The Christian and Self: Rights vs. Responsibilities —
Growth Principle #10 came from chapter eight: “The spiritually mature Christian lives for others, even in the practical affairs of life.” In this chapter, Paul uses himself as a means of illustrating that principle. He tells the freedom-loving Corinthians that even though he was an apostle, which meant that he had certain rights, he did not exercise all those rights. Why? Because not doing so resulted in more opportunity for the gospel, and so for others to be saved. Paul is not boasting here, but really defending his apostleship, since some in Corinth cast suspicions on his ministry. They reasoned that someone as “important” as an apostle should be living better that Paul did. Ironically, it was this humility that validated his apostleship, and which now he could point to as an example of loving others. Here’s what he says. . .