1 Corinthians: Not in VainSýnishorn

In the previous passage we saw that Christians may curtail their freedom out of love for another. Love will mean we’re willing to forgo a right, if it serves another Christian.

Today the apostle Paul shows us that this is exactly the same principle he lives his own life by. The logic is that if this is what the great apostle was willing to do for the sake of others, then surely we can put it into practice too. 

It’s worth first considering who Paul was: he was commissioned by Jesus Christ in person (Acts 9:1–19, 26–31), and as such was a legitimate apostle to the non-Jewish world. He proclaimed the gospel to people who’d never heard it before, and planted countless churches. From a human perspective, his labours led to gospel fruit in many, many lives, including the Corinthians (vv. 1–2). 

So whilst some Jewish Christians questioned his apostleship (vv. 2–3; read Galatians 1 – 2 for more on this), there was a real sense in which Paul could expect to be treated with respect and honour. He had a right to expect to be fed and watered by those he ministered to; he was also free to marry. Ultimately, he had the right to expect some financial support for his labours (vv. 3–6), as was normal in society and in Old Testament law (v. 7). 

But here’s the shock: Paul isn’t laying all this down in order to get an annual rise or a juicier Christmas bonus. He’s saying it because he wants us to see that even he is willing to forgo these rights, in order to serve the work of the gospel. As he says, ‘we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ’ (v. 12). 

One of the marks of God’s work in our lives is being transformed from individuals who are quick to assert our own rights and privileges, to people who are deeply concerned for others – and especially for their salvation. There will be a willingness to sacrifice our own comfort for that end. Where is God growing and challenging you in this area?

Pray

‘Lord Jesus, change my heart, that I would be willing to lay down my rights and privileges for the sake of others. Help me to see where I am holding on to things too preciously and teach me to deny myself, pick up my cross and follow you.'