Search The Scriptures Study 621 PAUL’S EXAMPLARY LIFE IN MINISTRY “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” John 5: 39 (KJV). 1 Corinthians 9: 1-27

Memory Verse “For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me” 1 Corinthians 9:17 Search The Scriptures

Text: 1 Cor. 9: 1-27 In previous chapter, Paul exhorted Corinthians to self-denial and self-control which are the borders of the grace of God. Beyond these lines, we will find ourselves in the territory of the enemy, the territory of sin. Today, Paul is talking about his own life of self-denial and self-control. Paul practiced what he preached. Yet people questioned his apostleship and ministry. Paul defended his call, his status and his ministry. Search The Scriptures

Question 1 Whoever you are, whatever you do, and wherever you go, people will question your character, your motive, your actions, your words and the call of God upon your life (your ministry). Some people will ALWAYS oppose you when you do well. We must defend the call of God and the ministry of the gospel. Search The Scriptures What lessons can we draw from the belittling of Paul’s apostleship by some believers in the Corinthian church and his response?

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUE MINISTER 1Corinthians 9:1-4; Acts 22:14-15; 26:16 Some people of the church of Corinth doubted about Paul apostleship credentials and ministry. Paul decided to answer them (fire back like politicians do) and used the methods of rhetoric to defend himself. Paul demonstrated his own experience of salvation by grace only. 1Timothy 1:13-16; Galatians 1:13-16; 1Thessalonians 2:10 Search The Scriptures

What are the proofs of true Christian ministries? Salvation (Repentance, Conversion, Life with no sin).Romans 4:25; Galatians 2:17 Witnesses of the gospel (direct commission) Visions (revelations) of Christ. They may be physical or not. Acts 1:21-22 God’s own testimony about them. Acts 22: Search The Scriptures

REWARDS OF A TRUE MINISTER 1 Corinthians 9:3-14 Livelihood out of occupation e.g: soldiers, farmers, nurses, technicians, drivers, our secular jobs, etc 1Cor 9:7 Approval of the Scriptures. Sense of equity (justice). Verse 11. Ministers may claim their earthly rewards. It is not a sin to do so. It is the Lord’s command to pay the ministers of the gospel. Verse 14. Search The Scriptures

Give at least 3 cogent reasons why true ministers of Christ should be maintained by those they minister to?  God ordains it.  For justice sake.  It is biblical. Paul could claim his rewards but chose not to do it. He denied himself. Search The Scriptures

What should be the highest priority of every Christian and minister of Christ apart from their own salvation? Deny self some benefits, salary, rewards, positions, etc…, for the sake of the gospel, for the salvation of the souls. Search The Scriptures

LIMITS OF OUR FREEDOM Search The Scriptures

What do you understand to be the “glorying” which the apostle would never part with and why? Glorying means glory from God for a job well done. When applied with self-denial, they guarantee glory for God alone. Search The Scriptures

Differentiate between Paul’s policy of being all things to all men and the worldly notion of “when in Rome do as the Romans”? Paul’s policy means uncompromised voluntary submission to God and people for the progress of the gospel Part B of the question means a compromising, hypocrisy, sin. Search The Scriptures

What lessons can believers learn from comparison of the Grecian race with the Christian race? Similarities In both races, you get the rewards at the end of the race. Both races require enormous and painful self-imposed sacrifices. Differences In Grecian race, the rewards are corruptible (perishable) and temporary. It ends on earth. In the Christian race, the rewards are incorruptible and eternal. It ends in heaven. In Grecian race, only ONE runner wins the crown. In the Christian race, all runners may win the crowns if they remain faithful till the end. Search The Scriptures

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