1 Corinthians 9

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I Corinthians 9:1-6, Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

In this chapter, Paul continues his discussion on freedom in Christ.  There were obviously those in the Corinthian church who were challenging Paul.  We've talked about this in previous chapters - their view of Christian leadership was skewed.  The Corinthians viewed strong church leaders as those who made known their authority by lording it over others.  It was about power, reputation, and popularity.  Paul is the exact opposite.  He is saying that yes, he has freedoms and rights, but he doesn't abuse or misuse them. 

In these focus verses, Paul lists three rights/freedoms he clearly had but decided not to claim.  The first was the right to food and drink, the second was the right to be accompanied by a wife, and the third was to be paid for his work as an apostle.  He was a totally free man with rights but he intentionally chose not to use those rights.  Paul did not want to be swayed by personal whims or desires.  Rather, he wanted to be fully and totally focused on the Gospel.  Indulgencing in these freedoms, while they were not bad things, might divert him from the purpose.  Everything is about the mission for Paul and he didn't want to risk doing anything that could challenge his integrity and compromise the mission.  An important point that Paul makes is that by making these sacrifices, he is actually a stronger leader, not a lesser one. 

What is your view of Christian leadership?  Are sacrifices essential to achieving the mission?  What sacrifices have you made to share the Gospel of Jesus with others?

Let's pray...Lord Jesus, you are our ultimate model of Christian leadership, one that demonstrates love, generosity, and extreme sacrifice.  We pray for our leaders, Lord.  Help them stay focused on the mission and make the choices and sacrifices necessary to do what you are calling them to do.  Help us all make the choices and sacrifices necessary to do what you call each of us to do.  In Your Name, Amen.