1 Coríntios 9
John Piper · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 9:24
Piper - "What Paul did with the games was to see them in relation to God. Paul was so saturated with Christ and the Gospel that he could not see anything without thinking of how it related to eternity and the great issues of the Christian life...(PIPER PARAPHRASES PAUL) “Now I want you to see all that at another level. I want you to transpose the temporary struggles and triumphs of the Olympic Games onto a different level of reality—the level of spiritual life and eternity and God. When you see the athletes run, see another kind of running. When you see them boxing, see another kind of boxing. When you see them training and denying themselves, see another kind of training and self-denial. When you see them smiling with a gold medal around their neck, see another kind of prize. (Piper paraphrases Paul to help us understand his tactic in using the popular games as a picture of a greater reality) ... "The games are played at this level of reality. They run at this level. They box at this level. They train and practice and deny themselves at this level. They set their sights on gold at this level. Now I want you to see all that at another level. I want you to transpose the temporary struggles and triumphs of the Olympic Games onto a different level of reality—the level of spiritual life and eternity and God. When you see the athletes run, see another kind of running. When you see them boxing, see another kind of boxing. When you see them training and denying themselves, see another kind of training and self-denial. When you see them smiling with a gold medal around their neck, see another kind of prize." (Olympic Spirituality, Part 1) Adam
1 Coríntios 9:25
Piper - Self-control is saying no to sinful desires, even when it hurts. But the Christian way of self-control is NOT "Just say no!" The problem is with the word "just." You don't just say NO. You say "NO" in a certain way: You say no by faith in the superior power and pleasure of Christ. It is just as ruthless. And may be just as painful. But the difference between worldly self-control and godly self-control is crucial. Who will get the glory for victory? That's the issue. Will we get the glory? Or will Christ get the glory? If we exercise self-control by faith in Christ's superior power and pleasure, Christ will get the glory. Fundamental to the Christian view of self-control is that it is a gift. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit." (The Fierce Fruit of Self-Control) John Piper references an article in The Journal of Biblical Counseling by Edward Welch (see below) Comment - While Piper's discussion is not wrong, I would submit it lacks one critical element -- emphasis on our need to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18+). Only then can we continually walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16+), which gives us the powerful principle for crushing the fleshly lusts in our heart - "But I say, walk (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) y the Spirit, and you will not (ABSOLUTELY NOT - IF THE SPIRIT IS WATER, THE DESIRE OF THE FLESH IS OIL - THEY ABSOLUTELY DO NOT MIX!) carry out the desire of the flesh." In addition, when we are filled with the Spirit, we will be more likely to bear the fruit of the Spirit which includes "self-control." (Gal 5:23+) Below is a devotional from Paul David Tripp which describes a much more Biblical way to JUST SAY NO -- As you read it you will notice the upshot is that "Just say YES" to Jesus and then you will be enabled by the Spirit to "Just say NO" to the flesh. Sadly many Christians have fallen into this trap of "JUST SAY NO." Beloved, the flesh will never say "no" to the flesh! We must continually rely on the Holy Spirit's enabling power. Focusing first on the Spirit, not the flesh, is analogous to the expulsive power of a new affection in which we first focusing our eyes and our affections on Jesus and rely on His Spirit, and then the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace! Amen! Here is Tripp's devotional from "New Morning Mercies"... God calls you to deny yourself and then blesses you with the indwelling Holy Spirit so you have the power to say no.You have called me to say no. Not no to you or no to others, but no to myself. I must say no to selfish desires, wrong thoughts, and dangerous emotions. I must say no to the world’s values, sin’s temptations, and my desire to control what only God can rule. But left to myself, I have little desire or power to say no. So you have given me exactly what I need. It’s the only thing that will solve my problem. You have given me your Spirit. So, when necessary, I am able to say no. Here is an excerpt from Welch's article (Self-Control: The Battle Against "One More") - Solomon must have been an American: “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure” (Eccl. 2:10). He tried what many Americans would try if they had the means. If there is a continuum that goes from legalistic, restrained, and ascetic, to licentious, reckless and hedonistic, we live in a society that favors the self-indulgent end of the spectrum. When our desires speak, we listen. As such, we live in particular need of learning the skill of self-control. Think of alcohol and drugs, sex and food, laziness and procrastination. You target a range of struggles that have been common since biblical times. It would seem that each of these calls for self-control. Yet, even though it appears to be the perfect antidote, self-control is not a significant part of our national or even ecclesiastical dialogue. Addicts may feel like they have tried self-control maybe hundreds of times: “Just say No.” (SEE PRECEDING NOTE) In fact, they may have tried it so many times that many of them are persuaded that their vain attempts at self-control are the problem, not the solution. The consensus? “I have to give up control to a higher power.” Among evangelical