Category: 1 Corinthians

Unity In Service (16:1-24)

Neal Pollard

Paul draws his first letter to a close by utilizing the formula he has leaned on throughout, changing subjects with “περί” (7:1,21; 8:1; 12:1). In English, it is often, as here, translated, “Now concerning….” Paul addresses the matter of financial giving (1-4), then moves into ways the church can unite to serve. We will help the church be one when we are engaged in trying to find ways to assist the cause of Christ. When we are idle or insistent on being served, division is usually left in our wake! 

Consider ways Paul says we can be united in service.

Monetarily (1-4). The instructions Paul gives Corinth were those he, as an apostle, was giving to other congregations (1). This shows that these are instructions for all God’s people to follow. His instructions are specific, telling when (first day of the week, 1), how (premeditatedly and as prospered, 2), and why (to systematically meet needs, 2-4). They had brethren beyond their “walls” who were in need, and through their finances they could fellowship them (3). It is beautiful to see the church join hands in common cause, using her resources to bless lives. 

Mission Work (5-9). But, there were needs beyond the financial. As always, Paul was focused on sharing the gospel. To that end, he anticipated stopping by Corinth on his way through Europe on his missionary journey. He hoped to be received and sent by Corinth, but also to spend time strengthening them (6-7). They needed Paul’s message, and they needed to help him spread it to others. One of the most beautiful ways to unite in service is through supporting the spread of the gospel, especially in far off places where access is more limited. 

Ministry (10-12, 15-19). Back in chapters 12-14, as we recall, Paul talked about the spiritual gifts with which every individual is endowed. While those gifts also involved the miraculous, there is a timeless principle here. Several individuals are noted for their individual ministry, which, when combined, meant a body functioning the way God wants it to (12:12,18,25, etc.).

Timothy is involved in preaching and missions along with Paul (10-11). As he will remind Timothy, he reminds Corinth that he should not be despised (11; 1 Tim. 4:12). Since this letter was written before the first epistle to Timothy, one could surmise that he would be despised for his youthfulness. Paul had not long before picked him up in Lystra (Acts 16:1ff). They were to value his efforts. For his part, Apollos was much engaged elsewhere, but would lend his service later (12).

The household of Stephanas, among the first converts in Achaia (cf. Acts 18:12; Achaia along with Macedonia would represent much of first-century Greece), were “devoted” to the ministry of the saints (15). Paul urges Corinth to unite in submission to all men like Stephanas “who helps in the work and labors” (16). Stephanas, with Fortunatus and Achaicus, were ideal examples of what Paul called for in chapters 12-14. They “supplied what was lacking on” Corinth’s part (17). They were of that rare, valuable breed who “refresh the spirits of others” (18). In a letter about unity, is there a more attractive illustration (cf. Psalm 133:1). 

Aquila and Priscilla exemplify the ministry of hospitality, housing the church in Ephesus (19; Acts 18:24-28). Apparently, they were former members of the church in Corinth (Acts 18:1ff), so their greeting would have been impactful. No wonder they greeted Corinth “heartily.”

Each of these individuals who are named exemplify the power and effectiveness of brethren who discover their gifts and put them to use. How Corinth would benefit from imitating these active, fruitful saints! Shouldn’t we look for Christians here that set the tone in serving the Lord? 

Maturing (13-14,22-24). Sprinkled in with his closing (20-21), Paul makes it relevant to Corinth. What could they do to forge unity as a church? Notice the ingredients: vigilance (13), conviction (13), maturity (13–“act like men”), strength (13), and love (14,22; cf. 13:1-13). How do I know if I am spiritually mature or immature, a source of unity or division? Deep down inside, I need to reflect and self-evaluate. What does God supply? Grace (23)!  Do you know what God expects in the face of what He supplies? Love (22)! Lacking that, we are accursed. 

One note on the Aramaic word in verse 22. Ben Witherington, III, writes, “The Aramaic clause maran atha (v. 22b) obviously comes to us from the Aramaic-speaking Christian community, probably in Jerusalem. If we read it as maran atha, which is possible, it would mean ‘our Lord has come.’ Read as marana tha, which seems more likely, it is a prayer: ‘Come, Lord.’ This latter interpretation is supported by what is probably a Greek translation of the clause in Rev. 22:20: ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ Didache 10.6 also supports the view that this was an early eschatological prayer for the Lord to return” (Conflict And Community In Corinth, 323). 

Let us end our study by considering the most powerful incentive to be united as a church. Jesus is coming. When He does, He will judge the church and the world (1 Pet. 4:17). We want to meet Him as those who have devoted ourselves to serving Him in such a way that the church is strong, vibrant, active, growing, and, most of all, united on the truth of His Word! 

Unity And The Resurrection (Part 1)(15:1-28)

Neal Pollard

Paul once again signals a change in subject, moving on to another area of concern for the Corinthians. This one is a doctrinal question and he uses a slightly different phrase: “Now I make known to you” rather than “Now concerning.” The subject is the heart of the gospel, Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1-4), which transpired “according to the Scriptures” (3-4). In some deep, challenging concepts, Paul explains both the resurrection of Christ and our eventual bodily resurrection. Some form of the word “raised” is found 22 times in this chapter. What does Paul discuss?

THE TESTIMONY CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION (1-11)

Starting with the resurrection of Christ, Paul lays out the witnesses to His resurrected body. He lists Cephas, the twelve, 500 brethren at once, James, all the apostles, then to Paul (5-8). Notice the solid nature of these witnesses. It was diverse, meaning He appeared to individuals, small groups, and very large groups. It was sequential, meaning several different occasions over time. It was representative rather than exhaustive, as the gospels reveal even more resurrection appearances (Luke 24; Matt. 28; Mark 16; John 20-21). It was verifiable, as many of these witnesses were still alive when Paul wrote this letter. Bonafide, corroborating witnesses confirmed the truth of the resurrection. Corinth (and we) should be united in the belief that Jesus is raised from the dead (11). One footnote within the list of witnesses is the insight of Paul’s ongoing struggle with his sinful past which he rejoices to know was overcome by the wonderful grace of God (8-10).

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE RESURRECTION (12-19)

Some among the Corinthians taught that there is no resurrection (12). Certainly it is a teaching that requires faith, but denying the resurrection has some catastrophic consequences. These adversely affect both believers and unbelievers. Without the resurrection, unbelievers have no reasonable explanation about our origin, purpose, or destiny. But, if there is no resurrection, the believer is most devastated (19). What follows, if these naysayers are correct? If no resurrection, Christ is not raised (13). If Christ is not raised, our preaching is vain (14), our faith is vain (14), testifiers to His resurrection are false witnesses (15), our faith is worthless (17), we’re still in our sins (17), saints who have already died have perished (18), and we are of all men most to be pitied (19). Life and death are pretty miserable and pointless without the resurrection of Christ and our own bodily resurrection. Death wins. 

THE CEREMONY AT THE RESURRECTION (20-28)

Paul begins this paragraph with a note of triumph, asserting, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (20). Then, Paul takes us momentarily to the second coming, the general resurrection, and the end (23-24). What will happen then? We will all be made alive (22). Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father (24). He will have abolished all rule, authority, and power (24). His reign will end at the subjugation of all enemies, last of which is death (25-28). As the song says, “What a day, glorious day, that will be!” Nothing we have ever seen will prepare us for what will happen “at His coming.” And Paul is not done describing that incredible moment, which we will see in the second half of the chapter. 

Keep in mind that Paul is teaching and clarifying about the resurrection for a central purpose, to unite Christians around the heart of the gospel. It is the foundation of our hope. It helps us endure the most difficult trials of life. Peter says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3). Amen! 

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 4)(14:20-40)

Neal Pollard

Paul concludes the lengthiest discussion of this letter with some final appeals to the Corinthians to use their gifts to be united rather than divided. The underlying principle in these final words is “order.” The disorderly way they were handling these gifts inevitably caused strife and difficulty for them. Paul suggests several principles that would help them conquer the chaos.

MATURITY (20)

Paul lays the groundwork for their success in properly exercising spiritual gifts by saying, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature” (20). Immaturity is the enemy of church growth and of the fulfillment of all of the Lord’s will.  Selfish thinking, whether self-promotion or self-interest, shifts the focus to the individual member and away from the body. Without mature thinking, there will not be mature acting. 

