Homilist 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others… Observe this was penned towards the close of the apostle's career. Full of years, and laden with trophies, he still thinks it necessary to keep war with the flesh. View him — I. AS AN AGED MAN. There is no period in which the spiritual warrior may relax his training. Each season of life has its appropriate and dominant passion. II. AS AN ADVANCED CHRISTIAN. Men may make great advances in religious knowledge, but be imperfect. Consider Paul's attainments in theology — yet still he struggles; he is still imperfect. III. AS AN EXPERIENCED MINISTER. A minister may eloquently preach, and people be delighted to listen — to real blessings to which both he and they be strangers. Again, people may be converted, and yet their minister be a castaway. So parents, masters, teachers, may help others to Christ, yet never find Him themselves. Personal religion, including persevering conflict, essential to final salvation. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. |
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