daily bible readings

Paul as a Living Example

Friday June 19, 2020

Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-18.

In 2015, a popular TV preacher asked his congregation to donate $300 each – to his fundraiser. For what, you ask? A $65 million private Gulfstream jet, so that he could travel safely and comfortably to spread the word of the Gospel. Another preacher took his pro-life teachings a little too far when he shot and killed an abortion doctor outside of her clinic in Florida. He was arrested and later executed for his crimes. Another TV preacher disappeared in 1926 and mysteriously reappeared a month later claiming she'd been kidnapped. Her story was later debunked as a hoax to gain more publicity. Another seemingly humble Archbishop came under fire in 2014 when it was revealed that the down-to-earth clergyman was building a posh $2.2 million private mansion in an upscale neighbourhood.

Paul’s life is nothing like such horrendous examples of hypocrisy and two-facedness. He begins chapter 9 by  arguing for his freedom in Christ Jesus. “This is my defence to those who sit in judgment on me. 4 Don’t we have the right to food and drink? 5 Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? (Corinthians 9:3–5).

Paul backs this up with the Torah, quoting Deuteronomy 25:4. “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? 8 Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10 Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 9:7–12).

He then adds another proof from the Temple. “Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13–14).

In between these scriptural proofs of his rights as an Apostle and gospel worker, Paul declares, “If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 9:12). He then adds, “But I have not used any of these rights!” (1 Corinthians 9:15).

Paul would rather go without than to cause the Gospel to be blocked or to cause Christians to stumble. Paul joyfully lays down all of his rights for the sake of Jesus and the church. His life is not a litany of two faced excuses to live in luxury while depriving others. His life is a living example of self denial, carrying one’s cross and following Jesus. Paul lives out what he truly believes.

The challenge for us today is to likewise live out what we truly believe. When we live contrary to our beliefs and values, we heighten the risk of mental illness, depression and negativity. God has called us, and is making us, to be   conformed into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. God has given us everything we need to live a life that brings Him glory, honour and praise. He has equipped us to be able to build up others and to show the world what genuine Christ-likeness really looks like. You have everything you need. Let’s make a covenant with God to be a living example, just as our brother Paul was.

Discussion Questions

1. What rights does Paul give up as an Apostle?

2. Why does he give up these rights?

3. What Paul says in chapter 9 applies to Apostles. How do we transition this to the rest of us who aren’t Apostles?

Adoration:

· Adore the Lord Almighty for He chose us in Christ Jesus before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, he predestined us to be conformed to the image and likeness of His son.

Confession:

· Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness

Thanks:

· Thank God that the Holy Spirit empowers you to live for Christ and to be a living example of selfless and sacrificial love to others.

Supplication:

· Ask God to change your heart as needed so that all the barriers to selfless sacrificial living are removed.

· Pray this for everyone in your congregation.