1 Corinthians 9:23

And. do all things for the gospel's sake, that. may be. joint partaker thereof.

'I do all things for the gospel's sake' -'But. do it all to advance the Gospel' (Ber) This is Paul's singular passion in life. (1 Corinthians 9:12-18)

Everything that is done, is done in view of the advancement, spread and acceptance of the gospel message. Wow! Trying measuring your life by this standard. Do we treat our spouses, raise our children, interact with our brethren, neighbors and co-workers...all from the motive of, what can. do to spread the gospel, and remove unnecessary hindrances to it's being heard and embraced?

'that. may be. joint partaker thereof' -'Literally, that. may become co-partner with others in the gospel' (Robertson p. 148)

'I' -'Here. new thought is introduced. Up to this point he has been speaking of his self-denial for the sake of others; here he begins to speak of it as for his own sake..to extend our Christian liberty to the utmost verge. is dangerous not only for others, but for ourselves also.' (Willis p. 304)

'joint partaker' -Paul didn't believe that his own salvation was written in stone, i.e. that he could never fall away. In addition, Paul does not wish to enjoy the gospel just by himself.

This verse explains how Paul "worked out his own salvation". (1 Peter 2:12) All of this self-denial had the goal in mind of securing his own salvation and the salvation of all that he could influence. (1 Timothy 4:16)

POINT TO NOTE:

Paul did not change the "content" of the gospel message as he preached to various cultures and groups, rather it was his own behavior in matters of moral indifference.

AN EXAMPLE OF THE ABOVE PRINCIPLE IN EVERYDAY LIFE:

'Paul was fond of picturing the Christian life under figures drawn from the Greek games. He refers here to these contests, in order to emphasize the need of self-control and self-denial even in matters morally indifferent..Paul has been insisting upon the necessity of refraining from what is in itself innocent in case indulgence may interfere with Christian service.' (Erdman p. 99)