Not Paying the Preacher Enough

1 Corinthians 9.1-18

There was a big controversy in Corinth. Preacher Paul's critics were on the prowl. He was getting beaten up on the gossip lines. Powerful people in the church hierarchy were angry with him.

What was the big problem? Well, for the first time in history church leaders were mad at their pastor for not taking a salary! Paul was working for free and they didn't like it.

This would never happen in my church. If I declined taking a salary there would be weeks of feasting and celebration. So, why the big flap?

It was all about image and status. Religious leaders in the ancient world were supported by their congregations and their large salaries and prestigious lifestyles were a source of pride to their memberships. In addition, traveling philosophers charged large fees to hear them speak and Paul appeared to be giving his wisdom away for free. This made him come across as small and insignificant. In the first century world people who worked with their hands were considered second class. Paul was making tents for a living. This was embarrassing to the status minded members at Corinth.

Bottom line: Paul wasn't acting enough like a big shot, and the people of Corinth wanted a big shot for a pastor. To them, his way of operating was a bad reflection on them.

Paul responded by calling this whole line of thinking rubbish. Status and perks meant nothing to him. All he wanted to do is get the gospel out. And he was willing to make any sacrifice and go to any length to insure this would happen.

How important are status and perks to you?

What do you need in order to feel important?

Who are you trying to please and look good for?

How critical is sharing the Gospel with others to you?

How critical should it be?

Related scriptures: Deuteronomy 25.4, 1 Thessalonians 2.6-9, Proverbs 27.18, Acts 18.1-4

Meat Offered to Idols

1 Corinthians 8

In this chapter Paul addresses a controversy that doesn't exist anymore. Back in the first century people would gather at pagan temples to feast on meat that had been dedicated to one of the many gods that were worshipped. These feasts were very common. They happened in temples all over town. The temples served as a sort of religious restaurant. After these feasts there was always meat left over, so it was sold on the street in the marketplace for a reasonable price.

But a controversy arose around this question: should Christians be buying and eating this meat that had once been offered to idols? Some Christians said no since this would be idolatry. But other Christians said yes because it was only a piece of meat and the false gods were just statues anyways.

The debate got pretty heated so Paul wrote chapter 8 to address this controversy. Here are his basic teachings:

1. Paul wanted them to stop bickering about this. Knowedge puffs up, but love builds up.
2. Paul did not want them to attend the feasts in the temples as this would definitely be idolatry.
3. Paul was open to meat eating in general, feeling that its not a big deal, but he did not want the Christians to flaunt their freedom in such as way that hurt the fledgling faith of other believers.

We don't argue over this issue today. But there are many issues in modern times where Christians disagree. When we disagree, we need to do it agreeably, and keep the good of others in mind. And sometimes we need to adjust our behavior for the good of the community.

Related scriptures: Acts 15.20, Acts 15.29, Acts 21.25, Rev 2.14, 1 Corinthians 10.14-23.

Is God #1?

1 Corinthians 7

This chapter is filled with answers about marriage, divorce, singleness, and sex. That got yout attention! And this should be riveting reading. But when you wade into this chapter you never get a clear sense of what Paul wants us to do. Paul says its OK to do this, but also good to do that. He recommends one thing, but then lets us off the hook by saying that the other option is acceptable as well. And several times he advises us to simply remain in the situation you are in.

There are two reasons for the vagueness of all this:

1. Paul is giving us answers without supplying the questions
2. His advice can be classified as an interim ethic. It's a way to live in the special situation that time is short and the world we are living in will soon pass away. When time is short our priorities get clarified and things that seemed really important lose their luster.

These factors make this passage murky and hard to understand. It is hard to sort out what advice is valid for the 21st century. But one thing we know for sure: Paul's wanted everyone to make pleasing God the #1 priority of their life. Undivided devotion to Him is job one. Everything else pales in comparison.

Where does God rank in your list of priorities?

I'd suggest that we settle this issue right now at the beginning of a new year. You could decide that in 2011 the focus of your life was to please God and give him your full devotion.

What a year it could be!