Sinners Made Saints — Christian Liberty Part 2

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Theme: Certainly we have privileges as Christians, but we must never use our privileges in such a way that we hinder the Gospel.

Date: 10/24/2021 Title: 1_Corinthinas_16 ID: NT07-09

ILLUS. If we were to pen a new "roll call of faith" William Borden would be one of the names on that list. William Borden was the heir to an enormous fortune, and a multi millionaire at the age of sixteen. His father had made a fortune in Colorado silver mining. After William Borden finished high school in 1904 his parents sent him a tour of the world. Shortly before he left on his trip he surrendered his life to Christ under the preaching of R.A. Torrey, and dedicated himself to do whatever God wanted with his life.

As he visited Asia, the Middle East, and Europe he felt a growing burden for the world's hurting people. Finally, Bill Borden wrote home about his "desire to become a missionary." In response, Bill wrote two words in the back of his Bible: "No Reserves."

During his college years at Yale he made an entry in his personal Journal: "Say ‘No' to self and ‘Yes' to Jesus every time.” Borden had a charismatic personality, was sociable, athletic, and fun loving but also was an intense and hardworking natural leader. During his first semester at Yale he and another student began having a prayer time before breakfast. Soon another student joined them, and then another. By the end of his first year, 150 freshmen were meeting for weekly Bible study and prayer. By the time Bill Borden was a senior in 1909, 1,000 of Yale's 1,300 students were meeting in such groups.

Upon graduation from Yale, Borden turned down several high paying job offers. In his Bible he wrote two more words: "No Retreats."

He went on to Princeton Seminary, and graduated in 1912. His plan was to sail for China to work with Uyghur Muslims in northwestern China. He stopped in Egypt in order to study Arabic and the Muslim faith. Unfortunately, while in Egypt he contracted spinal meningitis. He died on April 9, 1913 at the age of 25. Borden is buried in the American Cemetery in Cairo. On his grave were inscribed words"Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation of such a life."

Was Borden's untimely death a waste? Not in God's plan. Shortly before his death, Borden had written two more words in his bible. Underneath the words: "No Reserves" and "No Retreats" he had written: "No Regrets". Borden lived out Jesus' words, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matt.1:39).

William Borden was certainly born to privilege. In Christ he had the liberty to live the “good life” and to use his wealth for tremendous good. He could have become one of the greatest Christian philanthropists of his era. His own personal wealth could have funded dozens of missionaries. He denied himself, that he might serve others.

In the previous chapter, the Apostle pointed to the importance of Christian liberty, and laid down the principle that we should do nothing that would knowingly offend another Christian — especially weaker Christians. In this chapter, he points to himself as an example of one who had privileges, but, for the Gospel’s sake, did not use them. Paul is still dealing with Christian liberty. In this chapter Paul will remind the Corinthians “Certainly we have privileges as Christians, but we must never use our privileges in such a way that we hinder the Gospel.”

I. LIBERTY IN PERSONAL MATTERS

1 Corinthians 9:1-6

1. every time the apostle Paul went to a new community to plant a church the very first thing he did was to find a job

2. while in Corinth, Paul worked with his own hands as a tentmaker and took no support from the church

a. even after a church had been planted in the congregation was large enough to support him Paul declined to take any support

b. in vs. 3, however, the Apostle says that he had every right to expect financial support from the church and gave some arguments why

A. PAUL’S DEFENSE OF HIS LIBERTY

1. Paul is going to spend a few moments arguing why he should be supported by the congregation he ministers to

2. 1st The Argument of His Calling

“Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1, ESV)

a. in no uncertain terms Paul asserts his apostleship, but not only his but also the apostleship of his companion Barnabas

1) in Acts 14:14 Barnabas is referred to as an Apostle along with Paul, and like Paul was an Apostle — a messenger of the gospel — to the gentiles

2) one of the disparagements Paul had to endure during his ministry was his detractors regular assertion that Paul was not a “true apostle” because he had not followed Jesus like Matthew, John, James and the others

b. Paul’s counter argument is I’ve seen the Lord Jesus ... He’s the one who called me to this apostolic ministry ... I’ve certainly given my life to him and followed him ... my success is my bonafide ... I’m an apostle as certainly as any of the Twelve

1) Paul says “This is my defense to those who would examine me.” (1 Corinthians 9:3, ESV)

c. as an Apostle Paul claims certain Christian liberties — liberties like ...

