1 Corinthians 9:1-18 (Part 39) Liberty: Paul's Example

Paul’s exception to the principle, vv. 12-18

• He has the right to compensation but he refuses it

• He puts the right side by side with the refusal, vv. 12-15

6 Principles of refusing a right

1. Refusal to exercise a right should not be forced on others

2. Refusal to exercise a right should be supported by overriding priority

3. Refusal to exercise a right is relative to a given situation

4. Refusal to exercise a right does not diminish nor establish a pattern

5. Refusal of a right is never to be used as a manipulative tool

6. Refusal to exercise a right must be rooted in the deepest conviction

Principles from vv. 16-18

• Nobody can glory in what you are forced to do, v. 16

• If Paul preaches the gospel against his will, that has nothing to do with diminishing his responsibility, v. 17

• He did not have a choice with regarding to preaching but God never required him to do it without pay, v. 18

I Cor. 9

• Single issue of restricted liberty—vv. 1-18 (refusal of compensation)

• There are also multiple issues beyond compensation—vv. 19-27—subdivided . . . :1) The principle of service for the Lord, vv. 19-22; 2) The goal of service for the Lord, v. 23; 3) The discipline of service for the Lord, vv. 24-27

The basic principle of service, vv. 19-22

• His objective condition, v. 19a

• His subjective condition, v. 19b

• The details, vv. 20-22

*Adjustment to people can be made without compromise of truth