Closing Words to the Corinthians

I. Paul's Desire for Corinthian Reformation v. 7-10

A. Paul's Preaching to Them 7-10

Now I pray to God
that you do no evil
Not that we (Paul and his co-workers) should appear approved
But so that you should do what is honorable
Though we may seem disqualified.

    Verses 7-10 further explain verse 7.

B.   Paul and the Idea of “Disqualified”
    

Unapproved – rejected -- worthless – castaway -- reprobate

C. Paul's Preaching to Himself 1 Cor. 9:24-27

    1.  We are in an endurance race
    2.  It's a race that needs to be run properly
    3.  It's not a race of competition with other Christians
    4.  The prize is like no other earthly prize – imperishable
    5.  Lest I become disqualified

II. Parting Thoughts 11-13

A.  Four Related Exhortations

    1.  Become Complete
    2.  Be of Good Comfort
    3.  Be of one Mind
    4.  Live in peace

B.  The Promise

    The God of love and peace shall be with you.
    

III. The Trinitarian Benediction 14

Hodge says, “The distinct personality and divinity of the Son, the Father, and
the Holy Spirit, to each of whom prayer is addressed, is here taken for granted.
And therefore the passage is a clear recognition of the doctrine of the Trinity, which is the fundamental doctrine of Christianity.”