In what ways can we prioritize the gospel over personal rights, like Paul? Setting the Scene • “But I have not used any of these rights…” (1 Corinthians 9:15). • Paul willingly surrendered legitimate apostolic privileges—financial support, a traveling spouse, recognition—to remove every obstacle to the gospel. • His heartbeat: nothing must eclipse the good news of Jesus Christ. Rights Paul Could Have Claimed • Material support (1 Corinthians 9:4–7). • A believing wife’s companionship (1 Corinthians 9:5). • Esteem as a full-time minister (1 Corinthians 9:12). • The legal protections of Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37–40; 22:25–29). Why Paul Laid Them Down 1. Gospel clarity: “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:23). 2. Christ’s pattern: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). 3. Eternal reward: looking to “an imperishable crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Ways We Can Prioritize the Gospel Over Personal Rights • Financial rights – Choose bivocational service if it removes suspicion of greed. – Refuse a benefit that might confuse unbelievers about our motives. • Social rights – Forego retaliation when slandered, mirroring Jesus: “He did not retaliate…” (1 Peter 2:23). – Yield seat, parking spot, or credit to another to display Christlike humility. • Cultural preferences – Adapt language, music style, attire to reach diverse people (1 Corinthians 9:19–22). – Eat or abstain in gray areas so none “for whom Christ died” stumbles (Romans 14:15). • Time and convenience – Open home for hospitality even when tired (Hebrews 13:2). – Disciple someone at awkward hours, valuing their soul above schedule. • Legal rights – Absorb minor injustices rather than take believers to court (1 Corinthians 6:7). – Accept workplace disadvantage if fighting it would hinder witness. Motivated by Christ’s Love • “For Christ’s love compels us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14). • The cross proves that surrender is not loss but kingdom gain (Philippians 2:5–8). Living with an Eternal Lens • Today’s rights are temporary; people’s souls are eternal. • “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • One day the surrendered rights will pale next to hearing, “Well done” (Matthew 25:21). Keeping the Gospel Central • Regularly rehearse the gospel—creation, fall, redemption, restoration. • Ask: Will exercising this right help or hinder someone’s next step toward Jesus? • Delight in the privilege of losing lesser things so others may gain Christ. |
    |