Last week we ended our study before we could fully consider the point:—

Love will make us determined to deprive ourselves rather than offend a brother in Christ. Verse 13. Paul would do nothing that would possibly lead another into sin. He would sacrifice his own interests before that of another.Chapter 9 continues this theme of self-sacrifice. Paul turns to the matter of his apostleship which has been challenged by his critics.

Their criticism is a classic example of a man's kindness being given an evil interpretation. The matter is made more clear in II Cor 12:11-13. Paul denied himself those privileges that were his by right and his refusal to claim them was interpreted as evidence that he was not an apostle and therefore had no right to them. It is the spirit that opposed John/Baptist and Christ at work, Matt 11:18-19.

I. PAUL ANSWERS THOSE WHO QUESTIONED HIS APOSTLESHIP 

He lists his credentials. Verses 1-2. 

1. He was an apostle.

He was free to claim the rights of that office. 

2. He was an apostle for he had seen the Lord Jesus.

He was taught the gospel by Him, Gal 1:1, 12. Undoubtedly, a large portion of the 3 years referred to in Gal 1:18 was spent in contemplation and communion in the area where Moses had likewise wandered before assuming his duties as leader of Israel. 

3. Their conversion was the proof of his ministry.

He had come amongst them as an apostle and God had honoured his claim by their conversion, II Cor 3:1-3, 12:12.

II. PAUL EXPLAINS THE RIGHTS OF A SERVANT OF GOD

1. The rights that a servant of God may claim. 3-6. 

2. He demonstrates the legitimacy of these rights. 

Soldiering, vinedresser, shepherd, verse 7. 

Scripture, verse 9-10.

Temple Service, verse 13. 

Command of Christ, verse 14. 

III. PAUL SHOWS WHY HE REFUSED  THESE RIGHTS

1. For the sake of the gospel.

Verse 12. He had authority (Matt 7:29, 8:9) to claim to support but did not. The word Hindermeans to cut a trench across a road to impede pursuit. He would not wish, even by claiming his due rewards, to impede the gospel. He was like the athlete, verses 24-27, temperate, disciplined and self-denying for the sake of winning the prize.

2. For the sake of good to men.

Verse 22. Save=Rescue.  

A. If Paul showed such concern how much more ought those who are unsaved. 

B. God’s people ought to fight the ‘flesh’ relentlessly since only where there is unceasing and wholehearted opposition to the flesh is there the ‘new nature’ truly present. Verse 27, Gal 5:17. 

C. How deceitful is the human heart that a man may preach as did Paul and yet be lost! Verse 27. 

D. God may bless the words of an unconverted man to the conversion of a sinner.

3. For the sake of glorying.

Verses 15-16. The word glorying = joying. This is not that boasting or self-conceit we associate withglorying. No! It refers to a particular joyful satisfaction that he experienced as he preached the gospel freely.  It was not enough  for Paul to do his duty faithfully. He wished to go beyond his duty and exceed his requirements. He would preach without charge, verse 18.