PRIORITY (21-25)

When one is focused on self-importance, he or she will not be able to properly see others. Of course, this happens at the expense of fellow-Christians, but it also adversely impacts non-Christians who may be at the assemblies. Paul reminds them that their gifts were exercised to persuade unbelievers (22). God wants the unbeliever to be convicted (24) and moved to obedience (25). He accomplishes this through His people’s stewardship of their gifts. Though we live after the age of miraculous spiritual gifts, we still should be mindful of how we exercise our gifts in the potential presence of non-Christians. Don’t let them be invisible to you, but be sensitive to them and act accordingly. Their souls are so important, we must use our gifts to bring them to Christ. We want them to declare “that God is certainly among you” (25). 

HUMILITY (26-39)

Paul reiterates something he has just said repeatedly (3-5, 12,17): “Let all things be done for edification” (26). This necessitates putting the needs of others above one’s own interests. Isn’t that hard to do? Paul says to submit your own opportunities and abilities to the needs of the body. You might notice that Paul says “keep silent” three times, to three groups–the tongue-speaker with no interpreter (28), a prophet while another prophet is giving revelation (30), and women (34). The reasons are different for each group, but the principle is the same. God has rules and desires order. That’s infinitely more important than what we might desire. God wants one’s gifts to be exercised for the learning and exhortation of all (31,35) and for peace to triumph over confusion (33). That requires me to get myself out of His way so that He can accomplish His will. 

PROPRIETY (40)

Paul sums up, saying, “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” That’s two elements. Am I doing what is right? Am I doing it in the right way? This is knowledge and application. Some don’t know any better. Others know better, but they don’t do better. Both deficiencies must be addressed. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts. They are not to show people how spiritual or special we are. They are to edify the church, evangelize the lost, and exalt God. If we keep this in mind, we will achieve the unity that God so jealously desires.

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 3)(14:1-19)

Neal Pollard

It is pretty easy to break down the focus of Paul’s message in these 19 verses. In a nutshell, Paul is telling Corinth that prophecy and tongues are for the edification of the church. What was to move this was “love” (1). Not surprisingly, given that tongue-speaking might seem more exotic or impressive, the Corinthians seemed to put higher regard on that gift than the others. Paul makes the point that prophecy is superior to tongue-speaking for multiple reasons. By itself, tongue-speaking does not communicate to men (1-2), but prophecy did (3). Tongue-speaking edified only the speaker, but prophecy edified the whole church (4). Tongue-speaking required an interpreter, but prophecy didn’t (5-14). His summary of this contrast is: “In the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue” (19). 

We may wonder where the application is for us in our age of post-miraculous gifts. What can we take away from this section of Scripture since we have neither prophets nor tongue-speakers today. Notice how Paul’s words are relevant to us in the church today. 

BEWARE OF PRIDE

How were some regarding their gifts? In verse 20, he is going to suggest that they were being childish about these gifts. Chapter 12 shows that they were considering some gifts as “less honorable” and “more presentable” (23). Is it possible for us to do that today? Do we vaunt song leaders, preachers, teachers, and other more visible talents and have less regard for other ministries and works? We should not. Every single effort done for the glory of God and the advancement of His cause is equally vital and honorable.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE DESIRABLE

Paul is not saying they shouldn’t desire these spiritual gifts. In fact, the opposite is true (1, 12). Their mishandling or improperly viewing them did not nullify their need to engage in them. The Lord doesn’t want us on the sideline, burying our talent. He takes a dim view of that approach, doesn’t He (cf. Mat. 25:14-30). Do what you do best, but don’t fall prey to comparing your gift to someone else’s. That’s a false standard of measurement. “God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired” (12:18).

IT’S ALL ABOUT EDIFICATION

Why exercise spiritual gifts in the first place? Paul tells us. It is for edification and exhortation and consolation (3). The aim is to edify the whole church (4). The aim is “that the church may receive edifying” (5). He implores, “Seek to abound for the edification of the church” (12). It is failure if what you do results in that “the other person is not edified” (17). We do not have to guess what is at the heart of Paul’s concern here. He reveals it repeatedly. 

Isn’t it easy for us to lose sight of the purpose of our mission and identity even as we do “church work”? Sometimes, works and ministries are begun to achieve edification but somewhere along the way we forget that. Isn’t it ironic that Martha was part of the commendable choice to have Jesus in her home, but she lost sight of what was most important very quickly. It wasn’t about the serving, but about listening to His word (Luke 10:38-42). 

