Sunday, January 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m.

Allendale Baptist Church, Allendale, MI

Pastor Jonathan DeCou

1 Corinthians 9:15-27

 

BIG IDEA: In Christ, we have the right to refuse our rights.

 

“I have made no use of any of these rights.”

1 Corinthians 9:15a (ESV)

 

We can refuse our rights because of…

 

 Our __________ to the __________.  

 

 

 Our __________ to __________.  

 

 

 Our __________ to __________. 

 

 

BIG IDEA: In Christ, we have the right to refuse our rights. 

 

 

Read: Re-read 1 Corinthians 9:15-27.

Think: Reflect on Paul’s refusal to exercise his rights for ministry compensation, and then ask yourself the following questions: What race (gunny sack, track meet, back roads dare, etc.) is still vivid in your memory? Did you win, lose, fall down, or crack-up? Why would or wouldn’t you do it again? Based on this passage, what would you say compels Paul to minister and serve? How has Paul used his freedom in Christ (v 19-23)? How does this differ from the Corinthians’ use of their freedom and how does this relate to the principle he gave them (see 8:9, 13)?  More specifically, what is Paul’s motive for shaping his life around the needs and concerns of others (v 19, 22, 23)? What point is Paul making by comparing his life to a race (v 24-27? Why, then, do you suppose Paul was being criticized by some others in Corinth?

Do: What in your life could be a barrier to the Good News of Jesus Christ between you and others? What would it cost you to get rid of that in order to reach them? In the Christian “race”, how are you doing: 1) “Fresh because I’m just starting?” 2) “Feeling tired and achy, thinking of dropping out for a while?” 3) “Going great, I’ve got my second wind?” 4) “Where in the world is the finish line?”