1) earning his keep through his ministry — “Do we not have the right to eat and drink?” (1 Corinthians 9:4, ESV)

2) have a wife and family — “Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?” (1 Corinthians 9:5, ESV)

3. 2nd, The Argument of a Laborer’s Worthiness

a. Paul uses three illustrations here

1) no soldier supports himself, but receives wages and supplies from the governing authorities for his services

ILLUS. Can you imagine joining one of the branches of the American military, going through 10 weeks of boot camp, and at the end receiving a bill for all of your training and equipment? Not a whole lot of people would be enlisting if that were the case. Those who served their nation in the military should not be expected to pay their own way.

2) the vintner toils in the vineyard, pruning the vines, watering the plants, and harvesting the grapes, and as such has the right to eat some of the fruit

3) the herdsman who tends the sheep and goats, guarding them, leading them to water and pasture, shearing their wool, and as such has the right to some of the milk

4. 3rd, The Argument of Old Testament Principle

“Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned?” (1 Corinthians 9:8–9, ESV)

a. Paul is quoting Deuteronomy 25:4 where Moses expresses his concern about the oxen getting enough to eat — getting their fair share when working hard

b. this command, which appears only once in the Old Testament, would garner little attention except for the fact that the apostle Paul cites it not once but twice (1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18), making apostolic application to his right to be supported financially as a minister of the gospel

c. Paul, on the other hand, seems to say that God isn’t primarily concerned about oxen

1) he asks rhetorically in vs. 10 Is it for oxen that God is concerned?

a) the right answer, in context, is Yes, God is concerned about his creatures, but you’ve got to see the bigger picture. God is equally concerned that those who devote their life to feeding God’s sheep are compensated for their work

5. 4th, The Argument of Godly Ministry

“If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?” (1 Corinthians 9:12–13, ESV)

a. the Law of Moses allowed the priests to share generously in the sacrifices from the altar

1) in the Old Testament offerings God would get a share of the sacrifice — the very best part

2) the worshiper would sometimes get a share of the sacrifice to take home with them

3) the priest would get a share of the sacrifice, and depending on the offering the priest might receive the animal’s hide, or a large portions of meat, or he might also receive fine flour, grain and fruit

a. this was god’s way of taking care of the priests who, if you remember, received no land inheritance when the Jews came into the promised land

6. 5th, The Argument of Christ’s Command

“In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:12–13, ESV)

B. PAUL’S DENIAL OF HIS LIBERTY

1. Paul makes the argument that Christian liberty entitles him to their support for the gospel work he has accomplished among them

2. and yet, by his own choice, he has not asserted this liberty

“If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 9:12, ESV)

“But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.” (1 Corinthians 9:15, ESV)

“What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:18, ESV)

a. why would the Apostle deny himself the privilege of being supported by the church?

3. 1st, Paul Wanted to Make the Gospel Free (1 Cor. 9:15-18)

ILLUS. 1st century Greek philosophers did wax-eloquent for free. There were several ways an Aristotle or Socrates made money. First, if you were a really good philosopher you would find a patron — a rich person who would support you because they liked your philosophy. Today we have “adopt” a highway. Back then the Greeks had “Adopt a philosopher.” Second, if you were an up-and-coming philosopher, you taught paying students. Not only would you teach philosophy, but you’d also teach them math and rhetoric. The sales pitch was that the philosopher would teach their students to be virtuous, competent leaders able to run the family estate. There was always the pressure not to say something or teach something that would offend your patron or the parents of your students.

a. in that kind of culture, Paul did not want even a hint of undo influence connected with his preaching of the gospel

b. Paul’s boast is two-fold

1) he would rather have been dead than have anyone think he preached and taught for money

a) he was not a prophet for hire, as was Balaam (Num. 22), or in the ministry “for sordid gain” (1 Pet. 5:2)

ILLUS. In his farewell message to the Ephesian elders Paul told them: “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:33–35).

