How can we avoid "abusing my rights" in our Christian service today? Setting the Stage: Paul’s Claim—and Surrender—of Rights 1 Corinthians 9:18: “What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.” Paul knew he had a legitimate right to material support (vv. 3-14), yet he gladly laid it down. The issue is not the existence of rights but the temptation to press them in a way that hinders the gospel. What “Abusing My Rights” Looked Like for Paul • Demanding payment that could muzzle the message (v. 12). • Letting personal freedom overshadow love for weaker believers (8:9-13). • Placing self-interest above gospel advance (9:19-23). Principles We Can Carry into Today • The gospel is a free gift, so our service must never feel like a transaction (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17). • Freedom is for serving, not self-indulgence: “You, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). • Everything lawful is not necessarily loving: “’All things are lawful,’ but not all things are beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). • Christ Himself is the pattern: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Practical Steps to Guard Our Hearts Lay down the right to … • Material gain—choose simplicity; give first, live second (Acts 20:33-35). • Personal recognition—serve quietly, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). • Control of schedule—be interruptible for people (Mark 6:34). • Preference—adapt style, language, or setting so others can hear (1 Corinthians 9:22). • Vindication—absorb wrongs without retaliation (1 Peter 2:21-23). Build protective habits: • Regular heart-check with Psalm 139:23-24. • Accountability with mature believers (Proverbs 27:17). • Frequent meditation on Philippians 2:5-8—Jesus “emptied Himself.” • Generous, anonymous giving to keep motives pure (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Intentional fellowship with believers of different backgrounds; it stretches our preferences and deepens love (Romans 12:10, 16). A Portrait in the Life of Christ Philippians 2:6-7: “Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself…” If the Lord of glory released His rights for our salvation, we can release lesser rights for others’ blessing. Living the Lesson This Week • Identify one “right” you normally insist on—schedule, seat, style, recognition. • Choose to waive it for someone’s spiritual good. • Watch how God multiplies that small sacrifice into gospel impact. |
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