1 Corinthians: Church's Freedom

 The Word of the Cross is the basis for Church's Freedom

text: 1 Corinthians 8:1 – 9:27

Outline:

a. 8:1-3, what really builds up

 b. 8:4-6, rules of engagement

  c. 8:7-13, putting no stumbling block

   d. 9:1-2, “Am I not an apostle?”

    e. 9:3-7, My defense – 6 rhetorical questions

   d'. 9:8-12a, “my rights as an apostle”

  c'. 9:12b- 18, we put no obstacle

 b'. 9:19-23, rules of engagement

a'. 9:24-27, train myself

Comments: Interesting – Most often chapters 8 and 9 are treated separately – when 8 is treatment of the food concerns, while is totally something else – freedom a minister to be supported by his flock. As you can see from the outline, the apostle had a particular thought in his mind – defending his freedom to eat, to drink, and enjoy the regular benefits of life, provided by the community of the saints.

To start the conversation, St. Paul begins with the food offered to idols, and then immediately jumps into “the knowledge.” So, next two chapters will have a discussion of saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, gained through love (8:2), and the application of this knowledge in one's life.

To play the game, one needs to know the rules. Rules of the spiritual engagement begin with an understanding of who/what God is. On one hand, there many forces that can be called gods – simply because they rule the lives of the people. “According to Luther [LC, I;2-3], everyone has a god, for everyone depends ultimately on someone or something – or several persons and things – for identity, security and meaning.” (The Christian Faith: A Lutheran Exposition, Hopkins and Kolb, p. 6). On the other hand, there is only One God, only one true God – the Father, who revealed Himself in the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit (8:6).

Then the apostle continues: However, not all possess this knowledge (8:7). Knowing that there is only one true and LOVING God is a freeing thought. He guides our conscience telling us what He wants from us, as His children (Romans 7:12; 1 Timothy 1:8). And what is not forbidden is left for our freedom of enjoyment. At the same time, people have different walks of life and levels of maturity. When apostle proposes his complete restrain from meat for the sake of a brother – he exercises his freedom to care instead of proving himself right (8:13).

But when it comes to his apostolic status, he wants to exercise his freedom to teach Corinthian congregation to care for their minister. His initial statement concerns his status – he is an apostle, just like the others (9:1-2). If he is, then he proposes 6 (2*3) rhetorical questions (assuming that each of them should be answered “yes”).

He starts on a personal note:

Do we not have the right to eat and drink?

Do we have a right to be married (while the flock supports this), like other apostles, brothers, and Cephas [Peter]?

Do we (Paul and Barnabas) have a right to refrain from working (side jobs)?

Then the argument get more particular, with examples:

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?

Who plants a vineyard without eating any of the fruits?

Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

All of this is followed by Biblical command: You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain (Deuteronomy 25:4). Using the harvest terminology (sowing and reaping), he asserts the exchange that exists between a minister and a congregation.

What is really surprising is his twist of the theme of financial/material support to the topic of freedom. If money is the only thing that keeps or prevents his from preaching the Gospel – he is free to preach without congregational provision (9:12b, 15).

The reasoning behind it is his serving heart – I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them (9:19). Here we can obviously see the example of Jesus, even thou St. Paul doesn't mention it (cp. Mark 10:45).

Then Paul concludes with the analogy of racing, athlete exercises, and boxing. Back in the days, the performers would not receive participation awards. They would tirelessly train and exercise fighting for one prize or a wreath. The apostle uses these analogies, talking about his own constant training and exercising (wrestling with the Word, if you will, cp. Genesis 32:22-32). All of it is aimed to receive imperishable wreath of glory, presenting himself as a worthy fighter – not the one who can be disqualified (9:25-27).

Following his example, it is always worth asking a self assessing question: how is my walk with God? What Bible study group I'm engaged in? Who am I praying for? Who do I let pray for me? Simple questions, all based on Acts 2:42!