1 Corinthians 9 Commentary
Paul, the attention seeker. It wouldn’t be a bad title for this “out-of-shape” chapter. What is there for today’s saint? It would appear the holy script has wasted this space! But wait a minute. We probably know what is going on.
We know Paul as a deeply emotional man from the Book of Acts. His love for the followers of Jesus is immense. Chapter 9 looks like a man’s unedited response to his wife’s loveless attitude. The listener would trivialize a man’s complaint about a ‘hug’ and a cup of coffee that never was. But these would be hugely important matters in a love relationship.
A love that won’t love back isn’t exactly great; a love that won’t be loved back experience pain. We can tell this is Paul’s position. It becomes a case study of the saint’s response to the love of Jesus and the love that should exist among believers.
What hasn’t Paul deserved from his students? What hasn’t Paul been to the Corinthians? This chapter exposes the saint’s diminished view of each other. The calling of a brother isn’t exactly great. My pastor’s gift is nothing to write home about. Yes, there are anointed men and women of God; my leader isn’t one of them!
This chapter exposes the fallacy of humanity: everything else is good apart from my own space. A visitor’s one dollar is infinitely greater than your teacher’s thousands! Very strange!
I’m also an apostle. Reread it. Paul wants his students to underline it. Yes, the LORD has used many in building the church at Corinth, but there is infinitely more between the church and Paul. Won’t they see it? For one year and a half, the apostle went in and out among them. Acts 18. Won’t they remember?
This chapter exposes humanity’s tendency to reward a passerby doctor more than the resident doctor. Don’t ignore a brother who knows your mother’s name and remembers her in prayer. Don’t put this brother in the backseat as you enjoy a new ride with the passerby celebrity who won’t know your name. This brother or sister may be poor but they are your hero! “I may not be an apostle to others, but surely I’m to you?”
Woe to Paul! He still has to love them! That’s what he signed up for! A slave to everyone!
Won’t the saint be ambitious? There are rewards at the end of the race! Be intentional about everything. Plan your expenditure in a way that honors the LORD. Money, energy, time, meditation, words…
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