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!

20
The 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?

21
The 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?

22
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• Four questions with an obvious answer.

23
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• Four questions with an obvious answer.
• Am I not an Apostle? (91 2 Cor 1212)

24
The 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.

25
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• If no, then what did that make of the
  Corinthians? (92)

26
The 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.

27
The 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)

28
The 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.

29
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• We are free also from the rules and whims of men!
  (431 Pt 415)

30
The 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.

31
The 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.

32
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• Those who intimidate with their tongues are
  looking for slaves to own.

33
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?

34
The 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)

35
The 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.

36
The 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.

37
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• Are you not my work in the Lord? (1 Cor 415)

38
The 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.

39
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• He appeals to their memory. Pauls past work and
  example was powerful.

40
The 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.

41
The 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.

42
The 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)

43
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• 1 Corinthians 93 (NKJV) - My defense to those
  who examine me is this

44
The 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

45
The 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.

46
The 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)

47
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• 1 Corinthians 94 (NKJV) - Do we have no right
  to eat and drink?

48
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• Note the critics in the ministry of Christ. (Luke
  733-35)

49
The 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.

50
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• In this case it did not matter what Christ did!

51
The 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)

52
The Proof and the Rights of an Apostle. (91-5)

• Was Peter married? He had a mother in law.
  (Matthew 814)

53
The 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.

54
The 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.

55
Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)

• Questions about the support of an Apostle.
  (96-13)

56
Arguments 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?

57
Arguments 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.

58
Arguments 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.

59
Arguments 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?

60
Arguments 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?

61
Arguments 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?

62
Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)

• (3.) Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of
  its fruit?

63
Arguments 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?

64
Arguments 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?

65
Arguments 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?

66
Arguments 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?

67
Arguments 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.

68
Arguments 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?

69
Arguments 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.

70
Arguments 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?

71
Arguments 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)

72
Arguments 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.

73
Arguments 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.

74
Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)

• Your life may silence your critics before
  reasonable men.

75
Arguments 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)

76
Arguments 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.

77
Arguments 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.

78
Arguments 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)

79
Arguments 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.

80
Arguments 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.

81
Arguments about the right to receive support and
to refuse support (96-18)

• Paul was involved with building men, not personal
  kingdoms.

82
The 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

83
The 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.

84
The 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)

85
The 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.

86
The Sacrifices of Paul in order to see the
Gospel Spread. (919-23)

• What did these things involve Paul giving up?

87
The 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)

88
The 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.

89
The 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),

90
The 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.

91
The 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.

92
The 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.

93
The 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)

94
The 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.

95
The 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.

96
The 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.

97
The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)

• Paul poured out his very life for others. (Phil
  217)

98
The 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.

99
The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)

• This was a labor of joy!

100
The 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.

101
The 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)

102
The 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.

103
The 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.

104
The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)

• See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

105
The 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!

106
The Christian's Race --- A Single Minded Devotion
(924-27)

• The Christian life is a God centered life.

107
The 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.

108
The 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)

109
The 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.

110
The 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.