Paul Subordinates-Working to Support Himself: 1 Corinthians 9:6-14

(We had audio issues this morning on the live stream, but the audio on the video is good here.)

Paul uses more rhetorical questions as well as analogies and argument from Scripture the ministers who engage in gospel ministry should be supported financially. Paul did not avail himself of such support but worked with his hands to provide for his material needs. He was willing to endure all things for the sake of the gospel.

Sadly, the elitists in Corinth took his unwillingness to be supported by others to prove that he was inferior and could not find a wealthy patron to provide for him. In this sermon we explore the dynamics of influence peddling, donors who seek power and influence through financial support, and the danger of an unbiblical agenda entering the church through prominent people.

We give examples of such things happening even in our day. Anyone’s support of the gospel is good and valid, but the church must not allow anything but careful Bible study and teaching determine the doctrine and practice of the church.

We also deal with Paul’s usage of the Ox treading out the grain passage from Deuteronomy and show that he was not allegorizing scripture as some have suggested. Paul’s point is that ministers of the gospel should be supported financially, though he subordinated his right of support for reasons that had to do with the integrity of the gospel and attacks from hyper-spiritual elitists.