Title: What would you give up for Christ?
1"What would you give up for Christ?"
- 1 Corinthians 813 (NKJV) - Therefore, if food
makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat
meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
2"What would you give up for Christ?"
- Earlier we saw the unselfish heart of love but
now we will see the relentless attacks of
Pauls critics.
3"What would you give up for Christ?"
- Earlier we saw the unselfish heart of love but
now we will see the relentless attacks of
Pauls critics. - Some were trying to destroy Pauls influence out
of a spirit of envy. (1 Cor 34-5)
4"What would you give up for Christ?"
- 1 Corinthians 34-5 (NKJV) - For when one says,
I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos,
are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who
is Apollos, but ministers through whom you
believed, as the Lord gave to each one?
5"What would you give up for Christ?"
- In their attempt to attack Paul they were
gathering any and all ammunition in an attempt
to destroy his influence. (1 Cor 43-5)
6"What would you give up for Christ?"
- 1 Corinthians 43-5 (NKJV) - But with me it is a
very small thing that I should be judged by you
or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge
myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself,
yet I am not justified by this but He who judges
me is the Lord.
7"What would you give up for Christ?"
- 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until
the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the
hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels
of the hearts. Then each ones praise will come
from God.
8"What would you give up for Christ?"
- We need the proper kind of criticism. We may
even gain from unfair criticism.
9"What would you give up for Christ?"
- We need the proper kind of criticism. We may
even gain from unfair criticism. - Paul knew that He too could go astray and thus
needed rebuke! (1 Cor 927)
10"What would you give up for Christ?"
- 1 Corinthians 927 (NKJV) - But I discipline my
body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I
have preached to others, I myself should become
disqualified.
11"What would you give up for Christ?"
- He wanted to see himself as God did and not be
moved by men. (Gal 110)
12"What would you give up for Christ?"
- Galatians 110 (NKJV) - For do I now persuade
men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I
still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant
of Christ.
13"What would you give up for Christ?"
- How does one respond to the hyper-critical?
14"What would you give up for Christ?"
- How does one respond to the hyper-critical?
- Those caught up in this are putting their souls
at risk!
15"What would you give up for Christ?"
- How does one respond to the hyper-critical?
- Those caught up in this are putting their souls
at risk! - There would be two kinds involved in this
followers and leaders.
16"What would you give up for Christ?"
- The followers could be helped to see their wrong.
17"What would you give up for Christ?"
- The followers could be helped to see their wrong.
- The leaders likely would need another approach.
(Titus 310)
18"What would you give up for Christ?"
- Titus 310 (NKJV) - Reject a divisive man after
the first and second admonition,
19"What would you give up for Christ?"
- Paul's answer was by his life. He invited his
critics to do something they would never do in
their present frame of mind, that is join him in
a selfless sacrifice!
20The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 1 Corinthians 91-5 (NKJV) - Am I not an
apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus
Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless
I am to you. For you are the seal of my
apostleship in the Lord. 3 My defense to those
who examine me is this 4 Do we have no right to
eat and drink?
21The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing
wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers
of the Lord, and Cephas?
22The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Four questions with an obvious answer.
23The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Four questions with an obvious answer.
- Am I not an Apostle? (91 2 Cor 1212)
24The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 2 Corinthians 1212 (NKJV) - Truly the signs of
an apostle were accomplished among you with all
perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty
deeds.
25The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- If no, then what did that make of the
Corinthians? (92)
26The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- If no, then what did that make of the
Corinthians? (92) - Consistency will be a major problem for these
critics.
27The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- If no, then what did that make of the
Corinthians? (92) - Consistency will be a major problem for these
critics. - Am I not free? (91 John 832)
28The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- John 832 (NKJV) - And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
29The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- We are free also from the rules and whims of men!
(431 Pt 415)
30The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 1 Corinthians 43 (NKJV) - But with me it is a
very small thing that I should be judged by you
or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge
myself.
31The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 1 Peter 415 (NKJV) - But let none of you suffer
as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a
busybody in other peoples matters.
32The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Those who intimidate with their tongues are
looking for slaves to own.
33The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?
34The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?
- This was a requirement to be an apostle. (Acts
122, 25-26)
35The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Acts 122 (NKJV) - beginning from the baptism of
John to that day when He was taken up from us,
one of these must become a witness with us of His
resurrection.
36The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Acts 125-26 (NKJV) - to take part in this
ministry and apostleship from which Judas by
transgression fell, that he might go to his own
place. 26And they cast their lots, and the lot
fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the
eleven apostles.
37The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Are you not my work in the Lord? (1 Cor 415)
38The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 1 Corinthians 415 (NKJV) - For though you might
have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you
do not have many fathers for in Christ Jesus I
have begotten you through the gospel.
