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INTRO
Paul is addressing Christian liberties and rights
What we can do / What we should do
The encouragement is to keep one’s interest not on oneself, but rather on the Gospel
All for the sake of the Gospel
Giving up “our rights” for the sake of the Gospel
Paul’s Rights and Privileges – vv. 1-12a
The rights that Paul possessed as an apostle
He had seen Christ
He was sent by Christ
Paul was justified in having the church support his ministry
Because of His calling
Because of his ministry
Yet…
He knew his position was not as important as his purpose
He was part of something much greater than himself
Paul’s Lessons in Forgoing His Rights – vv. 12b-18
Endure all things for the Gospel– v. 12
Endurance – keeping on when things are not the best
Key is how we respond to the things of life
He did not want to put an obstacle in the way of the Gospel
Boast only in the Gospel – v. 15
What did he have to boast in?
Him nothing… The Gospel everything.
Boast… found joy
Romans 15:17 – In Christ Jesus he was proud of his work
We forgotten about GRACE
Paul would not boast in his ministry but in the Gospel of his ministry.
Preach the Gospel – v. 16
Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel
Preach, Teach, Proclaim
Salvation and Sanctification
Listen to, Trust in, Live out
Steward the Gospel – v. 17
Steward God’s resources
He was not REWARDED… as if he had done something
Rather, he was a steward (managed what was given)
Our gifts
Times, Talents, Treasures
Our Purpose and Passion
Concluding Thoughts
How easy is it for us to think highly of ourselves? (I see at times in ministry)
What we are entitled to may not be what is best… we may need to forgo our rights for the sake fo the Gospel.
What if our greatest desire was for the Gospel to be proclaimed through our life?