Unity And Liberty (Part 2)(9:1-27)

Neal Pollard

Paul continues his lengthy discussion of liberty, and the inspired apostle now uses himself, as he often does, to illustrate a point (see 2 Cor. 11; Phil. 1, 3, etc.). In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul mentions various rights that he could have legitimately exercised but chose to forego due to seeming critics either in Corinth or those who made an impression on Corinth (3; he more vigorously defends his apostleship and mission work in 2 Corinthians). His motivation in all his work is the salvation of souls (22) and the sake of the gospel (23). Chapter eight shows how sensitive he was to his example and influence over others. How different from an attitude that says, “If they don’t like it, they’ll just have to get over it. That’s not my problem.” Notice chapter nine.

LEGITIMATE RIGHTS PAUL DID NOT EXERCISE (1-15)

Paul had a right to be married, but he did not exercise it (5). Paul had a right to be paid for preaching the gospel rather than work a secular job, but he did not exercise it (6-15). Apparently, especially the latter right because in this circumstance it might have been a hindrance to the gospel (12) and made his boast an empty one (16). There will be occasions where we can scripturally defend legitimate rights that may cause a brother to stumble. Paul had those. What did he do? He chose his brethren over his right (4,12).

PAUL’S MOTIVATIONS IN CHOOSING INFLUENCE OVER RIGHTS (16-

First, Paul wanted to be the most successful proclaimer of the gospel he could be (16-18). In his circumstance, that meant offering “the gospel without charge” (18). He felt compelled to answer the gospel’s call to share the gospel with as many people as possible. That is not just a job for full-time preachers. We all are in a position to share the gospel every day. We will take care with our example and influence, doing nothing to undermine the message of salvation before others.

Second, Paul wanted by all means to save souls (19-23). His concern in relationships was establishing rapport and commonality. He did so by acting in a way counter to worldly thinking. He says, “I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more” (19). He accommodated himself to the Jews (20), those under the Law (20), those without law (21), and the weak (22). He summarizes, “I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some” (22). How much bigger and stronger will the church become when more of us imitate Paul’s example in this. That doesn’t mean to become a chameleon, conforming to the sinful behaviors of those we’re trying to teach in order to win them. Paul condemns the idea of doing evil that good may come of it (Rom. 3:8). He was willing to invest in the religious and the irreligious, people of all walks of life, in order to try and help them come to Christ. 

Third, Paul wanted eternal salvation more than earthly satisfaction (24-27). Paul’s sensitivity to his influence and example was also due to his personal spiritual goals. He ran (24,26), exercised self-control (25), fought (26), and disciplined and enslaved his body (27) to spiritually win (24), receive an imperishable crown (25), and to avoid being spiritually disqualified (27). He urges Corinth (and us) to do the same. Don’t lose sight of what must be your ultimate, highest goal–eternal life! In eternity, so many of the things we jealously and foolishly defend in this life will seem utterly foolish and inconsequential. Paul encourages us to have the wisdom of foresight and understand that in this life. When we get to heaven, we’ll be eternally glad we did!