Paul’s Strategy for Promoting the Gospel, Rev Dr John Kwasi Fosu
Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Hamburg Bible Study Material on 1 Cor. 9:1-14
Introduction
In 1 Cor. 8, Paul pointed to the example of Christ and laid down the principle that we should do nothing that would offend other believers, especially weaker believers. In 1 Cor. 9, Paul points to himself, as an example of one who had privileges, but for the Gospel’s sake, did not use them. It is important to keep in mind that Paul is still dealing with the problem of meat offered to idols. “Certainly we have privileges as believers,” he states, “but we must never use our privileges in such a way that we will hinder the Gospel.”
Paul’s Claims to Privileges (1 Cor. 9:1-14)
While in Corinth, Paul worked with his own hands and took no support from the church. He willingly laid aside even the privilege of marriage. Paul could have claimed the privilege of financial support from the church and proved this giving five arguments.
- Other Apostles and Workers (1 Cor. 9:1-6)
Paul states his apostleship in no uncertain terms. He had seen the Lord (Acts 1:21-22) and was called to his apostleship the risen, glorified Jesus. His work and ministry in Corinth proved his apostleship. The other apostles, including Peter, received support from the churches and took their wives with them from place to place as they ministered. If other servants had these privileges, then so did Paul!
2. Human Custom (1 Cor. 9:7)
No soldier supports himself but receives supplies and wages from his government. The farmer who toils in the vineyard is privileged to eat the fruit. The shepherd expects to get milk and meat from the flock. Is it unreasonable to expect a local church, then, to support the pastor? Verse 11 lays down a basic principle: if others bless us with spiritual things, we should show our appreciation sharing material things (see Galatians 6:6-8).
3. The Old Testament Law (1 Cor. 9: 8-11)
Paul refers to Deuteronomy 25:4. The Hebrew practice was to have the oxen walk on the sheaves and thus separate the grain from the chaff. Here, and in 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul uses this law to illustrate the principle given in verse 11. If oxen benefit from their physical work, should not God’s servants benefit from their spiritual work? The ploughman and the harvester both work in hope, expecting to share in the harvest.
4. The Old Testament Priests (1 Cor. 9: 12-14)
The Law allowed the priests to share generously in the sacrifices from the altar. He took the hides from the burnt offerings, all the flesh (minus the fat) from the sin offering and the trespass offering, most of the meal offering, the breast and right shoulder of the peace offering, plus various first fruits, tithes, and special offerings. If they served faithfully, the people shared generously.
5. The Command of Jesus (1 Cor. 9:14)
While Paul personally did not use these privileges, he does not say that they are wrong Read (Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7). “The labourer is worthy of his hire.” It is right for believers to support those who serve them in the Lord.
Conclusion
This lesson has focused on giving an expository thought on Paul’s refusal to use his privileges so as not to hinder the gospel. It is worth remarking that Paul’s claims not to use his privileges in sharing the gospel implies that he had other sources of assistance or support for his ministry. Most importantly, the reasons that Paul gives to substantiate his arguments all serve as convincing points for supporting ministers of the gospel in contemporary times.
