Bible Study - 1 Corinthians Part 10 - Our Rights vs. Needs of Others

This session continues Paul's discussion of the issue of "food offered to idols" that started in chapter 8. For the background information on this issue please see the last post. Here Paul continues to make his argument that there are times when Christians should not make full use of their rights, but instead set them aside for the needs of others. Here in chapter 9 Paul refers to his own refusal to accept money from the churches he founded and continues to serve.

• Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-12a (end of the first sentence). Paul here lists the rights of apostles in the early church. How might this list apply to those who serve as ministers, pastors and priests in the church today? Should there be full-time ministers, pastors or priests who are paid to lead and care for local congregations in their Christian mission?
• Read 1 Corinthians 9:12b-18. What do you make of Paul’s reasons for not using his rights? How might this apply to the issue Paul is dealing with in chapter 8? How might this apply to how we use our own rights today?
• Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-26. Paul says he’s ‘become all things to all people’ for his mission. Is this a good or bad? Does this mean Paul has no firm beliefs and standards or does he mean something else?