Christians, self-control is equally suspect. “Let go and let God” is still a motto by which we live. Our sense is that if change feels like self-effort and hard work, then it is probably legalistic and not animated by the Holy Spirit. Self-control, of course, can feel like hard work. But, given the prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse, Internet pornography, bulimia, and a host of other out-of-control experiences, we would be wise to revisit the biblical teaching on self-control. What’s the Problem? Whatever you call it, many people are owned by their desires and reckless indulgence. AA calls it “self-will run riot,” which is a very apt description. Of the Seven Deadly Sins, three—avarice, gluttony, and lust—are devoted to excesses. In fact, sin itself can be summarized as “I WANT” and “I WANT MORE.” Sin is a reckless consumer. Study any country in the world, and you will find greed embedded in its basic institutions. For example, first-world countries fuel capitalistic economies. One reason capitalism works is that it understands the greediness of the human heart. Societies that use other economic systems encounter the same greediness; it becomes most clearly expressed in the corruption and graft of those who have the power to get more. Such greed is partner to idolatry. Idolatry expresses a heart that wants more. It says that God is not enough, so it looks for satisfaction in other places. As such, at the heart of idolatry is recklessness, and it is not surprising that runaway desires play a part consistently in false worship. For example, when the Hebrews chose idols, the result was “the people were running wild and … Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies” (Ex. 32:25). Idolatry is especially prominent in the Old Testament, but less so in the New Testament. This does not mean that idolatry became less of a problem in more modern times; instead, the Old Testament theme of idolatry passed the baton to the New Testament themes of lust and sinful desire. This is in keeping with the New Testament’s emphasis on the hidden commitments of the heart rather than the external objects of our affection. In this sense, the New Testament is committed to developing the Tenth Commandment, which is the prohibition against coveting. Notice the sins that are listed in the New Testament: murder, debauchery, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy, drunkenness, orgies (Gal. 5:19–21). These are sins of unchecked desires. They say, “I want everything, and I want it now.” Or, more simply, they say, “That was good, let’s do it again.” (Self-Control: The Battle Against "One More") Grant Richison feels that "The New Testament uses “self-control” very infrequently because God does not sponsor autonomous self-mastery. Salvation or spirituality by mastery of the self is not the Christian way of life… The New Testament does not view self-control as legalistic abstinence. Christianity does not de-sex or empty all desires from the person. But the Christian does maintain self-control and mastery over those desires. We add self-control to knowledge (2Pe 1:6-note). “Self-control” comes from two words: out of and strength. “Self-control” is power. “Self-control” is mastery over our passions so that we control our desires and actions. God bestows this power upon us. Idiomatically, “self-control” means to hold oneself in, to command oneself. Self-control then is the mastery of self. We stay in command of our desires and wants. It is the ability to say “no” to self (Ed: By first saying "Yes" to Jesus, to God's Word!). This is the freedom of self-restraint. PRINCIPLE: Self-control frees us … The Christian life carries certain qualities. Any kind of life is not Christian living. There are certain standards unique to Christianity. It is more than being nice to your neighbors or not breaking the law. Self-control in God’s economy comes from the filling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Christian self-control is not autonomous self-control. Why do people fail in any sphere of life? People fail in athletics, academics and business because of lack of self-discipline. Lazy people fail in athletics and school. Lazy people will fail spiritually in Christian living. This is why people fail especially in the Christian life. They have little internal power that comes from the Holy Spirit. We live in an undisciplined generation. Young people rebel against all authority. Much of their music revolves around that rebellion. They come from undisciplined homes and schools. They go to university and the theme of thought is rebellion against authority—whether it is the authority of rule or the authority of concepts. Some people never accept authority, even police authority. In fact, the only places where discipline remains today is in sports and the military. Sadly, there is little authority left in the home, the school or even the church. The Christian who wants to get in shape spiritually must get into the Word. That is where he gets his spiritual muscles. By applying principles to experience, he begins to lose his spiritual flab. Do you restrain yourself or do you indulge yourself? (Grant Richison 2 Peter Commentary) Grant Richison in another commentary says “Self-control implies that a Spirit-filled Christians can control their desires. “Self-control” is self-mastery over a person or thing. It is inherent power over the self. Unrestrained flesh indulges the self but a person walking in the Spirit has power to control inner urges than a person walking in the flesh. Biblical self-control is the concentration of the power of the Spirit toward the end of doing God’s will. This goes beyond abstinence or unadulterated power in self. A purpose or end in view is always at the heart of biblical self-control. There is a reason beyond self to deny oneself of something whether it is the control of our tongue or our anger. We watch where we let our eyes fall because we want to please the Lord. (Galatians