1 Corinthians 8-10 comprise a single section in which Paul is teaching the Corinthians to be willing to yield their rights for the sake their brothers.  In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul refers to his own example to be willing to give up his right to refrain from secular work as an apostle so that the gospel will not be hindered.  This section touches on whether it is the will of God for those who labor to proclaim the gospel today to receive their living from the gospel.

Teaching Notes:

Paul’s Use Of His Rights

1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Intro:

1 Corinthians chapters 8-10 are Paul’s answer to those who were asking about eating food sacrificed to idols. Notice that Paul begins in chapter 8 with, “Now concerning things sacrificed to idols.”  In 1 Corinthians chapters 8 through 16, Paul is answering questions that the Corinthians had sent him in a letter.  He begins every new issue with the word “Now.”  In chapter 8 Paul affirmed that they had the liberty to eat meat sacrificed to idols. However, if eating that food would cause another brother to stumble in his conscience, then out of love for him, they needed to refrain from eating.  In other words “Love limits our liberty.”  My brother is more important than my right.

Now, in chapter 9, Paul is going to use his own life as an example of what he has been teaching in chapter 8. “Paul, that’s all well and good that you say we should love our brother more than our liberty.  How does that play out in your life?”  He would say, “I’m glad you asked that!”

1.  Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ: 9:1-2

1)      Proof?  He has seen Jesus: Acts 1:21-22. An apostle needed to be able to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.  When did Paul see the Lord?  Acts 9:3,17; compare 22:14; 22:18; 18:9; 23:11.  There are 4 times recorded in Scripture when Jesus appears to Paul. 1) On the Damascus road, 2) shortly after his conversion when the Lord told him to leave Jerusalem, 3) when he was in Corinth on his 2^nd missionary journey when the Lord told him to stay and keep on speaking, 4) to Paul in Jerusalem assuring him that he must witness to Christ’s cause in Rome.

2) Proof?  The Corinthians’ salvation. The believers in Corinth are the fruit of Paul’s ministry there. They are the seal of His apostleship. Paul went into this city where there were Zero Christians, and now there is a thriving fellowship. That’s proof that an apostle has been at work!  A “seal” proved the genuineness of that which was sealed. If a crate of apples had a seal on them, that provided proof that they were the genuine article.

2.  Because he is an apostle, he has the right to refrain from secular work: 9:3-6

Am I not free? Free to do what?

1)      The right to eat and drink. Paul is talking about the right for those he ministers to to provide his needs like food.

2)      The right to take along a believing wife.  Also, the right to take his wife with him on these apostolic trips and for her needs to be provided for as well.

3)      The right to refrain from working

Summary: In a nutshell, Paul is free to receive financial support so he can refrain from secular work and given himself wholly to the work of the gospel

3.   Paul proves that he has this right in many ways: 9:5-14

1)      The example of the other apostles:  9:5-6.  “The other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, Cephas”

2)      The Illustration of a soldier who is supported by his government (Paul was a soldier of Christ – 2Tim.2:3).  Does a soldier have to buy his own uniform and weapons? Does he have to work graveyard shift to buy his own food and pay for his shelter?

3)      The Illustration of a farmer who eats the fruit of the vineyard (Paul was a farmer planting seeds – 1Cor.3:6.  2Tim.2:6.  Would we tell a farmer he must work long, back-breaking hours, but never eat any of the fruit and vegetables he has produced?

4)      The Illustration of a shepherd who drinks the milk of the flock (Paul was a spiritual shepherd.)  If you tend a flock of goats, it is only right that you would be able to drink some of that milk.

5)      The OT Scripture: 1Cor.9:8. Deuteronomy 25:4.

6)      The example of the Levitical Priests:  1Cor.9:13. Lev.6:16,26; 7:6, 33ff.

7)      The teaching of Jesus:  Mt.10:10; Luke 10:7.

4.  Paul refused to use his right:

1)      Paul had the right to receive material things and get his living from the gospel:  9:11,14

2)      Paul voluntarily gave up this right that he would not cause any hindrance to the gospel:  9:12, 15-18.

Application for us:

1.  Apostles (missionaries) and by extension preaching elders (1Tim.5:18) may receive their financial support from those they minister to. It is not sin. It is not wrong.

2.  However, a man of God does not have to receive support from others. If he so chooses, he may give up this right, like Paul, if he believes receiving support may hinder the gospel. Instead, he may support himself through working at some venture part of his time. Acts 20:34-35.

3.  Paul’s example should motivate us to be willing to give up our “rights” for the sake of the gospel! What would be more difficult – giving up a glass of wine when your friend comes to dinner, or working all day to support yourself, and then laboring all night in the work of the gospel?  Do you love others more than your liberty? Are you willing to sacrifice your right to participate in “gray areas” if it will cause your brother to stumble?

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