2) if he’s going to boast, he wants to boast in his un hindered preaching of the gospel

a) Paul has not sugar-coated any truth, he’s not pulled his punches concerning God’s message to His Church

4. 2nd, He Feels Compelled By the Holy Spirit to Preach

“For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16, ESV)

a. at some time or another, every preacher whom the Lord has genuinely called will realize that he is under God’s compulsion

b. the man who resists God’s call or tries to give it up will, like Jeremiah, experience a “burning fire shut up in [his] bones” until he obeys — he has no choice

ILLUS. Ramon Llull was a 14th century theologian, poet and missionary, and Christian apologist. He was born into a wealthy family of Barcelona patricians, and lived a careless and lavish life for many years. He wrote that in a vision one night Christ came to him carrying a cross and said, “Carry this cross for me, Ramon.” He ignored the call. Three more times the vision came to him: Christ offered the cross and Ramon refused it. The fifth time Ramon received this vision Christ laid the cross in the man’s arms and simply walked away. Ramon wrote; “What else could I do, but take it up?”

5. 3rd, To Win the Lost to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

a. the primary purpose of Paul’s not taking full advantage of his Christian liberty was that he might win the more

b. he would modify his habits, his preferences, his entire life-style if any of those things caused someone to stumble, to be offended, or to be hindered from faith in the Lord

c. in the previous chapter we are reminded that in the gray areas of Christian living, those that involve practices about which the Bible does not speak — behaviors that are permissible as the conscience allows

1) but love would not let Paul do anything that the consciences of weaker believers were offended by

2) love would not even allow him to do things that would be offensive to unbelievers to whom he witnessed

3) he would put every questionable thing in his life under the control of love

d. in vs. 19 Paul literally says, I enslave myself, and he enslaves himself to all so that some may come to Christ

6. 4th, To Gain Eternal Reward (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

a. Paul has denied himself the privileges of church support because he is more concerned about eternal reward than earthly praise

1) it is tempting, even for the most godly minister, to glory in the perishable rather than the imperishable blessings of ministry

b. many of the Corinthian Christians seriously limited their testimony because they would not limit their liberty

1) they refused to give up their rights, and in so doing they won few and offended many

II. LIBERTY NOT TO ASSERT HIS LIBERTY

1. in vs. 1-14 Paul the Apostle asserts his liberty to receive the support of the Corinthian congregation

a. the entire chapter is devoted to Paul’s freedom to be supported in his ministry just as other Apostles are

b. and while it is easy for modern readers to see Paul as coming across as self-important and engaging in fund-raising, a more careful reading helps us to see something different

2. the chapter is not about raising the pastor’s pay

a. instead, Paul has freely chosen to renounce his right to have the church support him

b. this whole chapter is Paul’s personal illustration of chapter eight — he will renounce his rights for the sake of others

1) the list of the Apostle’s rights were offered only to name the rights he had chosen to renounce

2) Paul knew the people learned as much from a minister’s life as they do his words

A. PAUL RELINQUISHED HIS RIGHTS

“But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.” (1 Corinthians 9:15, ESV)

1. Paul says, “Look, I’ve done exactly what I am asking you to do. I have the right, Just like Peter and the Lord’s own brothers, to receive your financial support, but I have renounced my rights so no one can say, “Paul’s only in it for the money.”“

a. Paul doesn’t want to put a stumbling block in anyone’s way in coming to Christ

III. LESSONS

1. Lesson #1: It Is Not Unreasonable to Expect a Local Church to Support its Pastoral Staff

ILLUS. Adrian Rogers used to tell the story of a young preacher, who had just been called to a new church. One Sunday morning he overheard the deacons talking about their new preacher. The deacons were highly complimentary of him, and his head was beginning to swell with pride. That is until he heard the eldest deacon say, "Yes, he does seem like a fine young man. My prayer for him is “Lord, You keep him humble, and we'll keep him poor." One of my favorite church cartoons, shows a man pointing accusingly at the pastor and shouting, “Pastor! Is that a new tie? We need to cut your salary!””

