1 Corinthians 9–11
Common Theme
God calls His people to surrender personal rights for the sake of the gospel, pursuing a life of disciplined devotion and reverence for His presence. He provides clear order and purpose in worship, anchoring the church in Christ’s sacrificial example.
Questions
- What personal rights or preferences might God be inviting you to lay down for the good of others or the advance of the gospel?
- How does Paul’s view of self-discipline challenge your approach to spiritual growth?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as generous and self-giving, the One who models sacrificial love that shapes how His people treat one another. He is also holy and worthy of reverence, especially as His church gathers to remember the Lord’s Supper and honor His name.
Deeper
1 Corinthians 9
In this passage, Paul defends his apostleship and discusses his rights as a preacher of the gospel. He asserts that, like other apostles, he has the right to receive support, such as food and a believing wife, for his ministry. However, he chooses not to exercise these rights to avoid hindering the gospel’s progress. Paul emphasizes that preaching the gospel is a necessity for him, and he prefers to do so without charge to maintain his integrity. He adapts his approach to different groups—Jews, those under the law, and the weak—to win them over for Christ. Paul compares his efforts to an athlete striving for an imperishable prize, highlighting the importance of self-discipline and control to ensure he remains qualified to preach the gospel effectively.
1 Corinthians 10
The text warns against idolatry, using the experiences of the Israelites as examples for believers. It emphasizes that despite their shared spiritual experiences, many Israelites faced God’s displeasure due to their idolatrous actions, sexual immorality, and grumbling. Believers are urged to avoid these behaviors and recognize that temptations are common, but God provides a way to endure them. The passage also discusses the significance of participating in the Lord’s Supper, highlighting the unity among believers as one body in Christ. It cautions against engaging with idols, equating such actions with participation in demonic practices. Finally, it encourages believers to act for the good of others, ensuring that their actions glorify God and do not offend others, whether Jews, Greeks, or fellow Christians, while seeking the salvation of many.
1 Corinthians 11
The text discusses two main topics: head coverings and the Lord’s Supper. It begins by encouraging believers to imitate Christ and maintain traditions. It explains the hierarchy of authority, stating that Christ is the head of every man, the husband is the head of the wife, and God is the head of Christ. It emphasizes that men should not cover their heads while praying or prophesying, whereas women should cover their heads to honor their husbands. The text also addresses the Lord’s Supper, criticizing divisions within the church during gatherings. It highlights the improper conduct of some members who eat and drink without consideration for others, leading to humiliation of the less fortunate. The passage recounts Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper, urging believers to partake in a worthy manner, examining themselves to avoid judgment. Finally, it advises the congregation to wait for one another during meals to ensure unity.