CALL TO UNIQUE MINISTERY
1 Corinthians 10.1:13
Rev. R.E. Howell
Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:14 appeals to the weightiest point of all, the instructions of Jesus that those who give out the gospel should derive support from it (Luke 10:7)
In verse 16, Paul says, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of. Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” Of course Paul's call to the ministry was unique. Others have responded voluntarily to the call to follow. Christ calls to Him those that He Himself wanted. And they came to Him (Mark3:13).
But Paul was flattened by it. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ Acts 22:6-10.
Paul was compelled to preach-1 Cor. 9:16-17. In Luke he says we are unprofitable servants, we have done what was our duty to do (cf. Luke 17:10).
TO WIN THE LOST TO CHRIST.
1 Cor 9:17 says if I preach voluntarily, I have a reward. If not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me- which is Stewardship. I have made my self a servant to all, that I might win the more- verses 19-22.
Vs 24 to 26. Do you not know that those who run in a race, all run but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. The race is to be run in order to win a prize.
Vs.27. But I discipline my body and bring it unto subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Three generals were injured in a war and all three were in the same room. One general's bed was in front of the window and so the others told him he was lucky because he could see out side, see the beautiful things.
The General used to say I see nice flowers, beautiful sky, birds singing. After few days the general whose bed was in front of the window died, one general said I will take that bed and see the beautiful things out side.
When the general was shifted at that place, he said there is a wall in front of the window. Then how did the other general see all the beautiful things.
The Nurse said the general was blind and could see nothing.
Paul states in 1 Cor.10:1-13 the negative examples of Israel so that the Corinthians might not think God's discipline would be an unlikely eventuality for a people so blessed as they.
Paul cited the illustrations of another group of people who were greatly blessed by God but yet experienced His severe discipline. Israel of old was reckless and unrestrained after her physical and spiritual freedom from tyranny in Egypt. As a result God meted out severe discipline by cutting short the lives of many Israelites.
They were all in the race (9:24) but all were disqualified (9:27) in spite of their advantages.
Liberation/abuse of liberty
1 Cor 10:1-4
5 advantages were enjoyed by Israel. (Vs 1 - 4.)
First all the liberated Israelites enjoyed the supernatural guidance (Ex.13:21) and protection (Ex 14:19-20) of the pillar of cloud in their Exodus from Egypt.
The Corinthians had similarly experienced God's guidance and protection.
10:5- The presence of supernatural privileges in the lives of Old Testament Israelites did not produce automatic success. Most of them (in fact all but two members of one generation- Joshua and Caleb) experienced Gods discipline and were disqualified and died in the desert.
APPLICATION OF LIBERTY.
Five fold failures experienced by Israel during this time.
Vs.6. "Give us meat to eat!"( Nu.11:4, 13, 31 - 34) While the meat was still in their teeth, He struck them.
Vs 7. Many in Israel fail by participating in idolatry (Ex. 32:1-6) and paid for it with their lives. So Paul in 1 Cor. 10:12 warned those who supported idolatry.
Vs. 8. Sexual immorality associated with idolatry.Nu.25:1-9, 24,000 people were killed as a result.
Vs.9. Israel's fourth failure was the presuming of some to question the plan and purpose of God on their trek to Canaan. As a result they were killed by snakes (Num.21:1-6.)
Vs 10. Fifth failure, which God disciplined with death., occurred when they spoke rebelliously against God's appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:1-49.) vs. 1, 13,v20,vs24,vs31.vs35 ground split.
We are sanctified vessels- prepared for good work. 2 Tim. 2:21-22 as compared to broken vessels which are no longer useful.
1 Cor.10:13. After kicking up the props of false security, Paul pointed towards the One on whom the Corinthians could rely. The temptation that seized the Corinthians was that some in the race of temptation were not looking for a way out through endurance but a way in through indulgence.
They could be met and endured by depending on God who is faithful.
If the Corinthians believed their standing in Christ and corresponding freedom could be exercised in sin with impunity, they were wrong, possibly dead wrong. |
