I Corinthians 8 Serving all Men.

 

I Corinthians 8 – Serving all Men.

 

Paul establishes himself as a qualified apostle by asking a few questions.

He had an up close and personal confrontation with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Christ has commissioned the one-time persecutor as an apostle to the Gentiles. The Corinthians were the proof of Paul’s ministry. He has brought many of them to Christ. He did all this without payment. He and Barnabas worked for their upkeep. They did this by choice to be worthy. He explained that a soldier, a farmer, a shepherd all lives off their work. He proclaimed that the gospel should be spread and those who do so should live off the gospel. This is what the apostles did.

Paul has every right to accept support from the church and could have done so but he chose to pay his own way. He did not want anyone to say that he was in it for the money. He was encouraging the Corinthians to spread the gospel in the same manner. Not for money but for the Love of God. Paul pointed out that he was free, not only a free Roman citizen but a free member of the kingdom of Christ. Although he was free he had in a sense made himself a slave to all that he might win them to Christ. He became a Jew to win the Jews. Keeping his Christian convictions intact he became all things to all people to win more to Christ. Paul said he ran the race of life with a definite goal in mind. He knew where he was headed, “toward the mark for the prize of the High calling of God in Jesus Christ.” His mission was what Christ called him to do. When Paul stated that he became the weak, he meant that he became as they were to strengthen them. For example, some believers may not feel comfortable with a certain activity because of past associations. Paul says that when we are with such people, we don’t try to convince them to change, nor do we flaunt our freedom. Instead, we avoid that activity and enjoy time with them in other ways. In this we show the Love of Christ.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.