Sermon February 8th
“This week our Sermon was from 1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Do you know your rights? The Dutch people have a very long list of rights and these are quite sacred to them. There’s a reason why the Netherlands is a sanctuary of hope that attracts the Nations. We love our entitlements. The Corinthian Church was established by Paul but in the years since it had found new leaders who accused Paul of selfishness to the extent he felt the need to defend himself and assert his rights. Paul starts his defense by showing that everything he is doing is in keeping with what the other apostles are doing: Eating… Having a Family… Earning a Living… SHOULD A PASTOR BE PAID FOR THE WORK HE DOES? If the teacher who enriches your brain, the doctor who heals your body or the policeman who protects your home is paid, why not the pastor who watches over your soul? Verse14 says, “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” Paul establishes clearly that he has the right to earn a living from his pastoral work. BUT… after establishing his rights Paul does the unexpected. He expresses his strong desire to forfeit these rights for the sake of the gospel. JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A RIGHT DOESN’T MEAN YOU NEED TO USE IT. Paul chooses to lose so that the Corinthians can win. This is the way of Jesus. This is the way of love.
Discussion Questions
1. What are some of the rights and entitlements that you hold most dear?
2. What rights did Jesus give up when He came to earth as a human and died on a cross? How have you seen people voluntarily give up their rights for the sake of the Gospel?
