READING 1 CORINTHIANS, CHAPTER 9
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
INTRODUCING 1 CORINTHIANS, CHAPTER 9 (NLT)
First
Corinthians, chapter 8 ended
with Paul's declaration that he would give up his right to eat any meat rather
than cause a brother in Christ to stumble. He shows in this chapter that he is
already giving up his right as an apostle to be financially supported by those
he serves. He doesn't want anything to get in the way of anyone believing the
gospel. He limits his freedoms further by becoming all things to all people to
win some for Christ. He disciplines himself like an athlete in training, to get
a prize and to avoid being disqualified.
Paul's Rights as an Apostle, Verses 1-18, Mrs. Elnora
1Am I not
as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with
my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? 2 Even if others
think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that
I am the Lord’s apostle. 3 This is my answer to
those who question my authority.[a] 4 Don’t we have
the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don’t
we have the right to bring a believing wife[b] with us as the
other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter[c] does? 6 Or is it only
Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves? 7 What
soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t
have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of
sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? 8 Am
I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For
the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it
treads out the grain.”[d] Was God thinking
only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he
actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows
and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.
11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you,
aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? 12 If
you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right
to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with
anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. 13 Don’t
you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the
offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share
of the sacrificial offerings. 14 In the same
way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported
by those who benefit from it. 15 Yet I have
never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I
want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast
about preaching without charge. 16 Yet preaching
the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do
it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! 17 If
I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no
choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. 18 What
then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging
anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.
SECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What was meant when Paul said "You are the seal of my apostleship?" (V.1-2)
2. How does Paul respond to those who question his authority? (V. 1-3)
3. What is Paul's argument? (V.3-6)
4. What is the meaning of verse 9?
5. Should ministers be supported by the church? (V.14)
6. Did Paul depend on the rights of an Apostle? (15-17)
7. What is the reward of Paul surrendering his rights as an Apostle? (V.18)
Thought Questions:
1. What would you think would be some of the things Paul is giving up his rights to in order to be all that the Corinthians need?
2. As members of the Kingdom of God, how should we respond to this truth? (V. 8-14)
3. Why do you think Paul spent time teaching this to the church at Corinth?
Paul's Use of His Freedom, Verses 19-23, Destiny
19 Even
though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to
bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew
to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who followed the Jewish law, I
too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this
so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When
I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law,[e] I too live apart
from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of
God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with
those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to
Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can
to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and
share in its blessings.
SECTION QUESTIONS:
1. How did Paul use his freedom? (V.22-23)
2. What is Paul trying to explain in verses 20-21?
Thought Questions:
1. How does Paul make himself a slave to everyone?
The Need for Self-Discipline, Verses 24-27, TBD
24 Don’t
you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?
So run to win! 25 All athletes are
disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away,
but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in
every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like
an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after
preaching to others I, myself, might be disqualified.
SECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What is the prize at the end of the run? (V.24)
2. How can we NOT run aimlessly? (V.25)
3. Explain this verse. (V.27)
Thought Questions:
1. Compare the metaphor about running the race with Paul’s level of commitment to spreading the Gospel.
2. Compare a successful athlete’s training to your training as a Christian.
Prayer Confession for 1Corinthians, Chapter 9:
Heavenly Father, thank You for this important teaching on financial giving and for showing me the responsibility we all have in supporting those who share the gospel of Christ. Thank You for the ministers and ministries that have helped me in my Christian walk. I pray that You would provide all that they need to continue the good work they are doing in sharing the gospel, and may I be wise and generous in my support, for Your name’s sake and for Your greater glory. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/1-Corinthians/9
Comments
Post a Comment