I think it is important that we try to understand the mind of Paul. That mind was trained in the school he went to, Paul was a top student trained to be a Pharisee rabbi, and he used this training after the Lord made him the apostle to the gentiles. But there is nowhere in scripture that tells of Paul wondering about his ministry failing. Paul listened to the lord, and the Lord did not speak of his ministry failing.
Paul was concerned with the entire subject of salvation.
Thats kinda funny ,if it wasn't so sad . You say he's concerned about the greatest fear that could ever strike into the heart of man , eternity in hell and not his exemplary defence of the gospel ? His efforts not to be a burden to anyone . Not asking to be paid . He worked ,when he could have charged . He became all things to all people to reach all people. His protection of the message was his highest priority to reach others with the Gosepl . His goal was the the gospel went out .
1 cor 9
12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we HAVE NOT used this power; but SUFFER ALL things, lest we should HINDER the gospel of Christ.
What are you talking about ? Paul did not want to have the Gosepl hindered. That was his concern.
14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
15¶But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
Have you even read these verses?
than that any man should make my glorying void.
16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
" WOE IS ME " ...
18What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
" I ABUSE NOT "
21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
" AND THIS I DO FOR THE GOSPEL SAKE "
This is what Paul means by " running the race "
Paul wanting his efforts for the gospel to be blameless.
Only a person who does not trust the bible could think Paul was concerned of his salvation .