The phrase “I buffet my body” comes from 1 Corinthians 9:27, where Paul writes: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The key word here is “buffet” or in some translations “discipline.” Paul is describing his effort to master his own body and desires, so that he will not fall into sin and be disqualified from Christian ministry.
Looking at the context, Paul has been talking about giving up his rights and freedoms for the sake of the gospel. He has the right to be supported financially by the church, but he chooses not to accept support so as not to hinder the gospel (1 Cor. 9:12). He has the right to marry, but he remains single so he can be fully devoted to the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 7:7-8). Now, in verse 27, Paul extends this principle of self-control and self-denial to his physical appetites. Hebuffets, disciplines, or keeps his body under control so that he will not be disqualified.
The word “buffet” (hypṓpiazō) means to strike under the eye, suggesting delivering a black eye or other beating. It refers to harsh discipline and subjugation. Paul is not advocating that Christians literally beat themselves, but he uses this vivid imagery to describe the strict self-control he exercises over his natural appetites and desires. He does not allow his body to control him; rather, he masters his body through rigorous self-discipline in order to serve God wholeheartedly.
Some key implications about what it means for Paul to buffet or discipline his body:
1. Our natural appetites and desires have the potential to hinder our Christian service if left unchecked. Sexual temptation, gluttony, love of leisure, pursuit of wealth and comfort – all these could disqualify us if we let them rule us.
2. Self-control requires deliberate effort. Buffeting the body implies discomfort, hardship, and exertion. Saying “no” to natural desires goes against the grain and requires sacrifice on our part. It is hard work.
3. The goal is not punishment, but mastery for the sake of serving God. Paul buffets his body to keep it under control, not to abuse or harm himself. The ascetic disciplines have a purpose – to restrain the fleshly impulses that would distract us from wholehearted ministry.
4. This self-control applies to both actions and appetites. Paul not only controls ungodly behaviors, but also brings his natural desires under submission, not allowing his body or his appetites to control him.
5. Success requires dependence on God’s grace. Paul speaks of disciplining himself so that he will not be “disqualified.” He recognizes that only by God’s grace can he successfully complete the race of faith (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
6. Self-control is linked with self-denial and sacrifice. Buffeting the body implies voluntarily embracing hardship and discomfort for the sake of Christ. Paul sacrificed legitimate pleasures and comforts so that he could single-mindedly serve the Lord.
7. The rewards are eternal, not temporary. Paul gave up temporal rights and freedoms, but in so doing he gained an “imperishable wreath” – the eternal prize for faithful service (1 Cor. 9:25). Self-denial leads to eternal blessing.
Paul urges us to follow his example and buffet our bodies – keeping them strictly under control so that we are not disqualified from serving Christ. This takes strenuous exertion, deprivation of fleshly appetites, and embracing of hardship for the sake of eternal rewards. Anything that hinders us from pursuing God’s kingdom wholeheartedly must be rigorously denied and controlled. This is what it means to buffet our bodies as Paul instructs.
Here are some key Bible passages that shed more light on the need for believers to buffet and discipline their bodies:
– Romans 6:12-13 – “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.” This stresses mastery over the sinful passions of the body.
– Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Putting to death the sinful deeds of the body by the Spirit’s help enables us to live spiritually.
– Romans 13:14 – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Making no provision for indulging bodily appetites is key.
– Galatians 5:24 – “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Crucifying the flesh points to the painful denial of sinful passions.
– Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” these desires must be actively put to death.
– 1 Peter 2:11 – “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” Fleshly passions and desires wage war against our spiritual lives.
– 1 Corinthians 6:12 – “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.” Paul warns against allowing any desire to gain mastery over us.
– 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Our bodies and appetites must be oriented to glorifying God, not self-indulgence.
In summary, buffeting our bodies means actively and painfully subduing its sinful passions and desires through self-control empowered by God’s Spirit, so that we are not hindered from serving God and winning our eternal reward. This discipline requires great exertion, deprivation, and struggle against our natural appetites, but leads to mastery over sin, increased spiritual power, and eternal blessing for those who follow Paul’s example.