a. there is this unspoken rule in Evangelical life that we want our pastors to be humble men of faith, and that poverty somehow accomplishes that

1) it’s almost as if some churches believe they are doing their pastor a spiritual favor by paying them a minimal salary

2) now, let me hurriedly say, that this congregation has been a financial blessing to Linda and I

a) your generosity has allowed me to be a full-time pastor without having the worry of seeking secular employment

b. 1 Corinthians 9:11 lays down a basic principle: if others bless us with spiritual things, we should show our appreciation by sharing material things

1) if a church can support their pastor in full-time ministry they should

c. sometimes they just can’t

ILLUS. My first pastorate after graduating college was a small rural church over south of Sedalia, Missouri. It was a wonderful church and Linda and I have many fond memories of our five years with that congregation. I had started supply preaching for the church during the second semester of my senior year in college. After I graduated the church asked if I would consider becoming their pastor. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with Ralph Thomas, one of the deacons of the church. He said, “Now pastor, you realize were just a part time church, and we can’t afford to pay you a full-time salary. You’ll probably need to find secular work.” I looked at Ralph and said, “Ralph, I don’t understand what you mean when you say we’re just a part time church. We have both morning and evening service on Sunday, as well as a midweek Bible study.” Ralph stood there for a moment, then he sheepishly smiled and said, “You’re right pastor. We’re a full-time church, but with part-time pay.”

1) then again sometimes they can and just won’t because they’re stingy

ILLUS. A couple of weeks ago at our last associational pastors fellowship breakfast the conversation turned to some of our smaller associational churches that are struggling. Just recently one of our churches closed and two more may not last much longer. None of these churches are able to support even a part-time pastor. One of our pastors then told the story of a church in a neighboring Association south of here that is about to close its doors because, according to the half dozen members who are left, they “can’t afford to pay a pastor.” This same church has over $250,000 in CDs in the bank that they refused to touch.

It Is Not Unreasonable to Expect a Local Church to Support its Pastoral Staff

2. Lesson #2: Pastors Have the Responsibility of Ministering to the Congregation, and Preaching the Gospel — Including the Hard Truths of the Gospel

a. in this chapter Paul provides a picture of the work of a pastor

1) he is a soldier who protects the spiritual life of the church

2) he is a farmer who tends the spiritual field and helps produce fruit

3) he is a shepherd who leads and feeds the sheep

b. though they don’t have medical degrees, ministers are in every sense of the word — professional spiritual care givers

1) a pastor’s great emphasis is the long, difficult, and crucial work of shepherding souls

2) it is principally a words-based ministry accomplished from the pulpit on Sunday mornings, but also through a much wider and more personal ministry

c. when it comes to preaching and teaching the hard truths of the Gospel Paul does not “pull his punches”

1) as we’ve already seen in the previous chapters, many of the “hot-button” issues of Paul’s day are the “hot-button” issues of our day

2) a pastor who avoids them so as not to tic off an influential church leader or a wealthy parishioner is not doing his congregation any favors

3. Lesson #3: Do We Love the Lost Enough to Modify Our Lifestyle That We Might Be a More Effective Witness?

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” (1 Corinthians 9:19, ESV)

a. what are you willing to give up for the sake of the gospel?

1) what are you willing to give up to get it?

2) what are you willing to give up to live it?

3) what are you willing to give up to tell it?

Like all people William Borden had to give up his right to himself to get it. “Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace: Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Savior, or I die.” (3rd stanza of Rock of Ages).

Like all Christians William Borden had to give up his rights to live it. “I am resolved no longer to linger, Charmed by the world’s delights; Things that are higher, things that are nobler, These have allured my sight.” (1st stanza of I Am Resolved).

Like some Christians ‘woe if William Borden could not preach the gospel. “Hark, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today? Fields are white, and harvests waiting, Who will bear the sheaves away?”“ (1st, stanza of Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling).