"I have used none of these things..."
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:15
SUPPORT FOR THE SERVANTS OF GOD
This doctrine needed to be taught. The work of God may be significantly hindered if the ministry of the Lord is poorly supported!
A STIRRING TESTIMONY
The Corinthian Church had grown hostile to the Apostle Paul, though he had played such a significant role in establishing the church!
“But I have used none of these things, nor have
I written these things that it should be done so to me;
for it would be better for me to die
than that anyone should make my boasting void.”
1 Corinthians 9:15
1. “But I have used none of these things”
a) The right of being provided for.
b) The right of being supported for all ministry needs.
c) Paul did not want to be misread or misunderstood.
d) Voluntarily he gave up his “rights”.
e) He used none of the rights that were his as a servant of God.
2. “Nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me”
a) Paul needed to make this important statement.
b) He did not write all these for personal benefit.
c) He wrote because:
i) It was the Lord’s word.
ii) Wrong teachings had to be addressed.
iii) Truth must be stated and defended.
iv) Correct practices must be established.
v) The work of God must not be hindered unnecessarily.
3. An emotional “outburst”
a) Paul was very human and hence this “outburst”.
b) It seemed as if Paul was “boasting”.
c) But the fact was that he was merely stating the facts.
d) He would rather die than to be proven that he had not practised what he had preached.
e) Paul’s integrity was at stake.
f) He sought to keep his integrity intact even if he had to give up his “rights”.