Entitlement or Calling

November 12, 2023 , , , , , , , , , ,

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Intro

Last week our sermon was about our liberty or freedom as Christians to do or not do things that are related to the Old Testament Law or anything else that is not spelled out clearly in Scripture. The principle that should guide us is our love for other brothers and sisters in the church – especially those who are newer followers of Jesus Christ. Today in chapter 9, Paul continues this idea of liberty as it relates to the rights of those in ministry to be adequately paid. Paul gives a clear argument with six reasons why he is entitled to be compensated.

‌Just to be super clear, I am not preaching this passage to ask for a raise! When we go through a book of the Bible together, I want to preach and teach everything there – even the harder passages.

Series

We are continuing our series in 1 Corinthians called Living in Light of Eternity. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about some very serious problems they were dealing with like sexual morality, marriage, singleness, using our spiritual gifts, and the need for everything to be done in love. And then he gave them encouraging theology about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our future resurrection as believers.
That’s where the series title “Living in Light of Eternity” comes from. With our view of eternity, knowing that our souls will go on forever and ever, knowing that God will judge our behavior, and knowing that His Son Jesus died so that we can spend eternity with God, how should we think, live, and act today?
‌The city of Corinth was a key seaport city in the Roman Empire’s trade route. Like many other wealthy crossroads cities, it had a reputation for immorality, religious diversity and corruption. A lot like our culture today. As we read this letter to another group of Christians in another church from another century, let’s watch for principles or teachings that apply to our church community right here in Dunkirk.

Paul was Entitled

  1. Apostleship (vv. 1-6)
  2. Customary Pay (v. 7)
  3. God’s Law (vv. 8-11)
  4. Your Example (vv. 9-12)
  5. Ministry Example ( v. 13)
  6. Jesus’ Instruction (v. 14)

Paul’s Boast

  1. Preach out of Necessity
  2. Stewardship of the Gospel
  3. Reward – Gospel is Free of Charge
  4. Boast was his Joy
  5. He Set aside his Right or Liberty

Take Aways

 

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