Commentary) Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary - SELF-CONTROL — control of one’s actions or emotions by the will. The New Testament teaches that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23). The Christian is to be governed by God, not by self. The New Unger's Bible Dictionary on self-control - The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites (Acts 24:25; 1 Cor. 9:25; Gal. 5:23; 2Pet. 1:6, where it is named as one of the Christian graces). The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible on self-control - One of the basic Christian virtues. It is the mastery of self, the exercise of restraint, especially in sensual pleasures. Self-control or temperance is insurance against self-indulgence in immorality, drunkenness, brawling, gossiping, conceit, and greed. In temperance one foregoes excesses in acceptable pursuits, such as eating, drinking, and conversation… Self-control fortifies the inner person. It builds a wall of defense against destructive forces of evil. The pathetic tragedy of the physically strong Samson was the result of his intemperance in sensual desires. His sexual love for ungodly women decreed his doom (Jdg 14:1, 2-note)… Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ practiced self-control, even though their enemies accused John of having a demon and Jesus of being “a glutton and a drunkard” (Lk. 7:33, 34). John followed a strict course of self-control and abstinence, similar in some respects to that of the Essenes. Though Jesus was sociable and enjoyed feasting with friends, he set the perfect example of self-control. He enjoyed the blessings of nature and humanity, but abstained from sensual pleasures. Self-control, like other Christian virtues, is not easy to maintain. It requires exercise of will and the aid of the Holy Spirit… Self-control is essential for success in the pursuit of any worthy goal (1Co 9:25)… Self-control was constantly in Jesus’ teaching, as with reference to murder, sexual lust, swearing, retaliation, hypocrisy, greed, and anxiety (Matt. 5:21–6:34). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on self-control - Rendered in the King James Version “temperance” (compare Latin temperario and continentia)… Self-control was considered one of the chief virtues by Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, Philo, the Essenes, the Hermetica, and others… The enkrateia word-group originally meant “mastery or power over oneself or something”; eventually it came to mean “control over oneself,” especially one’s desires and actions. The opposite was akrasía, “self-idulgence” or “licentiousness” (cf. RSV “rapacity” in Mt. 23:25). Clearly self-control does not come naturally or by hard effort but is the gift of God through His Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23; 2Ti1:7). Nonetheless the Christian consciously lives out this self-control just as an athlete exercises self-discipline (1Co 9:25-27). There is no ultimate power over self here but only a control granted and sustained by God. This is the primary reason why a concept so central to Greek ethics found such a small place in biblical ethics. “The reason for this is that biblical man regarded his life as determined and directed by the command of God. There was thus no place for the self-mastery which had a place in autonomous ethics” (TDNT, II, 342). There are two uses of egkrateuomai in the Septuagint (LXX) (Ge 43:31, 1Sa 13:12 = "forced myself") but the only other NT use of egkrateuomai is in the context of explaining why it is better to marry (if one lacks the divine gift of celibacy - cp 1Co 7:7)… But if they do not have self-control (egkrateuomai), let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn. (1Co 7:9) Comment: The implication clearly is that God ordained sacrament of marriage is a "protection" and "promoter" of self control! Now, there are two ways to burn has been interpreted -- (1) The idea is that lust leads to divine judgment (think the fire of eternal torment - cp Re 20:14-note). (2) The second view seems to fits better with the context, so that if an individual realizes that he does not possess the gift of celibacy, it is preferable for him to marry rather than to continually seethe with lusts which seek self gratification outside of marriage. See related discussion of Self Control which is ultimately a fruit of Spirit control! Here are a few thoughts on self control… How important is self control according to Paul? Acts 24:25+ "But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.” What is one of the requirements of an elder? Titus 1:8+ "but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled," What will the "last days" (we're in them now) be characterized by? 2Ti 3:3+ Can you be familiar with the truth of the Bible and still not exhibit self control? Mt 23:25 Yes truth sets one free, but there is a condition - what is it? Jn 8:31,32. Are you truly abiding in His Word and allowing His Word to abide in you? Are you having difficulty controlling yourself in regard to sexual lusts? What is God's solution? 1Co 7:5+ cp 1Pe 2:11+, 1Th 4:3,4+ = "Know God" - note that the basic problem leading Gentiles to sexual immorality is the fact that they do not know God. So take time to know God in an intimate, experiential way if you are wrestling with self control in this area. How can a believer manifest self control? Gal 5:23+, Eph 5:18+ Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, of one who is filled with the Spirit. Betz observes that the placement of self-control at the end of the list (Gal 5:23+)…is conspicuous and this is certainly intended; it stands in juxtaposition to love (Gal 5:22). The concept of self-control in the present context implies the claim that Christian ethics is the fulfillment not only of the Torah (cf. Gal 5:14), but also of the central demand of Greek ethics. The gift of the Spirit and the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ reach their climax in the old Greek ideal of self-control.