In Chapter 9, Paul addresses the limits of Christian liberty and how increasing service to the Lord means decreasing self-rights ("He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30), though the Mosaic Law gives Christians every right to gain from his own labor. I believe his discourse can be divided into two main points: the first, an affirmation of the existence of Christian liberty and its limits, and the second, a demonstration of this "limited liberty" through his own life.
Affirmation of Christian Liberty & its Limits
Paul begins this passage by asking, "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?" (v.1) He is basically affirming his own identity as an apostle and minister, employed by God in His service. He affirms that even he and Barnabas, who sacrifice so much in service to the Lord, have rights, "to eat and drink... to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and brothers of the Lord and Cephas" (v.4-5). Perhaps with a touch of sarcasm, Paul asks whether a soldier not be paid by the government he serves, a gardener not take fruit from the vineyard he cultivates, a shepherd get milk from his flock... of course they would! It is even confirmed in Mosaic Law that "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain" (Deut. 25:4). JMac notes there that "a worker MUST be allowed to enjoy the fruit of his own labor." This is done so that we may do our work in hope; God gave us this right to safeguard against our human nature to rebel and be bitter towards the denial of reward. Even Paul has a right to receive financial support from the Corinthians, as other ministers have done.
Paul Surrenders His Rights
However, Paul makes it very clear to the reader that he does not make use of his rights, though even the Old Testament priests were supported by the tithes and gifts of the Israelites. He does this because he does not want to be lumped in with the false teachers who demand money. Paul is overjoyed at the privilege of serving God (his true reward) and does not want the material support to rob him of his boasting and glorying in God. For he had no self-centered motives in serving God; indeed, God called HIM to serve. Because of his purely devoted service, much like Joseph of Egypt, he was given greater responsibilities, which was the only reward he needed and wanted.
Paul's choice to be free from relying on everyone for financial or physical support in turn enslaved him to them ("I have made myself a servant to all" v.19a). He does this so that he might possibly win over more people to Christ. By removing any possibility of his ministering for financial motives, he prevents himself from offending many of the Jews and Gentiles that he ministers to. Paul became like those whom he served, condescending to them only in ways that would make salvation convicting (ie. simplifying things for those who are weak in understanding), while maintaining the integrity of the gospel.
To illustrate the reasons for his denial of Christian liberty, he compares himself to athletes participating in the Olympic games. If these athletes do not exercise perfect self-control and end up failing to meet the basic qualifications for competition, they are immediately disqualified; not only do they not have a chance to win, they don't have a chance to participate. So like these Olympian athletes, Paul exercises self-control in denying not only sin, but certain liberties that might offend others, so that he is not disqualified from being able to minister and preach to others (which would be utterly devastating to him).
Verses to Remember
"For it is written in the Law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.' Is it for the oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop." 1 Cor. 9:9-10
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 Cor. 9:27
Closing Remarks
I thought it was interesting how Paul, despite having these liberties to eat, drink, and have his ow wife, decided to deny them for the cross; and perhaps that is exactly what we must do when we serve God. Though He gives us these rights, we will find as we rely more and more on Him that we rely less and less on material fulfillment, because we are spiritually fulfilled. "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deut. 8:3). I've heard John 3:30 brought up a lot at Evangel Bible Church (EBCB), but I never really stopped to think about what it really means. When we are new believers, we are fresh from the world of man, the material world, and might still rely heavily on material things to satisfy us. But as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him, we no longer need material satisfaction; instead, we trust in God, and in turn he fills us with spiritual food that is eternally satisfying.
God bless,
Joe Mak
Colossians 3:23-24
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