UNDER ROWERS

Intro. - Paul uses an interesting word for servant in this passage. It is the Greek word for under rower. This would have brought a vivid picture to the Corinthians. They daily saw large boats with two and three levels of rowers passing by. This word would have brought several ideas to mind.

Under Rowers Had To Row To The Captain’s Beat

Fast or slow the beat had to be maintained to row together

Paul may have been thinking of listening to Christ

Under Rowers Had To Row Together

One could not push and the other pull. One could not rest while another worked.

Paul may have been thinking of harmony and unity.

Under Rowers Had To Trust The Captain

Rowers could not question )storm, war, schedule), they had to obey

Paul may be thinking of trust and obedience

Under Rowers Were Committed For Life

No escape, damp hard benches, lack of sunshine and fresh air, let chains, ship sinking

Paul may be thinking of dedication and sacrifice.

Under Rowers Received No Honor, the Captain Did

Rowers were not seen; if they were it was because they weren’t doing their job

Paul may be thinking of humility

Concl. - Galley slaves worked out of fear; we work in confident trust (1 John 4:13-18). Like galley slaves, we belong to someone else (1 Cor. 6:19-20), but our chains are chains of love (2 Cor. 5:14-15).