1 Corinthians 9:3–4: My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to eat and drink?
The word for “answer” in the Greek really means defense. It is as if Paul were in court and were being charged concerning his apostleship. He is giving his defense to those who examine him. What is his defense?
“Have we not power to eat and to drink?” As an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul had a right to eat and to drink. As an apostle he had that liberty. However, that liberty is curbed and curtailed by others. He had made the bold declaration. “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend” (1 Cor. 8:13). He had the right to eat meat, but he was not going to eat meat. Now that is an exercise of free will, isn’t it? It is free will to be able to do something and then choose not to do it. In a sense, that is a higher liberty, perhaps the highest liberty that there is. If you cannot do something, you do not do it; there is no exercise of free will in that. But if you are able to do something and then choose not to do it, that is a revelation of your free will. 1
Application
- Read Philemon 1:8-14. Notice what Paul is willing to do “for love’s sake.”
- Who’s opinion is God asking you to consider before making an important decision?
Thought to Share
You can demand your rights, or you can forfeit your rights, for love’s sake. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, teach me to surrender my free will, so Your will can be done.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
