The Pattern of Self-Denial

I Corinthians 9:1–10
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People in the Corinthian Church were questioning Paul’s authority and rights as a apostle, so he gave his credentials (vv. 1-10). Paul actually saw and talked with the resurrected Christ who called him to be an apostle (Acts 9:3-18). Changed lives within the Corinthian Church were the evidence that God was using Paul (vv. 1-2).

In chapter nine Paul deals with those who invoke the principle of Christian liberty. He points out that there are many things that he is free to do but which he abstains from doing for the sake of the Church. He is well aware of Christian freedom, but equally aware of Christian responsibility. Paul uses himself as an illustration of giving up personal rights. He has the right to hospitality, to be married, and to be paid for his work (vv. 3-6). But he willingly gave up these rights to win people to Christ.Jesus said that workers deserve their wages (Lk 10:7). Paul echoes this thought and urges the church to be sure to pay their Christian workers (vv. 7-10).

Although Paul himself had not taken any money from the Corinthians, he defends his right and that of other Christian ministers to receive financial support from those to whom they minister. He compares the minister with a soldier, a vine dresser, and a shepherd (v. 7). Such are not expected to support themselves by some outside work. If any should say that these are just human illustrations, and that Paul is speaking as a man, he says that the law of God teaches the same principle. Deuteronomy 25:4 is quoted, indicating that the ox which treaded out the grain was not to be muzzled. In other words, the true Christian minister should be supported by the people to whom he ministers.

Application

It is my duty to see that those who serve me in the ministry are fairly and adequately taken care of. I want to be able to support missionaries and good Bible teaching ministries around the world.