I. As An Apostle, Paul Had God Given Rights
A. The Proof Of Paul’s Apostleship Vs. 1, 2
1. In chapter 8, Paul exhorted some Christians to give up their rights so as to not stumble their brothers regarding the topic of whether to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols.
2. Paul had assured them that the “idols” were nothing, but for the sake of those with a weak conscience, those who had freedom to eat this meat should give up that right.
3. It seems that some asserted that if they knew their rights, that they should enjoy them.
4. Paul was certainly an apostle. He had met the risen Jesus Christ. The Corinthians were proof of his apostleship. Some questioned his apostleship, but they had no right to.
5. Paul had received instructions directly from the risen Jesus. Greater experience.
a. 1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you…
b. The subject they were asking Paul about boiled down to this thought…
c. “How far should we go to adjust to the conscientious scruples of other people?”
d. “If God has given me rights, shouldn’t I be able to use them?”.
6. Paul was among them as one who has more knowledge of Christ.
a. He was among them as one who has many rights as an apostle.
b. He will show them that he has denied himself for a long time, for their sakes.
B. Paul Argued For His Rights Vs. 3-14
1. In this chapter, there seem to be two steams of thought that are closely related.
a. Paul is defending his apostleship against those who “examined” him. V. 3
b. Paul didn’t demand his rights in order that others would benefit.
2. Vs. 3-6 Some seem to have been suggesting that ministers were not qualified for any compensation, or to have the ability to support a wife.
a. I have known many bi-vocational pastors. They give as much time as they can.
b. It’s a blessing when the pastor can commit all of his time to the church and the people.
3. V. 7 Paul uses three everyday examples that have obvious answers.
a. Soldiers get paid. Vineyard owners eat the fruit. Shepherds drink the milk.
b. Imagine a soldier stepping away from the battle to earn money, etc.
c. Compensation for one’s job is a proper thing. It should be for ministers too.
4. Vs. 8, 9 Paul now uses a higher argument: The Old Testament scriptures.
a. Oxen were used to walk over grain to separate the wheat from the chaff.
b. They were allowed to eat the wheat while they worked. It applied to men too.
5. V. 10 Paul gave the example of the ox because of its higher application, which is that people deserve to be paid for their labors.
6. The ox prepares the ground. The ox helps to bring forth the harvest. Let the ox eat.
7. The pastor sows into people’s hearts.
a. The pastor sees some people get saved; others grow in the faith.
b. Let the pastor receive support for that work.
8. V. 11 An obvious application. NOTE- Spiritual things are greater than material things.
a. The Corinthians were not getting the short end of the stick.
b. The greater blessings are spiritual. Financial blessings are the lesser thing.
9. V. 12 Others had been able to either ask for or receive this right of compensation.
a. If anyone had the right for this, it should have been Paul, their spiritual father.
10. Vs. 13, 14 Paul used another well-known example. The Jewish priests in the Temple.
a. God had commanded that the priests were to enjoy part of the offerings as their food.
b. The same is true for those who preach the Gospel.
c. Certainly, there are those who abuse this God given right, but it is still God’s design.
II. Paul Didn’t Demand His Rights
A. Paul Forfeited His Rights To Further The Gospel Vs. 12b, 15-18
1. V. 12b Paul did receive support from other churches, but not from the Corinthians.
a. Philippians 4:15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church
shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
2. V. 12b We don’t know why Paul refused this right for compensation, but it seems that if he had received compensation, it
would have hindered the Gospel going forth.
a. We don’t know what the situation was. Maybe a depressed economy.
b. Maybe religious charlatans who pressured people. Paul wanted to distance himself.
c. Maybe an overall suspicion about Christianity. Paul wanted to be above suspicion.
B. Paul’s Goals Were Higher Than Getting His Rights
1. V. 15 Paul did receive financial aid from other churches.
a. Though Paul received from other churches, he did not receive from the Corinthians.
b. He didn’t write in order to hint at his financial needs. He felt strongly about this.
c. He says to these people, “Look, I would rather die than have you take away my right to give up my rights. That is a right I insist on having.”
d. The right to give up his rights, that is the greatest right a Christian has.
e. Paul says, “This means everything to me.” Why did he feel so strongly about it?
2. V. 16 For Paul, to preach the gospel left him with nothing of which he could boast.
a. He couldn’t brag about being called to the ministry. God had called him.
b. He would be a miserable man if he didn’t preach the gospel.
c. He is simply stating that he had no personal ambition or could take no credit.
3. V. 17 Paul had two choices in his ministry as an evangelist/church planter/pastor.
a. Do it only as a responsibility/duty. If so, he might have expected compensation.
b. Do it willingly, as a calling. Moved to see people saved. God would reward him.
c. Duty would have caused Paul to expect compensation.
d. Calling meant that he would make tents on the side and not hinder the Gospel.
4. V. 18 Paul’s joy wasn’t in getting his way.
a. Paul’s joy was denying himself so that others would be blessed.
b. He insisted on having the right to deny himself for the sake of others.
C. Applications For Us
1. Paul said he would deny his rights in order to not hinder the plan of God.
2. It is God’s plan that every Christian marriage reflect Jesus and the church.
a. Are you giving up your rights in order to help that happen?
3. It is God’s desire to have every Christian would live a life that brings him glory.
a. Just b/c you have rights, did God say you must demand them? Is that what Jesus did?
4. If you have to demand your rights, are they really worth having?
5. Looking at the big picture, what might you lose if you win your rights?
a. Win your rights but lose your friend.
b. Win your rights but lose your witness.
6. NOTE- For Paul, the furtherance of God’s Kingdom was more important than his rights.
7. 2 Cor. 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that youthrough His poverty might become rich