Sex
Beat or Be Beaten

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:27

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

The apostle Paul makes an astonishing confession in our Key Verse for today. It’s astonishing because he seems so in control and holy in the way God saved Paul and the way God used Paul, yet Paul had to work hard to honor God. Some Christ followers seem to believe that “real” Christians won’t struggle or work hard to be what God wants them to be. All the scriptures that talk about God’s strength in us may make us think God does it all and we sit in an easy chair and float to Heaven. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

Paul confessed that he had to “beat his body” and make it (force it) be his slave! Our flesh (meaning the things that bring pleasurable feelings to us) does not want to be denied. Our bodies will cry out daily for immediate gratification of its wants and desires! It is not sinful to want food, clothing and sex, but all these desires must be controlled, forced to live within boundaries.

This symbolism that the apostle is using, as far as “beating his body,” is painting the picture of self-discipline. It is saying “no” to our fleshly satisfactions that cross lines and dishonor God. Titus 2:11-12 says this clearly:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

You and I are responsible to imitate the apostle Paul’s discipline. We must “beat our bodies;” making sure our lifestyle honors God!

Father, thanks for making it possible to master my fleshly desires and surrender my life to you. Today I will live free and honorable before people around me in order to bring you glory. In Jesus’ Name, amen.