39The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- He appeals to their memory. Pauls past work and
example was powerful.
40The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- The inconsistency of the critics scream out at
them. Their very words discredits themselves.
Sadly some run on emotion rather than reason.
41The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- The inconsistency of the critics scream out at
them. Their very words discredits themselves.
Sadly some run on emotion rather than reason. - Questions about the rights of an apostle.
42The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- The inconsistency of the critics scream out at
them. Their very words discredits themselves.
Sadly some run on emotion rather than reason. - Questions about the rights of an apostle.
- This was a reasoned defense that any could
examine. No emotional twisted whims of a
disgruntled Christian! (1 Cor 93 1 Peter 315)
43The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 1 Corinthians 93 (NKJV) - My defense to those
who examine me is this
44The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 1 Peter 315 (NKJV) - But sanctify the Lord God
in your hearts, and always be ready to give a
defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the
hope that is in you, with meekness and fear
45The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- These questions are common to the rights of all
Christians! Some in jealousy and envy put others
to standards they would never touch.
46The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- These questions are common to the rights of all
Christians! Some in jealousy and envy put others
to standards they would never touch. - "Do we have no right to eat and drink?" (94)
47The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- 1 Corinthians 94 (NKJV) - Do we have no right
to eat and drink?
48The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Note the critics in the ministry of Christ. (Luke
733-35)
49The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Luke 733-35 (NKJV) - For John the Baptist came
neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you
say, He has a demon. 34 The Son of Man has come
eating and drinking, and you say, Look, a
glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax
collectors and sinners! 35 But wisdom is
justified by all her children.
50The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- In this case it did not matter what Christ did!
51The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Do we have no right to take along a believing
wife, as do also the other apostles, the
brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?" (95)
52The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Was Peter married? He had a mother in law.
(Matthew 814)
53The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Matthew 814 (NKJV) - Now when Jesus had come
into Peters house, He saw his wifes mother
lying sick with a fever.
54The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)
- Many critics are isolated and do not welcome
serious thought about their charges. They choose
to only be with those who agree with them.
55Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- Questions about the support of an Apostle.
(96-13)
56Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 1 Corinthians 96-13 (NKJV) - Or is it only
Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from
working? 7Who ever goes to war at his own
expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat
of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not
drink of the milk of the flock?
57Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does
not the law say the same also? 9 For it is
written in the law of Moses, You shall not
muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain. Is
it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say
it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no
doubt, this is written, that he who plows should
plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should
be partaker of his hope.
58Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is
it a great thing if we reap your material things?
12 If others are partakers of this right over
you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have
not used this right, but endure all things lest
we hinder the gospel of Christ.
59Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 13 Do you not know that those who minister the
holy things eat of the things of the temple, and
those who serve at the altar partake of the
offerings of the altar?
60Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (1.) Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no
right to refrain from working?
61Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (1.) Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no
right to refrain from working? - (2.) Who ever goes to war at his own expense?
62Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (3.) Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of
its fruit?
63Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (3.) Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of
its fruit? - (4.) Or who tends a flock and does not drink of
the milk of the flock?
64Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (3.) Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of
its fruit? - (4.) Or who tends a flock and does not drink of
the milk of the flock? - (5.) Do I say these things as a mere man?
65Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (3.) Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of
its fruit? - (4.) Or who tends a flock and does not drink of
the milk of the flock? - (5.) Do I say these things as a mere man?
- (6.) Or does not the law say the same also?
66Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (7.) For it is written in the law of Moses, "You
shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the
grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about?
67Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (7.) For it is written in the law of Moses, "You
shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the
grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? - (8.) Or does He say it altogether for our sakes?
For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he
who plows should plow in hope, and he who
threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.
68Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (9.) If we have sown spiritual things for you,
is it a great thing if we reap your material
things?
69Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (9.) If we have sown spiritual things for you,
is it a great thing if we reap your material
things? - (10.) If others are partakers of this right over
you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have
not used this right, but endure all things lest
we hinder the gospel of Christ.
70Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- (11.) Do you not know that those who minister the
holy things eat of the things of the temple, and
those who serve at the altar partake of the
offerings of the altar?
71Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- Paul had a right to refuse support in order to
silence his critics! (914-18)
72Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 1 Corinthians 914-18 (NKJV) - Even so the Lord
has commanded that those who preach the gospel
should live from the gospel. 15 But I have used
none of these things, nor have I written these
things that it should be done so to me for it
would be better for me to die than that anyone
should make my boasting void.
73Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to
boast of, for necessity is laid upon me yes, woe
is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I
do this willingly, I have a reward but if
against my will, I have been entrusted with a
stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That when
I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of
Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my
authority in the gospel.
74Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- Your life may silence your critics before
reasonable men.
75Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- Your life may silence your critics before
reasonable men. - Paul wanted his critics to attempt to follow him
in terms of sacrifice and service! The carnal man
would never do this. (Romans 114-15)
76Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- Romans 114-15 (NKJV) - I am a debtor both to
Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to
unwise. 15So, as much as is in me, I am ready to
preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
77Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- The servant of Christ has no time for pettiness
and hyper-critical judging.
78Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- The servant of Christ has no time for pettiness
and hyper-critical judging. - He is looking at the Lord. (2 Cor 118-12)
79Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 2 Corinthians 118-12 (NKJV) - I robbed other
churches, taking wages from them to minister to
you. 9And when I was present with you, and in
need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked
the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied.
And in everything I kept myself from being
burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.
80Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall
stop me from this boasting in the regions of
Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God
knows! 12 But what I do, I will also continue to
do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those
who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as
we are in the things of which they boast.
81Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)
- Paul was involved with building men, not personal
kingdoms.
82The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- 1 Corinthians 919-23 (NKJV) - For though I am
free from all men, I have made myself a servant
to all, that I might win the more 20 and to the
Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews to
those who are under the law, as under the law,
that I might win those who are under the law
83The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- 21 to those who are without law, as without law
(not being without law toward God, but under law
toward Christ), that I might win those who are
without law 22 to the weak I became as weak,
that I might win the weak. I have become all
things to all men, that I might by all means save
some. 23 Now this I do for the gospels sake,
that I may be partaker of it with you.
84The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- Many do not have the all consuming desire to see
others brought to the Lord in maturity.
(Romans 151)
85The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- Romans 151 (NKJV) 1We then who are strong ought
to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to
please ourselves.
86The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- What did these things involve Paul giving up?
87The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- What are the limits of these kind of compromises?
(Acts 163Gal 23-5)
88The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- Acts 163 (NKJV) - Paul wanted to have him go on
with him. And he took him and circumcised him
because of the Jews who were in that region, for
they all knew that his father was Greek.
89The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- Galatians 23-5 (NKJV) - Yet not even Titus who
was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be
circumcised. 4And this occurred because of false
brethren secretly brought in (who came in by
stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in
Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into
bondage),
90The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)
- to whom we did not yield submission even for an
hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue
with you.
91The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- 1 Corinthians 924-27 (NKJV) - Do you not know
that those who run in a race all run, but one
receives the prize? Run in such a way that you
may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for
the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do
it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an
imperishable crown.
92The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- 26 Therefore I run thus not with uncertainty.
Thus I fight not as one who beats the air. 27
But I discipline my body and bring it into
subjection, lest, when I have preached to others,
I myself should become disqualified.
93The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- Do you want the crown only God can Give? (2 Tim
48 Jas 112 Rev 210)
94The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- 2 Timothy 48 (NKJV) - Finally, there is laid up
for me the crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on
that Day, and not to me only but also to all who
have loved His appearing.
95The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- James 112 (NKJV) - Blessed is the man who
endures temptation for when he has been
approved, he will receive the crown of life which
the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
96The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- Revelation 210 (NKJV) - Do not fear any of
those things which you are about to suffer.
Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you
into prison, that you may be tested, and you will
have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until
death, and I will give you the crown of life.
97The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- Paul poured out his very life for others. (Phil
217)
98The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- Philippians 217 (NKJV) 17Yes, and if I am being
poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice
and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice
with you all.
99The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
100The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- This was a labor of joy!
- Are there things you need to give up for the
cause of Christ? You will not regret it.
101The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- This was a labor of joy!
- Are there things you need to give up for the
cause of Christ? You will not regret it. - Some may need to begin with their hearts and then
their tongues. (Jas 31-5)
102The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- James 31-5 (NKJV) - My brethren, let not many
of you become teachers, knowing that we shall
receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble
in many things. If anyone does not stumble in
word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle
the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses
mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their
whole body.
103The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- 4 Look also at ships although they are so large
and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned
by a very small rudder wherever the pilot
desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member
and boasts great things.
104The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
105The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
- Some need to change their dress, their habits,
their hobbies and schedules!
106The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- The Christian life is a God centered life.
107The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- The Christian life is a God centered life.
- When based upon God, the whims of man do not stop
you from your work.
108The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- The Christian life is a God centered life.
- When based upon God, the whims of man do not stop
you from your work. - Because of the teaching of Gods Spirit, we deny
the flesh. (Gal 517 Rom 87)
109The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- Galatians 517 (NKJV) - For the flesh lusts
against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the
flesh and these are contrary to one another, so
that you do not do the things that you wish.
110The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)
- Romans 87 (NKJV) - Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God for it is not subject to the
law of God, nor indeed can be.