1 Corinthians 9 · Grade 4
An Imperishable Crown
Read and Think
Some in Corinth questioned whether Paul was a real apostle. Paul answers that he has seen the Lord and that the Corinthians themselves are the proof of his work. Like soldiers, farmers, and temple workers, he had a right to be supported. Even the law says not to muzzle an ox while it treads the grain.
Yet Paul did not use this right. He preached for free so that nothing would hinder the Good News. Though free from all, he made himself a servant to all. To Jews he became like a Jew, and to the weak he became weak. He became all things to all people so that he might save some.
Paul ends with a picture of runners in a race. Runners in a race all run, but only one wins. Athletes train with strict self-control to win a crown of leaves that soon withers. Believers should run with purpose and self-control, because their crown will never perish.
Show What You Know
What did Paul offer as proof of his work?
Why did Paul preach for free?
Why did Paul become all things to all people?
What kind of crown did ancient athletes win?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Some in Corinth questioned whether Paul was a real .
- Paul answers that he has seen the Lord and that the Corinthians themselves are the proof of his .
- He preached for so that nothing would hinder the Good News.
- To Jews he became like a Jew, and to the he became weak.
Think About It
Paul gave up his rights so others could hear about Jesus. What is something you could give up to help someone else know God's love?
Athletes train with self-control. What habits help you run the race of following Jesus well?
Memory Verse
“To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.”
1 Corinthians 9:22 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for helping me run my race. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What could you give up to help someone?
- What habits help you follow Jesus?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.