1 Corinthians 9:1-2
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
Paul begins a unique chapter where he gives himself as an example. The first verses here are full of sarcasm stated in rhetorical questions. He is establishing his position of power and authority in these verses only to show how he is willing to give this up in order that he might preach the gospel and people be saved.
How important is it to us that we share the good news of Jesus? Is this a burden or an embarrassment. Is there proof of our effectiveness in following God’s call on our lives? The Corinthians were proof of Paul’s effectiveness in following God’s call. They knew first-hand what he preached and how he lived. Paul appeals to this deep relationship in order to call the Corinthians to follow him in giving up his rights in order to save other people. This is a difficult thing to do because we are usually preserving our rights and trying to get ahead in this life. Paul would rather take a back seat in order that no one would be hindered from accepting Jesus. How deep is our love for others? Is it so deep that we would rather suffer than be a hindrance to people believing the gospel?
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