But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 1
Corinthians 9:15
I continue my study of 1 Corinthians. I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book. Today my focus is a review - unaided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 9:1-18. Here, Paul starts the text for today by asking a number of rhetorical questions about his rights as an apostle. Paul has certainly worked as hard as anyone as one of the greatest Christian mission leaders ever - perhaps the greatest. Yet Paul does not use this to boast and "puff" himself up as this is contrary to what he just discussed in chapter 7 (see post yesterday). Paul knows - as all believers should - that we are not deserving of anything, and that God provides for all of our needs - out of grace alone. Workers typically are allowed to lay claims or rights to the fruit of their labor as compensation - see v3-12a. But Paul shares how he does not make such a claim for himself lest it be an "obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ" (v12b, 15). Paul is willing to endure anything in his effort to spread the Good News (v12b). He would rather die than "be deprived of [the] ground for boasting" with this ground being the call and mission given to Him by Christ Himself to preach the gospel (v15-16). Paul's reward is not bragging rights but that He shares in the gospel, and the blessings of seeing and experiencing God's harvest in calling people to Himself (v16-18).
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me, providing for all of my needs and giving me the blessing of seeing Your hand in my life and in the lives of others. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You provide and how You bless me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
