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FAQ # 77
QUESTION 77 : If Paul could
have said, “I keep my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by
any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”
(1 Cor 9:27), how much more me. Surely Paul was save, but how comes this
statement implies that one can be saved today and lost tomorrow, is that
so or is my summation wrong?
Many Christians share
your summation; in fact my former Pastor (E.M) gave me the same answer.
However, I have the entire chapter before me on one page; it’s interesting
to note that Paul was not implying being lost or unsaved after one receives
salvation, for whatever reason.
Please read the entire chapter 9 (verses 1-27) and even the first verse
of chapter 10. Most often, only the verses before and after (context)
any one-bible verse can truly give the full meaning.
The apostle Paul here was writing a letter to answer his accusers in Corinth;
based on the text they had accused him of collecting money for his own
gain.
From
verse 3 to 6 Paul gave us his outstanding flawlessness in preaching the
gospel without taking anything in return; he went as far as to deny personal
comfort and pleasures, which he could easily attain by his known status
(foolishly speaking).
From
verse 7 to 14 he carefully explained how it was lawful and right in the
site of God for a preacher of the gospel to receive money from the beneficiary
of the gospel.
From
verse 14 to 26 he told them that he had not use this privilege, though
he had the right to. In these same verses he thoroughly explained why
he didn’t partake of this blessing, which was summed up in verse 27,
“I myself
should be a castaway,”
Or, in essence, “rejected, or disapproved of; that is, by men: the apostle's
concern is, lest he should do anything that might bring a reproach on
the Gospel; lest some corruption of his nature or other should break out,
and thereby his ministry be justly blamed, and be brought under contempt;
and so he be rejected and disapproved of by men, and become ‘useless’
as a preacher: not that he feared he should become a reprobate, as the
word is opposed to an elect person; or that he should be a castaway eternally,
or be everlastingly damned; for he knew in whom he had believed, and was
persuaded of his interest in the love of God, and that he was a chosen
vessel of salvation, that could not be eternally lost: though supposing
that this is his sense, and these his fears and concern, it follows not
as neither that he was, so neither that he could be a lost and damned
person: the fears of the saints, their godly jealousies of themselves,
and pious care that they be not lost, are not at all inconsistent with
the firmness of their election, their security in Christ, and the impossibility
of their final and total falling away; but on the contrary are overruled,
and made use of by the Spirit of God, for their final perseverance in
grace and holiness” (Commentary).
Paul was very passionate and serious about the gospel/doctrine and he
knew that one rumor could ruin his approval (“castaway”) before the masses.
This could have considerable hindrances. Though the word is not bound,
he himself might be unwelcome and rejected (“castaway”).
For
instance, there was a rumor going around about me; spawned by this young
fellow who I refuse to name. I don’t hold it against him, seeing that
he is young, inexperience and probably sincere. But by his affiliation
many have taken him serious, especially when it’s alleged that God showed
it to him.
Not
to boast on these things, but anyone knowing me knows that I’m a Jesus
fanatic, fasting often (60 days max, 4 days max straight without food
or drink), praying always, studying the scriptures daily, writing to strengthen
the body of Christ and personally giving out hundreds of tracts monthly.
I have even had many opportunities to gain wealth, marry the finest of
Pentecostal sisters and align myself to the ‘best’ of ministers. But for
my relationship with God and a great zeal for truth, have sacrificed it
all and made my life hazardous for the sake of the gospel.
Now,
I wrote an essay (online and print) by the spirit of the Lord and it was
generally well received. The word was sent to a neighboring church and
it was also received. But upon frequent visits there, I realized that
I myself was indirectly rejected (or felt uncomfortable). Probably, because
of rumors.
The
word itself will not be bound, because it cannot, but one false rumor
can cause the preacher/writer to be rejected or unwelcomed. That’s what
Paul meant when he said, “I myself should be a castaway.”
Many
well meaning Christians have even learnt to deal with these battered Men
of God that are falsely accused; battered because they carry the “oracles
of God” and the devil know it. Many have coined terms like, “God can use
anybody” and “God use an ass to talk to Balaam so he can use him…” One
preacher said, “well if God can use a crow, a ‘thief-ing’ black bird,
to carry food to Elijah, then he can use so and so” (Christian TV). Men
would rather take the word and renounce the preacher, than look into what
is alleged; even if it is true (Gal 6:1).
Paul
knew that people in general would rather believe a lie than investigate
whether a claim was false or misrepresented. Therefore, he washed himself
from every “appearance of evil.”
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