The Active Ingredient In Unity (13:1-13)

Neal Pollard

In biology and especially pharmacology, the term “active ingredient” is used to describe the substance of the product. Inactive ingredients may help to deliver the drug, pesticide, drink, household product, but it is the active ingredient that makes the product effective. According to Paul, if the product is unity then love is the active ingredient. It makes unity happen. He tells the Ephesians to be found “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:2-3). In the midst of discussing spiritual gifts, he speaks of what makes such work to produce unity. In a word, it’s “love.”

LOVE’S DEFICIENCY (1-3)?

Paul pulls from the list of spiritual gifts to give examples of what happens when you exercise those gifts without love. It is surprising to see that they do the “exerciser” no good, if they do what they do in a loveless fashion. The Corinthians reveled in their ability to speak in tongues, to prophesy, and to help others through their miraculous means (see 12:28-30), but even such impressive gifts were empty and meaningless without love. Today, my talents and abilities, my time and money, all my resources, given and used to do so much good, does me no good if I do it without love. 

LOVE’S DEFINITION (4-8a)?

Maybe the Corinthians claimed to be exercising these gifts in love, but Paul defines this “more excellent way” (12:31). Love is not what we say or claim; love is measured by what we do. Love is an action, with at least 15 characteristics. Are you impatient? Unkind? Jealous? Arrogant? Unbecoming? Self-seeking? Etc. If you are characterized in these ways, you do not have love. Love demonstrates itself through specific behaviors. 

LOVE’S DURABILITY (8-13)

Ironically, these gifts that made them arrogant or jealous were temporary. They would be done away with (8), They would cease (8). They were partial (9). They were equated with “childish things” (11). They were dim (12). By implication, they would not abide (13). These miraculous spiritual gifts served their purpose of bringing us perfect knowledge. We have that in the revelation of God’s Word. It causes faith in and obedience to Christ. But outlasting those temporary gifts were faith, hope, and love. We still have those today though the exercise of miraculous spiritual gifts are past-tense. Yet, of those three qualities, love is superior to them. When faith becomes sight and hope is realized, we will still have love. Paul urges them (and us) to aspire to the things that last, that last longer even than what we bring to the table in God’s kingdom with our minds, our hands, and our other resources. 

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 2)(12:13-31)

Neal Pollard

Sometimes, when you are reading a paragraph or section of Scripture, the theme of it is so clear it virtually screams out to you. 18 times, Paul mentions the spiritual “body” and 12 times he uses the word “one.” Paul’s decided emphasis, in this discussion of spiritual gifts, is Christ’s “one body.” In a book for unity and against division, this makes sense. But nowhere in the letter does he drive this home more pointedly. Individual spiritual gifts are not about the individual; it is always about the one body! Notice:

• This one body has many members (12)
• We are each baptized into one body (13)
• The one body is many members (14)
• God has placed each one in the one body (15-19)
• There are many members, but one body (20)

This is in addition to other ways Paul directs his readers back to the unity that should exist among all the members in this one body. If we miss everything else that Paul says here, we must not miss this! 

What does Paul tell us about the exercise of spiritual gifts in the body to help further his overall theme of unity?

UNITY IN THE SPIRITUAL BODY IS LIKE UNITY IN THE PHYSICAL BODY

Paul starts the paragraph with a simile likening a literal, physical body to the church. All the individual body parts come together to make the body work (12). Each individual body part has its unique function to serve, no one less vital than another (14-17). The body is set up by divine design (18). A body would look strange with only one body part (imagine an entire body that was just one big nose?!)(19). How strange if one body part told another body part it was unneeded or unnecessary (21)! Body parts that are less emphasized or visible are still essential (23-24). The body is very empathetic toward itself (watch how other body parts get involved when we hit our thumb with a hammer–eyes, hand, and even mouth get involved in consoling it!)(25-26). 

GOD HAS A CREATION PROCESS FOR PLACING MEMBERS IN THE BODY (13)

Just as God used the laws of creation at the beginning of time to establish or determine a physical body (Gen. 1:24-28), He has a law of “new creation.” One is formed as a body part in the body of Christ through baptism (13). This is just one of many compelling reasons why baptism is necessary. It puts one into Christ’s body (cf. Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 10:2). It is a universal law, for anyone and everyone who will. 

