1 Corinthians 9:8-14

1 Corinthians 9:8-14

Do I say these things not according to a man or does not even the Law say these things?  For it has been written in the Law of Moses, “Do not muzzle an ox while it threshes out the grain.”  Is this not concern for the ox by God?  Does He certainly not speak for our sake?  For it has been written for our sake that “the one who plows ought to plow upon hope” and “the one who threshes is to share upon hope.”  If we sowed the spiritual things to you all, is it so great that we will reap out of your material things?  If others share your authority, do we not share even more?  But we did not make use of this authority.  Rather, we endured all things in order that we should not give any hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.  Have you not known that the ones who perform the holy things eat out of the things of the temple?  Have you not known that the ones who serve at the altar share at the altar?  In the same way, our Lord also commanded to the ones who proclaim the Gospel to live out of the Gospel.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought

The first example that Paul gives is that of the oxen.  Paul’s example is one of concern.  Paul wants us to realize that God is concerned about the oxen.  God is concerned that oxen be able to eat; after all, the oxen was doing all the work!  God is concerned that the oxen would be worked beyond its means.  In many ways, Paul is making a point here similar to the point Jesus makes in Luke 12:4-7.  If God cares for the sparrows in Luke 12, then he can care for us.  If God can care for the oxen threshing grain, then he cares about our needs as well.

Do you believe that God cares for your needs?  Where have you seen evidence of this in your life?

Second Thought:

 The second major point that Paul makes in this chapter is a comparison between spiritual things and material things.  We know that spiritual things are more significant in the long term.  However, we do need some level of material things.  Paul’s point is fairly straightforward.  If Paul and his associates helped the Corinthians deeper their relationship with God – a benefit that is eternal in origin, then it only makes sense that the Corinthians could share their material resources.  Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast command.  Rather, this is an application of simple logic.  We shouldn’t mind trading temporary resources for eternal gain.

Do you think this is a principle shared by many people in this world?  How often do you see people willing to trade the temporal resources for eternal treasure?  How often are you willing to do so?

Third Thought:

Finally, Paul makes a theological argument out of the priesthood.  The priests of the Old Testament were supported by the sacrifices of the people.  The Hebrew people came to offer sacrifices to God, most of which were allowed to be consumed by the priests.  It was a simple system, really.  The people sinned, requiring sacrifice.  The priests ensured the sacrifices would happen.  Therefore, the people could still live in relationship with God and the priests were supported in this endeavor.

Does this seem like a fair system?  Does it seem fair to support those who are tasked with ensuring your relationship with God is as good as it can be?  Given all of these points, what does it say to you to remember – as we’ll find out in the next section – that Paul did not receive support from the people to whom he ministered?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Corinthians 9:15-18