PAUL’S MOTIVATIONS – I Corinthians 9:1-18 – 4-6-25

Paul’s admonitions to the church in our passage are better understood in context of the issues arising in Corinth. Chapters 1-6 highlight particular problems including divisions in the body over superficial leadership preferences, worldly sexual norms corrupting the church, and frivolous legal cases between brothers in Christ. In addition to these internal issues, there was the looming threat of historic external persecution and hardship the church would soon encounter. All the more reason to address the tendency toward man-centeredness in the Corinthian church head on. Under the current conditions, the church would likely not survive the day of testing. Paul appeals to his personal convictions and application of the call to all believers to take up his cross and follow Christ. If the church would seek first the kingdom of God and prioritize the glory of Christ in their personal lives, covenant relationships, and highest ideals, her lampstand would remain.