June 10, 2012
Morning Service

I Cor. 9

 

Review: 

 

We are studying in the letter that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth.  Paul has received a letter describing some of the problems that they are having in the church.  So far Paul has addressed 6 issues, and gave his instructions for them:

1. Divisions.    Or preacher religion.
2. Fornication.
3. Going to law against one another, and that before unbelievers.
4. Principles for married life.
5. Sexual immorality.
6. Eating things offered to idols.  Or offending the weaker brother.

 

This morning we are ready for chapter 9, as Paul lists his rights as a minister, and Apostle.

 

The Apostle is giving his advice on these different problems, and in order for them to take this advice they must believe that he speaks with authority.

 

1Co 9:1-27 KJVR  Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?  (2)  If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 

• Reminding them that it was from his preaching that they heard, believed, and received salvation.

(3)  Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,  (4)  Have we not power to eat and to drink?  (5)  Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?  (6)  Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 

• As Apostles, and pillars of the church, Peter made this statement; Act 6:3-4 KJVR  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  (4)  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
• This is what Paul is dealing with at this time, these guidelines that have been started by the other Apostles. 

(7)  Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?  (8)  Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?  (9)  For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?  (10)  Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.  (11)  If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?  (12)  If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather?

• It’s very clear that Paul is telling them they should support his ministry.

Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.  (13)  Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?  (14)  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 

• It is only right that someone who ministers to you the things of God, you should expect to support them. 
• The words of instructions to the Shepherd is to watch, and care for the flock of God.  To give them meat in due season.  NOT EVERYONE HAS THIS DESIRE, OR CALLING.

(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.  (16)  For 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! 

• This is how you know you have been called to preach the gospel.  When you feel as the Apostle does, you know God is calling you to minister His Word.
• It’s not for money sake, but you know what serving God can do for someone, and you want to share that. 
• There is wonderful harmony in one’s life when living for God.  THE GOSPEL IS GOOD NEWS.

(17)  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.  (18)  What 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.  (19)  For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 

• This should be the attitude of every minister of the gospel, a servant to all.

(20)  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;  (21)  To 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.  (22)  To 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.  (23)  And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 

• We see this in Paul’s life, as Luke gives us the accounts in the book of Acts.

(24)  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  (25)  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  (26)  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  (27)  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

• Paul uses the analogy of running a race like a marathon, and only one person gets the crown.  That’s the way it is in the world, or the corruptible crown, but with God, and the incorruptible crown, ALL receives the crown. 
• But Paul instructs us to run our race with care, and concern. 
• Peter said, “we’ve been given all things that pertain to life, and Godliness.”  THE BIBLE.
• One songwriter said it like this, “I’m using my Bible for a roadmap.” 
• And another old saying is “you’re the only Bible some people read.”

 

Every day we come to understand just how short, and fragile life really is.  So we should take the Apostle’s advice when he says;

Eph 5:15-17 KJVR  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  (16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  (17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.