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 factors that lead 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 about disqualification offers essential insights into a Christian’s purpose in life here on earth. Paul admits that believers will be judged. Some Christians have never heard of such a judgment, but it is not about being lost or saved. Instead, it concerns how faithful they are after coming to know the Lord. Even though Paul was an apostle, he 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 away from his faith and becomes a reprobate, then we should realize that something else is happening there.

God hates the righteous who turn to wickedness—this is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. However, this does not mean that one earns salvation. If a professing believer turns to wickedness and never repents, it shows they were never truly a believer. This aligns with the Reformers’ emphasis on persevering faith. If anyone abandons 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).

Paul's main focus is on winning the race and living a well-tuned, godly life to bring glory to God. Deep down, however, he remembers the warning for people like Judas Iscariot, who followed the Lord but ultimately betrayed Him.

Check out the BFF NT Digital Library, which includes all our New Testament resources.

A Double-Check

Paul is not talking about losing salvation, but rather whether he will receive the full reward that our Lord intends to give to His faithful followers. Disqualification would mean receiving fewer rewards or possibly none at all.

But the question is: what kinds of activities lead to disqualification? He might have Moses in mind, who struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded, and as a result, lost the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Paul spoke of how he preached to others, but implied that disqualification would occur if he did not live consistently with what he preached. We can best understand the apostle’s mindset from the attributes he 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 responsible for every word we utter.

Conduct: How we generally behave and whether it reflects Christ—free from deception, lying, bitterness, evil, etc.

Faith: Our trust in what the Lord has spoken to us, whether in guidance or daily life.

Purity: More specific than conduct, focusing on proper sexual behavior and thoughts toward others.

Paul summarizes this by saying, “Show yourself an example of those who believe.” All believers are responsible for being Christ-like. Leaders will be judged more strictly because their poor behavior can have a negative impact on many people.

Extra Effort

The Apostle Paul recognizes that, given his position, it’s easy to stumble. He faces all the powers of darkness fighting against him. So Paul is especially strict with himself, saying, "But I discipline my body and make it my slave.” He takes no risks. Instead, he would rather go without pride, affirmations, pleasure, glory, riches, comfort, and such, than come close to the edge of temptation.

A well-known evangelist and apologist’s fall recently came to light after his death. He frequented massage parlors and operated them. He let himself get too close to seeking pleasure and indulged in unholy pleasures. I believe he knew the Lord, but he disqualified himself through a life of hard work for the Lord. God apparently saved his soul but took away many of his rewards. The evangelist did not deny his faith, but he revealed his hypocrisy.

Discussion Questions on 1 Corinthians 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 care for himself 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.