PAUL’S APPLICATION OF THE ILLUSTRATION TO THE CHURCH (27-31)

How does Paul drive home the point for his discussion on spiritual gifts? “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it” (27). What does that mean for whatever function or ability you possess? In the miraculous age, God had not only different offices but needed all of them to exist (note the seven categories in verse 28). No matter that we do not still have apostles or miraculous healers. What’s the point? Everyone is not the same and does not have the same gifts and responsibilities (29-30). Instead of envying what others can do or have been asked to do, we rejoice and suffer with each other as needed (26). 

Lest we think that we are missing out since we cannot miraculously speak a language we’ve never studied or prophesied or worked a miracle, Paul tells us that there is “a still more excellent way” (31). Spoiler alert: it is a way accessible to us today! What a joy when it is present and what a tragedy when it is not! More about that when we turn to the next chapter. 

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part One)(12:1-12)

Neal Pollard

When we get to 1 Corinthians 12, we see one of Paul’s transitional cues. He uses his phrase, “Now concerning,” indicating a change of subject. He will address “spiritual gifts” from here until he changes subjects again, saying, “Now I make known…” (15:1) to begin his discussion of the resurrection. 

We are going to see that God used miraculous spiritual gifts in His work of confirming His Word (12:28-13:13; 14:22), but each Christian was given a spiritual gift (7). As we go through this section, I want us to consider this by way of application: we each have been blessed with abilities which, as these gifts were, are to be used “as He wills” (11). Notice a few ideas he emphasizes as he introduces this subject.

DO NOT BE UNAWARE (1-3)

Things are different in Christ and are not like they were before you became a Christian. Your function, role, and purpose have been exalted for divine use. We are seeking to be used by God to accomplish His will.

THESE GIFTS ARE VARIED (4-6)

He says there are varieties of gifts, ministries, and effects, but they come from one source. It is a divine source. He works all things in all persons (6). Be careful about disparaging your work or talent. God gave it. Don’t boast about it (a problem the Corinthians had), but don’t hide it under a basket either (Mat. 5:13-16). 

TO EACH IS GIVEN FOR THE COMMON GOOD (7-11)

He identifies the categories of miraculous spiritual gifts here: wisdom (8), the word of knowledge (8), faith (9), gifts of healing (9), miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongue-speaking, and interpretation (10). Each of these were exercised miraculously. But all of them had the same end in mind–“the common good” (7). God distributes these as He wills (11). Consider this even as we do not exercise these gifts miraculously today. God still endows each of us with unique abilities (some have great people skills, some excel in teaching, some are wonderful encouragers, some are skilled with their hands, etc.). Why do we have those gifts? For the common good! No ability is greater or better than another. To think that way is to miss Paul’s point here. 

Unity And “The Lord’s Supper” (11:17-34)

Neal Pollard

In this paragraph, we have the verses probably most frequently read before we take communion each Sunday. While it does provide a good reminder, how often do we read it in context? As we know from reading through the letter to this point, Paul is writing to help a church struggling with unity on so many fronts. Those who struggle to be of the same mind and same judgment can even divide over the thing that should be the strongest uniting force–remembering the sacrifice of our Savior. Why, it’s the very heart of our Christianity! The cross is why our past is forgiven, why our present has meaning, and our future has hope. The Corinthians had divisions over this (18)!

The Lord’s Supper had lost its meaning (20). While how it lost meaning to them might seem foreign to us, we can struggle with it, too. What are we doing during this commemoration, and what should we be doing? 

WHAT THE SUPPER IS NOT (17-22)

It is not a whitewash for fellowship problems (17-19). Jesus taught in His ministry that interpersonal problems need to be dealt with before we offer acceptable worship (Mat. 5:23-24). It is pretentious to piously participate in this sacred remembrance when we won’t speak to a brother or have a long-standing grudge we refuse to resolve with a sister. There are times when God tells His people, “I don’t want your worship” (Isa. 1:11-15; Jer. 6:20; Amos 5:21-22; Mal. 1:10). Why did God refuse what He commanded? Because worship is not a substitute for unrighteous living. 

