1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Over the years many have taken Paul’s use of the word ‘disqualified’ to mean a believer could lose their heavenly citizenship.

Explanation

An interpretation of ‘disqualified’ that most modern commentaries favour is that Paul was not talking in terms of salvation but of Christian service post-salvation. Paul is not suggesting that he might be lost in terms of his eternal life, but that he might not stand the test as far as his service was concerned.

As Paul uses the term ‘disqualified’, he doesn’t mean that he could lose his salvation. Instead, he emphasizes the loss of the privilege of telling others about Christ – which he considered as the ultimate calling.  

While we can preach or give advice to others on how to live their lives, we often fail to follow those principles ourselves. So Paul here was referring to fleshly sins that could prevent a person from preaching or leading a congregation. 

It is important for leaders and teachers to be blameless and above reproach particularly in the area of sexual immorality, which can lead to disqualification (Ps. 101:6; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6).

In addition, the key to understanding Paul’s argument is to understand what he is not saying. The Apostle is not saying that believers won’t sin or that they will never revert to their old habits of sin after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

Even legitimate children of God do at times fall back into sin when they turn away from the Lord and His sufficiency and focus on themselves and the things of this world.

When a believer is in his or her earth suit, they will be subject to the passions of the evil flesh and must keep putting their sins to death by the power of the Holy Spirit and His ever-sufficient grace.

Only in heaven will our need for “progressive” sanctification (growth in holiness) come to a complete and final end, for when we see Christ, we shall be like Him (1 Jn 3:2, 3) Holy, Sinless and Glorified. Until then all believers are admonished to continually put sin to death by the power of the Spirit (Col 3:5).

Christians often start out as enthusiastic and dedicated believers. They train carefully for a while, but soon grow tired of it and give up. It doesn’t take long for them to lose their ability to serve as effective witnesses. Because they are unwilling to pay the price, they lack what it takes. Spiritual growth and preparation for service are frequently hindered by the flesh, the world, everyday affairs, personal interests, and laziness. 

A disqualified Greek athlete did not lose his citizenship, only his opportunity to win a prize.