The Riddleblog

"All Things to All People" (1 Corinthians 9:1-27) -- A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast!

Episode Synopsis:

If we were to find Paul’s notes for an upcoming lecture on “my philosophy of ministry,” we would probably find the words of 1 Corinthians 9:19–23,

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

In this chapter, Paul defends his apostolic office and explains his methods and purposes to the Corinthians. Recall that Paul had spent a fair bit of time in Corinth, but has been in Ephesus for several years. During his time away, many in Corinth had fallen back into pagan ways and began challenging Paul’s authority and integrity. One thing Paul must do as he addresses the various struggles facing the Corinthians is to remind them of his own calling to share the gospel with both Jew and Gentile.

Paul is an apostle who has seen the risen Lord. Everything he has done has been to further the cause of Jesus Christ and the gospel. Paul has consistently put the needs of others first and foremost–something which Paul also expects of the Corinthians. Although entitled to financial support, Paul took nothing from them while in Corinth in order to set an example to the strong as to how they should treat the weak. Paul is concerned to run the race and win the prize so that by all means he may win more to Christ.

To see the show notes and listen to the podcast, follow the link below

Blessed Hope PodcastKim RiddlebargerOctober 14, 20241 Corinthians 9:1-27, Paul's authority, Challenges to Paul's AuthorityComment

"Shall I Come With a Rod?" Paul Deals With Challenges to His Apostolic Office (1 Corinthians 4:1-21)— A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast!

Episode Synopsis:

Paul expressed a fair bit of righteous anger in his letter to the Galatians–calling those taken in by false teachers foolish people who have been all-too easily bewitched by false teachers. In 1 Corinthians 4, the apostle again expresses his frustration, speaking sarcastically of those who think of themselves as rich (when they are poor), and as kings who act as though they rule the church (when they are not). But Paul will have none of it. It matters not to him what the immature in Corinth think of him. What matters is that God is judge of such things, not the Corinthians.

Paul reminds them that ministers are God’s servants who proclaim the gospel of Christ crucified, not faction leaders who seek to draw followers unto themselves. God has entrusted the mysteries of the gospel to his ministers and he will judge their motives. Neither Paul nor Apollos have sought to please them–both men sought to be faithful to the charge given them by Christ to preach the gospel. Addicted to pagan ways of thinking and doing, the Corinthians still think and act like citizens of this present evil age, not as citizens of the age to come. Since the Corinthians are puffed-up by their misguided pride, Paul reminds them of all that he has suffered for the sake of Christ so as to preach the gospel and conduct his missionary journeys. When reviled he blesses. When persecuted he presses on. When slandered he is gracious. Yet, he is still treated as scum and filth. These immature Corinthians are unwitting slaves to their own pride and have earned the sarcastic rebuke from Paul we find in 1 Corinthians 4.

As their father in the faith, Paul is not writing to shame them, but to urge them to imitate him. So far, he has been prevented from returning to Corinth, so he sent Timothy in his absence. Lord willing the apostle will make his way back to Corinth, but until be does, he reminds them that through this letter and in the power of the Holy Spirit he is present with them. The question with which Paul leaves the Corinthians is, “when I come, shall I bring the rod, or shall I come in a spirit of love and gentleness?” The choice is up to them. Mend their ways and embrace humility, or face the discipline of the apostle.

To read the show notes and listen to the episode, follow the link below

Blessed Hope PodcastKim RiddlebargerApril 15, 2024Challenges to Paul's AuthorityComment