Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Apr 18, 2024 - Don't Block the Gospel”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsDon’t Block the Gospel
Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:8-14
Paul is establishing the principle that “those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel”(1 Cor 9:14). He appeals to the Law of Moses: “For it is written in the Law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.’ Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake?”(1 Cor 9:9-10). This obscure provision tells farmers not to keep their oxen from eating the crop they are treading. Paul insists that this is not strictly about oxen, but people: “because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop”(1 Cor 9:10). So preachers. “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?”(1 Cor 9:11). It is perfectly appropriate for those who work to provide spiritual food for us receive physical food from us. He also argues that the Levitical priests eat from the very sacrifices they offer for the people (1 Cor 9:13-14).
Yet Paul’s whole point is that he has not used this right of his: “Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ”(1 Cor 9:12). While sometimes Paul receives pay for his preaching, he refuses to take the Corinthians’ money. This is not because it would be wrong, but because it would “put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.” Perhaps it would lead to accusations of impropriety in Paul. Perhaps it would make him look like the sophists and philosophers of his day. Whatever the precise meaning, Paul models giving up a perfectly legitimate right—as he is asking the Corinthians to do with food offered to idols.
Throughout this letter, Paul has argued that whether something is lawful is not the only consideration in whether we should do it. Is it helpful? Does it master us? Is it our purpose? Does it cause a weak brother to sin? And here, does it “put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ”? My rights are not worth blocking the gospel from its intended targets and effects. Paul would “endure anything” rather than do that! Don’t block the gospel!
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One Thing to Think About: Am I making it easier for those around me to obey the gospel?
One Thing to Pray For: The humility to give up good things to bless others
