Difference between revisions of "1 Corinthians 9"

Revision as of 13:04, 22 April 2018

Opening

• What are some examples of freedoms that we enjoy?
• What are some of the limitations on these freedoms?
• Why is it important to have some limitations on some of these freedoms?

Main Body

Christian Sacrifice

Paul present an example of the personal sacrifice called for by Christian living 9:1-27

Paul’s apostolic right (1-14)

• Paul opens with a series of rhetorical questions in verses 1-14. What are they?
  • Group 1
    • Am I not an apostle?
    • Am I not free?
    • Have I not seen Jesus?
    • Are you not my work in the Lord?
  • Group 2
    • Have we not power to eat and to drink?
    • Have we not power to lead about a sister?
    • Do only Paul and Barnabas not have the power to forbear in working?
    • Who goeth to war without his own charges?
    • Who plans and eats not?
    • Who feeders the flock and does not get the milk?
    • Does not the law say the same?
    • Does the principle of the law not apply here?
    • If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
    • If others be partakers of this power over you are not we rather?
    • Do you not know that they which minister about Holy things live of the things of the temple?
    • Do you not know that they which minister about Holy things wait at the alter and are partakers with the alter?
• What is the basic argument Paul is making?
  • Paul argues that first, he is an apostle and second, he deserves the rights of an apostle.
• What important application applies to churches as they consider their pastor?
  • We need to recognize that we should support those who are doing the work of Christ.
• What important application applies to pastors as they consider their relationship with the church?
  • Those who are doing the work of Christ need to realize that although the church should support them, there is a higher purpose, and at times they may need to forgo their right in order for the gospel to go out.

Paul’s Apostolic restraint (15-18)

• What reason does Paul give for his decision to work independently of Corinthian support?
  • Paul chose to reject their support so that he would not appear to be peddling the gospel.
• How was Paul essentially forced to preach the gospel as described in verse 16?
  • Paul's encounter with Christ in Acts 22:6-10 was a very strong and profound call to service.
• What reward does Paul speak of in verse 18?
  • Paul was able to offer the gospel free of charge.

Paul’s apostolic freedom (19-23)

The priority is the gospel.

• What was Paul willing to become in order to see the gospel furthered?
• Servant
• Jew - he was willing to subject himself to the scruples of the Jews (e.g., Acts 21:23–36) in order to gain a hearing for the gospel and to win them to Christ.

David K. Lowery, “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 524.

• Gentile
• Weak

Paul’s exhortation and personal motivation (24-27)

• The Christian must subdue their physical body in an effort to walk with Christ.

Paul did not look for a temporary crown (stephanon) bestowed by men as would have been easily recognized by the Corinthians because of the biennial games near Corinth. In this case the “crown” was a pine wreath. Instead, Paul is looking forward to the the eternal crown of 3:13–14; and 2 Cor. 5:10. David K. Lowery, “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 525.

• There are those who aimlessly go in whatever direction is easiest. This was not Paul, he became all things to al men, not because it was easy, but in a purposeful effort to reach all men. See also Phil. 3:13-14.

Closing

• What are you holding onto that you need to be willing to give up?
• What do we as a church need to do in order to help our pastor be successful in ministry?