It is not a mindless activity (20-22). Paul is about to remind them of what the Lord’s Supper is. They needed that because they totally lost focus on why they were doing it. Their problem was they turned this symbolic remembrance into dinner on the grounds, a potluck except without sharing with everyone. Oh how we need our mind engaged in what this memorial is all about! What do we do with this precious time? How do we treat it, as common or sacred? He’s not condemning eating in a church building (they may have been meeting in a home, like the church at Rome did–see 16:19), but misusing the Lord’s Supper in their assemblies. It was a heart problem.

WHAT THE SUPPER IS (23-29)

It is a God-given remembrance (23-25). Jesus instituted this memorial on the night of His betrayal and arrest, the day before His crucifixion (23; Mat. 26:26-28). How important is this to God? It was on His mind right before His death on a night, ironically, He would fervently pray for His believers to be united (John 17). He wanted us to keep coming together and remembering what He did for us and what that does for us.

It is a periodic proclamation (26). We understand this from the phrase, “For as often as.” Acts 20:7 shows us how often “often” is–“On the first day of the week” (cf. 1 Cor. 16:2). But, instead of being “a mindless activity,” it is a recurring opportunity to “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” You are telling others of the basis of your hope and the source of your strength. You are saying, “This is so important to me that I could not miss it.” 

It is a time of self-examination (27-29).  Did the early church speak to each other during this time? Surprisingly, Scripture is silent about that. But one thing is for sure. They used this time to look within and examine themselves. So, my involvement in the Lord’s Supper is not just a time to look back at the cross, but to look inwardly at my own Christian life. Not only do I ask, “Am I thinking about the Lord right now?” I ask, “Am I living faithfully for the Lord each day?” Did you get the third dimension? “Am I judging the body rightly?” What does that mean? Certainly, it involves remembering the physical body of Jesus that suffered. But, Paul also ties the “one bread” to the idea that “we who are many are one body” (10:17). He is about to discuss the one body, the church, in light of spiritual gifts (12:12-27). Given the disunity of the Corinthian church, is Paul demanding that they see each other lovingly and charitably rather than contemptuously and resentfully? It would be hard to say dogmatically, but it should make us hesitate to come to this memorial with an improper view of any of our spiritual family!

WHAT THE SUPPER REVEALS (30-34)

We may conceal from the church our spiritual weakness, sickness, and slumber (30), but God knows and we, through honest self-examination, know. Yet, this is an eminently fixable problem! Judge yourself. Examine yourself. Discipline yourself. What a beautiful opportunity to humbly work on our hearts, look at our sins, and lean on His atoning sacrifice, and come away more determined to live more like Jesus. Consider the blessing of your spiritual family and determine to do more to help them live like Jesus. 

This Sunday, will you remember this during our time of communion? There may be crying babies, clanging, banging noises, a cell phone inadvertently ringing, someone with a nagging cough, even someone whispering nearby. Tune it out of your heart and ears. Look back to Calvary. Look into your life. Look around at the precious body of believers. Look ahead to His coming. Look up to the Lord, your source of strength. Look down on no one! This is the way to unite around the Lord’s Supper. 

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!

UNITY AND LIBERTY (8:1-13)

Neal Pollard

We notice again Paul’s transitional statement: “Now concerning….” This signifies Paul’s change of subject. The specific issue he addresses is “things sacrificed to idols” (1). But, in his usual fashion, the apostle will pan out to the broader issue. The principle is tempering biblical knowledge and love. Paul will repeat this principle several more times in the letter (13:1ff; 14:1; 16:14). Have you ever known someone who seemed to have a deep, mature level of knowledge but share it with arrogance and an air of superiority? Even if you appreciated their grasp of what the Bible says, you probably didn’t care much for how they shared it. In more severe cases, one can ruin a weaker brother or sister (11). We can wind up sinning against a brother or wounding his conscience by our headstrong or self-serving application of knowledge (12). Whenever we insist on our rights, even at the expense of the conscience of a weaker brother or sister, we will be a source of division in the body of Christ. Paul gives Corinth a principle they can apply to any number of issues, not just this one.

Some Of Us Will Have A More Mature Understanding Than Others (1-7a)

It may well have been Jewish Christians and some more grounded Gentile Christians who realized that meat originally used in pagan worship and resold in the marketplace was not a big deal. They understood that idols were not really gods (4) and that there is only one true God (4-6). Perhaps it was among Gentile converts that eating meats sacrificed to idols was a stumbling block. They had been in those “worship services,” and they may have associated it with religious error and all that went along with it. But, these brethren were to be united despite their different levels of faith and maturity.

None Of Us Can Choose “Liberty” Over Love (7-13)

Why? 

First, exercising our liberty can defile a weak conscience (7). 

Second, exercising our liberty can become a stumbling block to the weak (9).

Third, exercising our liberty can ruin a weak brother (11). 

Fourth, exercising our liberty can be a sin against that brother and consequently a sin  against Christ (12). 

There is certainly a need to educate and help strengthen and mature that weak brother in Christ, but throughout that process a prevailing attitude of care and concern for the weak brother must be maintained. Paul makes clear what principle ought to rule in matters like this. He writes, “Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.” Maybe that seems unfair or unreasonable. But how small a sacrifice is that for the salvation of vulnerable spiritual family members? They should matter more than any earthly thing, even things we have a legitimate right to engage in.  The point is, stop and consider the weight of your influence. Your weaker brother is watching. 

Unity Through Sexual Integrity (6:9-20)

Neal Pollard

It had to be a challenge to maintain sexual purity in a city world-renowned for its sexual debauchery. Paul points out that this is a matter of feeding fleshly appetites, but that these must be mastered by those who want what only God can give. It also requires an appropriate appreciation for what God has done for us and wishes to do for us. One of their number had infamously failed at this, and God wanted it dealt with appropriately (chapter five). Paul urges them all to, like himself, “not be mastered by anything” (12). How could Corinth (how can we?) combat the temptation to succumb to immorality?

Remember What You Were And See What You Are (9-11)

Paul established the church at Corinth, helping to win the first converts there. In those first 18 months, how many conversations and counseling sessions did he have with these spiritual babes about their sinful past and spiritual struggles? Part of their studying to become Christians likely dealt with how to repent. Paul knew their situations. He reminds them they were guilty of all kinds of sexual sins (fornication, adultery, homosexuality, promiscuity)(9) in addition to sins of immoral character (10). The whole list has in common that they each pandered to fleshly desires. The wonderful news is that through Christ they put that all away, and by obeying the gospel they were washed, sanctified, and justified (11). The guilt of those sins were removed. They were set apart for God’s righteous use. They were in a right relationship with God. No sinful pleasure can compete with the feeling of peace and relief of forgiveness!

Understand What Your Body Is For And Whose Your Body Is (12-15)

Don’t we struggle with that? The flesh has cravings, and we can satisfy those cravings improperly. In principle, this can be done with food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and so on, but the central issue of context is sexual immorality. Paul points to the positive potential of our bodies. They are for the Lord (13). They are for the resurrection of life (14). They are members of Christ’s body (15). God has such exalted expectations of how we will spend our lives in these bodies. We cannot squander our purpose or lose sight of our identity! Too much is at stake.

Beware Of What Fornication Is And What Is Does (16-18)

Ben Witherington says, “Paul’s point is that sexual sin, unlike other sins, involves one’s very body in a union with others and is a sin against self as well as others. It involves the whole self and thus is dangerous and deadly to one’s spiritual well-being, for it puts one into the hands and mastery of someone other than the Lord” (169).  Certainly, Paul’s language is dramatic. Like Joseph (Gen. 39), run from it! Don’t do anything that jeopardizes your unity with the Lord! No matter how enticing it is, it will not be worth it! God has a wonderful place for this natural appetite to be fulfilled, and he will encourage that in chapter seven. Ironically, those who had the right and privilege of sex, husbands and wives, were failing to exercise such and causing each other to stumble. Society glorifies the shameful and ridicules the glorious, and that includes in sexual matters. Paul peels back the veneer of fornication and shows the ugly, rotten truth of what lies within.

Know Who Is In You And What You Are To Do (19-20)

One of the most powerful deterrents against sin is the knowledge that the Holy Spirit indwells me. Paul explicitly says so (19). When one becomes a Christian, he or she is telling God, “I am mine no more!” What I am now is God’s house, giving myself entirely for His use and glory. With privilege comes responsibility. Not only is that grand, impacting eternity, but it’s fundamental, involving my body. I cannot forget this. 

Put in the context of church unity, I am most responsible for how I handle my life and my body. By living a sexually pure life, I represent God as I should. That helps the church. Remember the words of Edward Everett Hale: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.”