1cor9

Chapter nine is a continuation of the previous chapter and Paul goes more in depth on his own life and rights as a servant of the Gospel of Christ. Paul speaks of his qualifications, his faithfulness, and his efforts as an apostle.

Paul begins chapter nine where leaving off in verse 13 of chapter eight. "Am I not free?" Paul is saying do I not have the freedom in my position to do as I want but even then I did not take advantage of the rights and privileges of my office causing any to stumble. Paul is saying that he is not bound to any one other than to Christ. And even though he could have bought food given in sacrifice or sat down and ate in the idol temple knowing that Christ had given the ultimate sacrifice he did not associate himself with things of evil so as to not lead anyone astray. Paul wanted to be sure that anything and everything he did was leading to Christ and not from Christ!

In verse two Paul says that even if to others he is not an apostle at least to those who have not only received faith but also the gifts and evidences of the Spirit through Christ in me. Paul is saying basically that the evidence of their conversion is the evidence of Paul being an apostle of Christ and even though some do not follow his teaching it is still better that he continues to represent Christ even before them so as to not be guilty of causing anyone to stumble! Paul continues in verse three to say that the only defense I have is to let people examine him! Paul is saying my life is right here before the eyes of the world and if any have accusation to make let them prove it by my life--in other words Paul was so sure of the life he lived he was not afraid to be examined by anyone for their was nothing hidden in his life!

Paul begins in verses four and five to state his rights as an apostle and says boldly, do we not have the right to eat and drink as others! As an apostle should I not have the right to eat and drink what I want! And also do I not as an apostle have the right to bring along my wife. Peter was married, as were most of the other apostles and many traveled with their wives! And in verses six and seven Paul says that he works for his support and so does Barnabas but shouldn't the church also support them or have the right to be taken care of by the church as others are supported? Paul calls this a right of the apostles! After all who plants and does not eat of the harvest? Who tends to a flock and does not take from the milk of the flock?

Paul says in verses nine to ten that he is not speaking the words of man but speaking the law of God! These are not my words says Paul; these are the words of God through me! Paul is not speaking by human authority but instead he speaks with the authority and power of God through Christ! Paul is alluding to the scriptures from the Old Testament. Now, Paul uses the Law of Moses to hold up his words. Paul speaks from Deuteronomy 25:4 speaking of the care of oxen and how even they had the right of care from the person they labored for and so would not the ones that labor for Christ not only deserve care and support for their labor? Paul is saying that this does not just mean oxen; it is a general law pertaining to even those that labor in the things of Christ!

Now in verse 11 Paul says is it too much to ask for material support since we sow Spiritual things to you? Is it too much to ask for our time and efforts to be supported for our ministering unto you so freely and lovingly? Continuing in verse 12 he uses a great manner of persuasion saying that others (whether they be apostles, teachers, false or true) are taken care of by the people. Consequently it would be Paul's right to be taken care of also yet he refused it and suffered any lack on his own so the Gospel would not be hindered. Paul's remarks on this topic show the apostles or servants of the Lord's right and duty to be taken care or supported by the Church.

Paul asks in verse 13 if they do not remember or know that from teaching the priests who ministered in the Old Testament were supported from the offerings and contributions brought to the altar by the people! Should not the dedicated servants of the Gospel who give their life to preach and teach the Word receive as a charitable gift that which they need to care for their own? Would it not be an offense against Christ if they were refused the support they needed? In verse 15 Paul says that even though he has not required any thing from them for his support, he is not writing this letter to ask for support. Paul states that though it is due him--he chooses to preach the gospel free of support so no one would be able to say that he is only preaching for the sake of support not the sake of Christ! Verses 16 and 17 tell us that the preaching of the Gospel was Paul's calling and he also considered it his duty unto God. Paul says that even if he wanted to stop preaching he couldn't because it was not his leading or drive but that of the Holy Spirit pushing him always forward. Paul was on fire for God and had to tell of the great love and power of God because of what it had done for him in his life. Paul wanted no one to say that he was preaching for money because the life he previously lived could cause many to feel that way. Many feel that verse 18 suggests that a minister of the Gospel should not be supported by the people, but what it truly states is that a minister of the Gospel may choose not to receive payment or support from the people. In Paul's case if he had chose to take the support many would have looked upon him in the wrong way thinking that he was still of the old nature and not truly following Christ and spreading Christ's Gospel. Plus he did not want to abuse his right to support by taking it when he didn't need it!

Paul says in 19 that even though he is free from all men he has determined in his heart to be a servant to all men! He has given himself freely to meet the needs of others. Paul in verse 20 says that he became as one under the law--even though because of Christ he was no longer under the law he still knew of its value and worth to all and for this reason he followed the law also. Verse 21 gives us more of Paul's view on the law when he says he is not outside the law but he took Christ as his very life and lives by the example of Christ in all things. Paul has taken Christ into his life fully and determined in his heart to let Christ guide and direct his every action. It is as he lives and breathes the Spirit of Christ! Paul is very faithful to the things of Christ and wants others to learn from his example, which he feels is the example Christ would give also. Verses 22 and 23 tell us that as an apostle of Christ we must find common ground with all people. If we cannot find a common plane to meet on then we will not be able to win souls to Christ. We don't have to become as they are but we must be cautious not to shun them or place ourselves above them in any way and cause them to stumble. Our image should cause others to see Christ and it should reflect warmth and love. Others should feel wanted and safe when they come to us. We need to be sensitive and alert to the wants and needs of others always looking for chances to help them and also to tell the lost of Christ. Father, I want to be more like Christ! Help me in my weaknesses and strengthen me where I am weak with boldness and power!

God doesn't want second best from us--He wants our very best! This is what Paul is telling us in verse 24. In everything we do we should do it in the very best way possible! We need to learn all we can, study, practice and become one filled with knowledge and discipline so we can win the race for Christ! The greatest prize or reward is the one that comes from Christ! In a foot race only one wins the prize--in the race for Christ all that run may win the prize! Paul goes on to say that the prize won for a competition in a foot race is one that will not last forever and does not give lasting gratification. The reward from the race for Christ is for eternity and provides the greatest joy ever! Generally when a person runs a race they train extensively before hand. They dedicate themselves to the training needed to run the race and prayerfully win. Dilengtly they exercise their bodies into peak condition and this is exactly what we need to do for our race for Christ! Father, let me run the race with joy for I know that Your reward is greatest!

Paul closes this chapter saying that he knew his goal and what was needed to gain it. Because of his knowledge of what his goal was he presented himself in a manner to accomplish that goal. Paul disciplined his body and mind to always be alert and ready to be the best example of Christ possible! Father, let me also be the best possible example of Christ I can be! Father, continue to fill me with Your Holy Spirit and power daily, I love You and magnify and glorify Your name above all others, in Jesus name, Amen!

Where Jesus is Lord!
Living Vine Ministries
Pastor Thomas Miles

For instructions on being Born Again click on banner at top of page.
Thank you for reading.

Tom's Menu
Home Page