Day 15: That we would surrender our rights for the sake of Jesus
But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. (1 Corinthians 9:15 ESV)
1 Corinthians 9 isn’t about 1 Corinthians 9—it’s about 1 Corinthians 8 and 10. The folks at Corinth were split into factions. Some, those termed “the weaker brothers”, were struggling with eating food offered up to idols. The other group, those termed “the strong”, were standing upon their rights as believers in Jesus. In order to teach both groups Paul uses himself as an example. He was willing to give up any rights that he had for the sake of Jesus. He didn’t fight for his rights. He laid them down so that others could find freedom.
When churches follow Paul, who follows Christ, in this regard they’ll live in the true freedom that Jesus purchased. But a church which is consistently fighting for her rights—whether among one another or out in the marketplace—will inevitably be distracted by lesser things. She will die on the hill of her own perceived rights. If Jesus has already purchased everything we need for life and godliness, and if the Lord is our portion, then why do we need to fight for our rights?
Father, we thank you for the freedoms that you have given to us. We believe that You are our portion. We believe you are our shield and our protector. As such we are willing to surrender our rights for the sake of Jesus. Help us fight for others to have joy in Jesus. Thank you for already giving us everything we need. Amen.
