer. This is the Reformers’ emphasis on a persevering faith. If anyone gives up their faith, then how can they claim their faith saves them?

“ They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us” (1 John 2:19).

“²⁶ When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity and dies because of it, for his iniquity which he has committed he will die. ²⁷ Again, when a wicked man turns away from his wickedness which he has committed and practices justice and righteousness, he will save his life” (Ez 18:26-27).

In the forefront of his mind, Paul is thinking about winning the race, living a finely-tuned godly life to bring God glory. Deep in his mind, though, Paul remembers the warning for the likes of Judas Iscariot, who followed the Lord but, in the end, betrayed Him.

A Double-Check

Paul is not speaking about losing salvation, but whether or not he will receive the total amount of reward that our Lord seeks to give His faithful ones. Disqualification would be translated into receiving a reduced number of rewards or maybe none.

But the question is: what kinds of activities lead to disqualification? He might have Moses in mind who struck the rock rather than speaking to it as commanded and lost the opportunity to enter the Promised Land.

Paul spoke of how he preached to others but inferred that disqualification would occur if he did not live what he preached. We can best detect the apostle’s mindset from the attributes mentioned to Timothy—when he preached.

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Speech: we are accountable for every word we say.

Conduct: the general way we behave and whether it is Christ-like—no deceiving, lying, bitterness, evil, etc.

Faith: the trust we place in what the Lord has said to us, whether in guidance or daily lives.

Purity: more specific than conduct and relates to proper sexual conduct and thoughts toward others.

Paul summarizes this by saying, “Show yourself an example of those who believe.” All believers are accountable for Christlikeness. Leaders will be judged more seriously because their poor behavior negatively influences many people.

Extra Effort

The Apostle Paul realizes that with his position, it’s easy to fail. He has all the powers of darkness fighting against him. So Paul is extra rigorous on himself, “But I discipline my body and make it my slave.” He takes no chances. He would instead go without the pride, affirmations, pleasure, glory, riches, comfort, etc., then get close to the border of temptation.

A well-known evangelist/apologist’s fall recently came to light after his death. He operated and frequented massage parlors. He got too close to seeking pleasure and allowed himself extra ungodly indulgence.

I somehow think he knew the Lord, but he disqualified himself after a life of hard labor for the Lord. God apparently saved his soul but stripped him from all or many rewards. The evangelist did not deny his faith but revealed his hypocrisy.

Discussion Questions on 1 Cor 9:27

Memorize 1 Corinthians 9:27. Share one thing that helps you most from this verse.
Does Paul indicate that if our works are not up to par, we will not be saved? Explain.
Explain the difference between the judgment of unbelievers and believers.
List two characteristics from 1 Timothy 4:12 that you need to work on the most.
For further studies, see 2 Timothy 2:22. Define the godly traits mentioned.
How is the professing believer who turns to wickedness to fear?
Examine one or two areas of your life where you need to be especially careful.
How did Paul treat himself so as to avoid failing the race?
Pray right now that God would protect you in this race to win the prize of Christ’s high calling for you.