How to Live Victoriously - 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

By David Woods

Paul begins our scripture text by asking, "Know ye not?" In other words, "Don't you understand?" I think maybe Paul asked this because the four principles he shares concerning spiritual victory in our text are very simple.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Discussion: How would you define the word "discipline"?

Discussion: If the Christian desires spiritual victory, is it necessary to be self-controlled in all areas of life? Why or why not?

Discussion: Please react to the following statements and then give your reasoning.

T or F: An increase in self-discipline makes me more holy.
(False: No amount of discipline can make a sinful heart holy.)

T or F: I can be victorious over sin simply by developing great self-discipline.
(False: There are many examples of very disciplined people in different fields of life, i.e. athletics, who were unable to control the raging desires of the carnal nature.)

T or F: It is not necessary for the entirely sanctified person to be self-disciplined.
(False: Richard S. Taylor writes, "Entire sanctification is the secret of successful Chirstian discipline, and in return, maintained discipline is a necessary aid in maintaining holiness.)

Richard Taylor gives several reasons why discipline is needed in the entirely sanctified person's life.

1. Orderliness is an aid in protecting the devotional life.
2. Continued discipline is needed to keep the body in its place.
3. Discipline is a proper facet of the holy life because without it the believer will not reach maximum efficiency in the Lord's service.
4. Holiness purifies the heart but does not instantly mature the head.

(Note to teacher: The "True or False" activity and points concerning discipline in the entirely sanctified person's life come from Richard S. Taylor's book, The Disciplined Life, chapter four - "Discipline and Holiness.")

The point I have been trying to make is this: we are made holy only through the grace of Jesus Christ. However, self-discipline is a great help in living a holy life.

In fact, those who lack self-discipline will probably struggle spiritually, not because God's grace is not effective in their lives, but that they are not applying themselves to the grace God has given them.

The first principle for spiritual victory then is:

1. Spiritual victory requires consistent, hard work.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-5

The story of the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is fascinating. It is a story of highs and lows - and not much in between. One moment they were rejoicing that they had been set free, the next they were accusing Moses of laying a trap to get them killed.

Discussion: How could a people go one moment trusting God to the next grumbling and complaining against God? What was their problem?
("Carnality" may be the quick answer. But try to probe further: what is it about carnality that causes one to rebel against God?)

The Israelites constantly looked back toward Egypt. They longed for the delicacies of Egypt. They hated the "hard" life they now endured.

When they first reached the borders of Canaan, the report of ten of the spies caused the multitude to complain and rebel. God then refused to allow those older than twenty years old to enter Canaan.

If you ask me, the majority of these people, though they had set out on this trip and had continued traveling, never made the determination in their mind that they needed to leave Egypt.

I think many Christians who continue to struggle spiritually have a similar problem. Though they have accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, they still want to cling on to some sins from their past.

The truth found in these verses is this:

2. Spiritual defeat is not an option.

The Israelites who complained and rebelled ended up dying in the wilderness. The Christian who continues to hold on to sin habits will backslide spiritually.

Activity: I would like us to develop a "Top Ten" list of excuses why people say it is okay to sin.
(Ideas: The devil made me do it. It's not as bad as what Mr. Jones is doing. Nobody will find me out. I can ask forgiveness later, etc.)

I don't want you to answer the following questions out loud, but I do want you to think about them. Is there an area in your life in which you are continuing to struggle spiritually? Will you admit that the activity is sin?

Will you determine that by God's help you will not sin in this way again - ever? I realize you may fail. If you do so, God will forgive you if you repent.
But I believe that we will only be victorious over sin habits as we become deadly serious about ridding such sins from our lives.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:6-11

Discussion: What is the essence of idolatry?

In the matter of the golden calf, the people said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" (ESV) Aaron proclaimed the next day as a "feast to the LORD." Therefore, it seems like the people were attempting to worship God through the golden calf.

Discussion: Why did God see such activity as idolatrous, instead of merely misguided?

Discussion: Does the Church follow Israel's example of idolatry at times today? If so, how?

Our lesson comments point out that this whole text is a discussion regarding eating meat offered to idols. The Corinthians had already shown a weakness toward sexual immorality.

Paul seems to be saying in verses seven and eight that eating meat from idols would tempt them back to immoral activities in which they had once engaged.

In another scripture, Paul says that he didn't worry about where the meat came from that he ate, unless someone who ate with him was troubled by where it may have come from.

Discussion: Why does Paul teach the Corinthians to avoid meat eaten by idols while he felt like he could? What principle is Paul teaching us?
(The Christian must sometimes give up his rights because taking advantage of those rights would make him more vulnerable to temptation.)

Discussion: What does it mean to tempt Christ?

The principle I find in these verses is this:

3. Satan likes to attack your areas of weakness(es).

Obviously, therefore, you should be extra careful in matters where you have struggled spiritually in the past.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:12-13

The wonderful truth found in these two verses is that:

4. God is on your side.

When you are being tempted, you may feel like you are all alone. No one else has suffered attacks like you. But that is wrong. All people face similar temptation. God has not abandoned you to some unbeatable attack of Satan.

Rather, God is on your side. In every temptation, God provides you a way to be victorious over it. God does not want His people to live defeated lives. Christ wants to experience daily victory over sin and temptation. You can do it - through the power given you by Christ!

Prayer: