Christian Love and Personal Rights

Introduction

Rights are the big issue today. Everybody talks of their rights. There was an article in the paper of a man charged with first-degree murder for stabbing a tavern worker to death with two screwdrivers. He wanted a judge to declare the death penalty unconstitutional because it violates his freedom of speech. His lawyer said that seeking the death penalty against his client violates the man's rights because "If someone died, it would restrict his right to freedom of speech."

Paul deals with his personal rights. In chapter 9, he illustrates what he had been teaching in chapter 8. Although we may have certain rights we must be willing to put those rights aside for the sake of others if need be.

I. CRITICISM OF PAUL

A. HIS APOSTLESHIP WAS DISPUTED. (v.1)

B. HIS AUTHORITY WAS DOUBTED. (4:18-21)

C. HIS ACTIONS WERE DISTRUSTED. (2 Cor. 11:7-9)

II. CREDENTIALS OF PAUL

A. PAUL'S CONVERSION.(Acts 9:1-9; 22:14; 1 Cor. 15:8)

B. PAUL'S CONFIRMATION. (Apostleship)

1. Salvation of the Corinthians. (v.1-2)

2. Signs of an apostle. (2 Corinthians 12:12)

III. CLAIMS OF PAUL

A. RIGHT TO PRIVILEGES AS OTHER WORKERS.

1. Right to food and other needs supplied by church. (v. 4)

2. Right to have a believing wife to travel with him like Peter. (v.5)

3. Right of Paul and Barnabas not to support their own ministry by working. (v. 6)

4. Others who had ministered to the Corinthians had been supported by the church. They had the same rights as others. (v. 12)

B. RATIONAL FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

1. Soldier in the army. (v.7)

2. Owner of vineyard. (v.7)

3. Shepherd of sheep. (v.7)

4. Law of Moses. (v.8,9)

5. Farmer who plants. (v.10)

6. Priest who ministers at the altar. (v.13)

7. Ordained by God. (v.14) "Lord's command" Luke 10:7

C. REFUSAL TO USE HIS RIGHTS. (v.15)

1. He didn't want to hinder the gospel of Christ. (v.12)

2. He didn't want to be a burden on the Corinthian church. (2 Cor. 11:9)

LIFE LESSONS:

1. Paul taught the Corinthians the importance of giving and supporting other believers. (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 9:6-13 )

2. Your tithes and offerings go to support missionaries who are starting churches.

3. Christian love will put others first before personal rights.