2. Corinthians #4 Influence & Christian Freedom 1Corinthians 9-10

3. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  In our study of Corinthians we’ve seen Paul’s condemnation of them for: >Division in chps.1-4 >Immorality in chp.5 >Heathen Litigation, chp.6  Also, instruction for them concerning: >Marriage and its relations, chp.7 >the Eating of Sacrificed Meat, chp.8

4. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  This morning, we get to see: >Paul use himself and his ministry as an example to the Corinthians of Liberty Not Taken (chp.9) and, >The negative examples of Israel’s history to show the importance of Fleeing Idolatry (chp.10)

5. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  Chapter 9- Paul’s example of Liberties Not Taken. >He begins with a series of some 13 questions (vv.1-9). Their design? >To highlight the liberties granted him by God in/through his position as a minister and steward of the gospel (vv.10-11). The point? >v.12 That he did not utilize those liberties for the benefit of the Corinthians!

6. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  Chapter 9- Paul’s example of Liberties Not Taken. >He’s not saying all this in order to receive something from them, v.15-17 >But in order to give something to them- the gospel’s message without their criticism & skepticism of him! vv.3,18-23 >He wants absolutely nothing to stand between them and the gospel!

7. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  Chapter 9- Paul’s example of Liberties Not Taken. Therefore: >He gives the example of athletic competition: (vv.24-25) One must exercise self-control to win! >He’s done exactly that in order that he might not “be disqualified” and win their obedience to the truth of the gospel!

8. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  Chapter 10- Israel’s negative example regarding Idolatry. -vv.1-4 The point of these verses is to establish the spiritual opportunities afforded Israel. -But despite these advantages, with most of them God was not pleased, v.5! -The Corinthians (and we) were being urged to learn from their mistakes! vv.6-11

9. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  Chapter 10- Israel’s negative example regarding Idolatry. “Therefore….” >take heed lest you fall, v.12 And realize/acknowledge: >You’re not a special case, v.13a >God is faithful & will not allow you more than you can handle, v.13b >And in every circumstance, there is a right thing to do provided by God, 13c.

10. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  Chapter 10- Israel’s negative example regarding Idolatry. What’s the point of all of this???? “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” v.14 -Note the spiritual advantages of Christians, vv.15-17 -Because we are made one with Christ, we…. ought not become one with demons, vv.18-22.

11. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom  Chapter 10- Israel’s negative example regarding Idolatry. The Christian use of Liberty… -should emulate Paul’s, chp.9 -should remember Israel’s failures despite their advantages, 10:1-13 -should understand that we are one with Christ rather than one with demons, 10:14-22 And should therefore act responsibly with regard to eating sacrificed meat….

12. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom So what’s the application for the Corinthians on this issue? >all may be lawful- but is not expedient, v.23 >one must consider others, v.24 >for yourself, eat w/ understanding and w/o asking questions, v.25-26 >for others, eat or don’t eat depending on the situation, but…. >don’t cause others to violate their own conscience! vv.27-33

13. Corinthians #4 Influence & Freedom What are the applications for Us regarding these things? 1. Just because you have a right, doesn’t mean you should use it! 2. We can and God expects us to flee all forms of idolatry in our own lives today. 3. We have to be careful that our spiritual advantages, rights, and liberties in Christ do not become stumblingblocks for others.