Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Ministry
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the theme of "Payday Someday," inspired by Dr. R.G. Lee's famous sermon, though we ventured into a different direction. We delved into 1 Corinthians 9, a chapter I have rarely preached on, which addresses the rights and responsibilities of those in ministry, particularly concerning financial support. The Apostle Paul, despite having the authority as an apostle to demand support, chose not to exercise this right with the church in Corinth. He emphasized that while he had the right to receive support, he also had the right to refuse it, choosing instead to boast in his ability to preach the gospel without charge.
Paul's approach serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between the rights of those in ministry and the responsibilities of the church. He used illustrations of soldiers, farmers, and shepherds to highlight the principle that those who labor in spiritual fields should be supported materially. However, he also demonstrated humility and a commitment to not misuse his authority, emphasizing that his service was a sacred privilege.
We also discussed the importance of relationships in evangelism, as Paul became "all things to all men" to win some to Christ. This principle of building relationships is crucial in our efforts to share the gospel effectively. We are called to be flexible and understanding, recognizing that people are at different stages in their spiritual journeys.
Finally, we were reminded that we are all in a race, not for a perishable crown, but for an imperishable one. This race requires discipline, training, and a focus on the ultimate prize—eternal life with Christ. As we run this race, we are encouraged to press toward the mark, striving for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Balancing Rights and Responsibilities: Paul had the right to receive financial support as an apostle, but he chose to refuse it to avoid hindering the gospel. This teaches us the importance of balancing our rights with our responsibilities, ensuring that our actions always glorify God and advance His kingdom. [39:12]
- The Principle of Relationship in Evangelism: Building relationships is key to effective evangelism. Paul became "all things to all men" to win some to Christ, highlighting the need for flexibility and understanding in our interactions with others. [57:31]
- Running the Race with Discipline: We are all in a spiritual race, striving for an imperishable crown. This requires strict training, discipline, and a focus on the ultimate prize—eternal life with Christ. [01:01:32]
- The Sacred Privilege of Service: Serving in ministry is a sacred privilege, not a right to be exploited. Paul demonstrated humility and a commitment to not misuse his authority, reminding us to serve faithfully and humbly. [55:06]
- Supporting God's Work: Supporting ministry through giving, prayer, and service is crucial. We are called to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, ensuring that His work continues to flourish. [47:21]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:10] - Announcements and Meetings
[06:12] - Gathering 25: Prayer for the Lost
[08:18] - Barbecue Fundraiser for Missions
[09:21] - Declaration of Faith
[10:54] - Opening Prayer
[25:13] - Introduction to "Payday Someday"
[27:18] - Context of 1 Corinthians 9
[29:43] - Questions of Liberty
[32:34] - Paul's Rights as an Apostle
[39:12] - Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
[47:21] - Supporting God's Work
[55:06] - The Sacred Privilege of Service
[57:31] - The Principle of Relationship in Evangelism
[01:01:32] - Running the Race with Discipline
[01:06:03] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
2. Philippians 3:13-14
3. Deuteronomy 25:4
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Observation Questions:
1. What rights does Paul mention he has as an apostle, and why does he choose not to exercise them with the church in Corinth? ([39:12])
2. How does Paul illustrate the principle that those who labor in spiritual fields should be supported materially? ([40:01])
3. What does Paul mean when he says he became "all things to all men"? How does this relate to his approach to evangelism? ([57:31])
4. What is the "race" Paul refers to, and what is the ultimate prize he is striving for? ([01:01:32])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Paul have chosen to refuse financial support from the Corinthians, and how does this decision reflect his priorities in ministry? ([43:23])
2. How does Paul's approach to becoming "all things to all men" challenge our current methods of evangelism? What might this look like in today's context? ([57:31])
3. In what ways does the metaphor of running a race help us understand the Christian life and the discipline it requires? ([01:01:32])
4. How does the principle of not muzzling the ox relate to supporting those in ministry today? What are the implications for both the church and its leaders? ([40:21])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had the right to do something but chose not to for the sake of others. How did that decision impact your relationships or witness? ([39:12])
2. Consider your current approach to evangelism. How can you become "all things to all men" in your interactions with those who are not yet believers? ([57:31])
3. What specific disciplines or training can you incorporate into your spiritual life to help you run the race for the imperishable crown? ([01:01:32])
4. How can you support your church's ministry through giving, prayer, and service? Identify one specific action you can take this week. ([47:21])
5. Think about a relationship where you need to be more flexible and understanding. What steps can you take to build a stronger connection with that person? ([57:31])
6. Reflect on the concept of serving in ministry as a sacred privilege. How can you demonstrate humility and faithfulness in your current roles or responsibilities? ([55:06])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to balance your rights with your responsibilities. What changes can you make to ensure your actions glorify God and advance His kingdom? ([39:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Balancing Rights with Responsibilities
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses his rights as an apostle, particularly his right to receive financial support from the church. However, he chooses not to exercise this right to avoid any hindrance to the gospel. This decision highlights the importance of balancing personal rights with responsibilities to others and to God. Paul’s example teaches us that sometimes, foregoing our rights can serve a greater purpose in advancing God's kingdom. It is a call to evaluate our actions and ensure they glorify God and do not become a stumbling block to others. [39:12]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a right or privilege you hold that might be hindering your witness for Christ? How can you choose to prioritize your responsibilities to God and others today?
Day 2: Building Relationships for Evangelism
Paul’s approach to evangelism was rooted in building relationships. He became "all things to all men" to win some to Christ, demonstrating the importance of flexibility and understanding in our interactions. This principle encourages us to meet people where they are, recognizing their unique journeys and adapting our approach to effectively share the gospel. Building genuine relationships can open doors for meaningful conversations about faith and lead others to Christ. [57:31]
"To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you build a deeper relationship with to share the love of Christ? What steps can you take today to connect with them on a personal level?
Day 3: Running the Race with Discipline
The Christian life is likened to a race, one that requires discipline, training, and focus on the ultimate prize—eternal life with Christ. Paul reminds us that this race is not for a perishable crown but an imperishable one. As believers, we are called to live with intentionality, setting aside distractions and committing to spiritual growth. This involves regular prayer, studying the Word, and living out our faith in daily actions. [01:01:32]
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life that needs more discipline? How can you commit to strengthening this area starting today?
Day 4: The Sacred Privilege of Service
Serving in ministry is a sacred privilege, not a right to be exploited. Paul exemplified humility and a commitment to not misuse his authority, reminding us to serve faithfully and humbly. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking recognition to serving God and others with a pure heart. It is a call to examine our motives and ensure that our service is aligned with God’s purposes, bringing glory to Him. [55:06]
"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." (Mark 10:43-44, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you serve others with humility and a pure heart this week? How can you ensure your motives align with God’s purposes?
Day 5: Supporting God's Work
Supporting ministry through giving, prayer, and service is crucial for the flourishing of God’s work. We are called to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, ensuring that His work continues to thrive. This involves a commitment to generosity, recognizing that our contributions, whether financial or otherwise, play a vital role in advancing the gospel and supporting those in ministry. [47:21]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be a more faithful steward of the resources God has given you? What specific steps can you take to support God’s work in your community today?
Quotes
Paul begins to the first six chapters Paul talks about the report that came to him from the house of Khloe and he began he just talked about how he had heard there were divisions and so forth and and that they were just split over leadership and and feast and all those kinds of things. [00:28:05]
The Apostle Paul said all things are legal or all things are lawful but not all things are expedient and we'll talk about that maybe in a minute and so the rest of the chapter the rest of the the book in chapter 12 he talks about the misuse of spiritual gifts and then he talks about money and giving in the last chap last couple of chapters. [00:29:35]
Will it lead me to Freedom or to slavery will this new habit that I or this new thing will it bring me to Freedom or will it put me in bondage will I be in bondage to it uh let me just give you illustration and I'm not I'm not picking on anybody okay I don't know who does what. [00:29:54]
He said I have the right to receive some support I have that right he said I'm an apostle and I'm I've labored among you I have I have been I have been the one here who came to Corinth and started the church I'm the father of the church is what the Apostle would say I'm the founder. [00:43:01]
I also have the right to refuse it and you're going to see he's refusing support from this church in Corinth because he's he's literally says that's my boast I'm boasting about the fact that I don't take any of your money now you'll remember probably some of you'll remember if I say the name Rick Warren. [00:43:48]
In the same way the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should receive their living of the Gospel I think brother Rodney back there in the back I think he would bear this out I think brother when I make this statement I think we have probably four churches in our association that we could consider fulltime. [00:44:49]
As you build that Ministry the church needs to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of a pastor let me just go time out right here yeah I can do it got time you're sitting in a church that has benefited from the faithfulness of their giving from the past generation we're enjoying the blessings. [00:45:21]
I give them five things be faithful to the services be faithful uh to to spend some time in prayer and then three areas of real faithfulness number one be be faithful to to to give be faithful to read your Bible and be be faithful to share the gospel with others those are five things. [00:47:19]
I have become all things to all men that by all means I might win some I didn't click my C I'm sorry but you you can read it and then the next verse says now this I do for the gospel's sake he said I become for to the Jew I I I'm like a Jew to those that are under the law. [00:57:13]
The principle of relationship ship in your life and in my life there are people that you're going to come in contact with that you have to have a that you can't always witness to somebody the first time you see them yeah I I like to do that I like to just get it done and get out of the way. [00:57:31]
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run but one receives a prize run in such a way that you obtain it and everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things now they do it to obtain a perishable Crown but we an imperishable are Incorruptible Crown. [01:01:32]
In running the race you compete like an athlete and you compete to win you compete to win a race you don't compete to participate I don't want a participation trophy I want a Winner's crown and the Bible says that everybody that runs can have a crown go for it amen now how do you do that. [01:01:49]
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