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Paul’s defense (3 things)
God had already paid the price for salvation – there was no cost – the Gospel is free!
1st – Paul’s Authority… vs. 1-2
There were those in the church in Corinth who questioned Paul’s authority…
After all – Paul was writing to correct numerous problems in the church…
They did not like the things Paul was saying – so they tried to discredit him…
If Paul was not an Apostle – representative of Jesus – they did not have to listen to him…
People’s tactics have not changed much – if someone does not like what a pastor says…
If they are convicted by God’s Word – and do not want to change/repent…
They do not attack the words – they try to discredit the one who gave them…
Paul was an Apostle of Jesus Christ…
The word ‘apostle’ simply means someone who is ‘sent out’ to preach the Gospel…
The picture is that of an ambassador – a representative of God to the world…
Sent out to share the Good News – the hope of salvation through Jesus!
We call them missionaries – those who are ‘sent out’ to tell others about Jesus!
Not just to other countries (the Apostles went to their own people)…
Certainly Paul was ‘sent out’ from the church in Antioch – Acts 13:1-5
The calling of an Apostle is still alive in the church today – Ephesians 4:11…
God ‘sends us out’ to tell others – our family – friends at work/school about Jesus!
Paul was the 12th Apostle…
Paul was not just ‘an apostle’ – he was the one of the 12 apostles chosen by Jesus!
Judas – one of the 12 – had betrayed Jesus – afterward killed himself…
The 11 remaining apostles understood his ‘position’ needed to be filled – Acts 1:25
They offered up two men for God to choose between – Justas & Mathias…
But God choose neither of these men – His choice was Paul…
A man who at that point did not even believe in Jesus – hated those who did!
Too often we limit God with our options – assuming God has to use our choices…
But God has plans we would never have imagined – His ways are not our ways…
Chosen by Jesus – Acts 9:3…
Galatians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus)”
Jesus came to Paul on the road – as he was going to imprison and kill believers!
Chosen by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentiles – I Timothy 1:11
Chosen to be an example of the power of the Grace of God!
* I Timothy 1:16 – “But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”
If God can choose to save a sinner as bad as Paul – murdered Christians…
Then no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace – God can save/use anyone!
The church of Corinth was proof of His Apostleship…
Even if other churches – other people – questioned Paul Apostleship…
The church in Corinth certainly should have know – they were his proof!
Paul did not need a diploma on the wall ‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’…
He did not need a letter of recommendation from the ‘other Apostles’…
* II Corinthians 3:2 – “The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves! Your lives are a letter written in our hearts, and everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you.”
The church was Paul’s ‘diploma’ – the believers were his letters of recommendation!
Known by the fruit…
Men tend to look for the diploma on the wall – the letter from ‘important’ people…
But the proof of the calling of God is not in the commendation of men…
I know a lot of men who have the ‘pastoral degree’ – who are not pastors…
And I know a lot of men who have no degree – no diplomas – who are pastors!
The calling of God – is shown through the work of God through someone’s life!
2nd – Paul’s rights… vs. 3-5
Paul offered this defense (apologia) – to those who sought to criticize him… (3 things)
1st – I have the right to eat and drink… vs. 4
Paul was free in Christ just like any other believer – he was not bound to the Law…
He could eat anything he wanted – pork / food offered to idols – I Corinthians 8:8
Yet he choose not to eat – he instead chose to consider others before himself…
I Corinthians 8:13 – “If what I eat is going to make another Christian sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to make another Christian stumble.”
2nd – I have the right to be married… vs. 5
Paul – had the right to be married and bring his wife along with him in ministry…
Citing the example the other Apostles – Jesus’ brothers – and even Peter…
We do know Peter was married from Matthew 8:14 (Jesus healed his mother-in-law)…
Yet Paul chose not to be married – he committed himself wholly to serving the Lord…
I Corinthians 7:32 – “He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord – how he may please the Lord.”
3rd – I have the right to be supported… vs. 6-14
Paul and Barnabas – talking about Paul’s 1st missionary journey – Acts 13-14…
Had the right to be supported in their work by the ministry…
Yet Paul received no financial support from the church in Antioch…
Instead they worked to provide for all their personal needs – food/clothing/ect…
Practical examples of being supported… vs. 7
1st – What soldier goes to war – but has to pay for his own food/clothing…
2nd – What farmer plants a crop – but then does not eat the fruit…
3rd – What man has cows/goats – and does not drink the milk/eat the meat…
The point Paul is making is simple – we are provided for by our work…
None of us would go to work if we were not paid for our efforts…
Biblical example of being supported… vs. 8-11
It is not just practical examples – the Bible support this same idea…
1st – Do not muzzle the ox – Deuteronomy 25:4…
When you are plowing a field – the Law forbade you from muzzling your animal…
The ‘Ox’ was working hard in the field – and therefore had a right to eat from it…
God did not write this for the Ox’s benefit – it is written for ours…
You work hard plowing a field – in the hopes of reaping a crop as a reward…
In the same way – ‘Spiritual sowing’… vs. 11-12
Pastors sow spiritual seed (the Word of God) laboring in their field (the church)…
It is not a big thing that as they work – laboring by teaching God’s people…
They then reap the reward – being taken care of practically by God’s people…
Other pastors/teachers in Corinth had used this right – how much more Paul!
2nd – God provides for the ‘priests’ – Leviticus 7:36-38
With all of the offerings – the priest were to take a portion for themselves…
As they ministered to the spiritual needs of the people of God…
The priests of God – were to be provided for practically – by the sacrifices to God…
Those who minister to the spiritual needs of the church – pastoral ministry…
As much as possible – be provided for practically by those within the church…
I Timothy 5:18 / Matthew 10:10 – “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
If a pastor has to work to support himself practically – little time for the church…
It is a blessing to the people to provide for the pastor to free him up to minister
Yet Paul had not taken any money – so as not to hinder the Gospel message…
He did not want anyone to be able to claim he was preaching for personal gain…
3rd – Paul’s example… vs. 15-18
Paul had done none of these things – neither did he want them now…
In fact he states he would rather die – then take away from what God had done…
A pastor should NEVER demand – or even ask – to be provided for…
When a pastor who always is after something – comes to your door…
You pretend you are not home – you are embarrassed to let him in…
Those pastors who demand from the people – fall under the judgment of God…
* Ezekiel 34:2 – “Destruction is certain for you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn’t shepherds feed their sheep?”
Men who become ‘pastors’ because they think of it as a job – a way to make money…
They are not there to love and provide from the people – give their lives…
When problems come up – they run away – because they only care about themselves
* John 10:13 – “The hired hand runs away because he is merely hired and has no real concern for the sheep.”
The pastor should set the example of trusting in the Lord…
Paul writing to the church in Philippi about a ‘gift’ they has sent to him…
* Philippians 4:11-17 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress… Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”
1st – Not that I speak in regards to need – the need was not the issue!
Paul understood that God is the one who provided for our needs – not men…
So often we think that we have to let God (and others) know about the need…
The need is not the point – God already knows the need…
God is the creator of everything – He lack for nothing – including money…
2nd – I have learned I can do all things through Jesus…
Paul understood if he didn’t trust in Jesus to provide – how could he ask others to
If God is providing for a pastor – not only do the people have a good example…
They also have the confidence the pastor is called by God…
Because God is going to take care of the needs of a pastor He has called…
A pastor can continually preach on tithing – and perhaps make money…
But you are left to ask – is he really a pastor – or just someone who wants money!
3rd – Not seeking the support – but the fruit!
Paul was not interested in what he could get from the church…
He was focused on what he could give to the church – God Word / fruit!
The true heart of a Godly pastor is to seek to give to God’s people…
If there is a pastor who always seeks to bless you in any way he can…
If he week in and week out gives you the solid teaching of God’s Word…
And find out he has a need – not because he asks – you want to help…
It is part of the fruit – you following his example of helping others!
Paul’s reward/paycheck…
It was not to Paul credit that he preached the Gospel – he HAD to peach!
Paul did not choose to preach the Gospel – he was called by God to preach…
If he had chosen it as his own profession – then he would have expected payment…
But since it was God who chose Him – it was God who would pay his way…
If you asked me to build you a bench – I would expect you pay me for the work…
But if someone else asked me to build it for you – they would be the one to pay!
If a pastor is truly called by God – then God will provide for all his needs!
Preaching the Gospel without charge…
Paul’s reward was to present the hope of Jesus – without being paid for it…
So that he did not abuse the authority he had in the Gospel…
Too many pastors today abuse they authority they are given in the church…
They use the pulpit as a means for personal gain – taking advantage of God’s people…
The result is people are wary of the church – the Gospel message become tainted…
Paul was an Apostle – and he wanted everyone to hear about Jesus…
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